The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now in the Atlanta Real Estate Market

The Atlanta housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.

If you aren’t working with a real estate agent, you may not realize the market's current dynamics. Here’s the downside: if you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market, which can lead to costly mistakes.

Here are some common mistakes sellers are making and how an agent can help you avoid them when selling your home in Atlanta.

1. Overpricing Your House

Many sellers set their asking price too high, leading to an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price can deter potential buyers, cause appraisal issues, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers and result in unapproved appraisals.”

To avoid this trap, partner with a professional real estate agent. They use recent sales of similar homes, assess the condition of your house, and analyze local market trends to find a price that attracts more buyers and encourages multiple offers, leading to a faster sale.

2. Skipping the Small Stuff

Skipping important repairs can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions. As Money Talks News notes:

“Home shoppers like to turn on lights, flush toilets, and run the water. If these basic things don’t work, they may assume you’ve skipped other maintenance. Homes that appear neglected aren’t likely to fetch top price.”

To get your house ready to sell, seek advice from your agent. They can do a walk-through with you and point out any issues to tackle before the photographer comes in.

3. Not Looking at Things Objectively

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With tight affordability, they may come in with offers lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage, price, or market the house well.

It’s crucial not to take this personally. As Ramsey Solutions explains:

“Remember, a buyer’s offer is not a reflection of their opinion of your home or your housekeeping abilities. The sale of your home is strictly a business transaction. If they start out with a low offer, don’t take it personally and get emotional. Instead, channel that energy toward negotiating. Work with your agent and make a counteroffer.”

4. Being Unwilling To Negotiate

The supply of homes for sale has grown, giving buyers more options and negotiation power. As a seller, you may see more buyers getting inspections, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs. Be prepared for these conversations. U.S. News Real Estate advises:

“If you've received an offer for your house that isn't quite what you'd hoped it would be, expect to negotiate. The only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits. Consider offering to cover some of the buyer's closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

An agent will guide you through potential negotiations based on your goals, budget, and timeframe.

5. Not Using a Real Estate Agent

For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening. Selling your house without an agent’s help is the biggest mistake of all.

Real estate agents have experience and expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiating, and more. Their knowledge streamlines the selling process, generates more interest, and often results in a higher final price.

Bottom Line

Avoid making these mistakes by partnering with a trusted real estate agent. If you’re ready to sell your home in Atlanta, let’s connect to ensure you’re set up for success.