When the real estate market cools down, things change. Homes take longer to sell, buyers get pickier, and those quick multiple-offer situations we were seeing a year ago? Not so common anymore.
This is where strategy matters.
I’ve worked with plenty of sellers over the years—and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can still sell confidently in a slower market. But only if you avoid the common mistakes that trip up so many people.
Here are five big ones—and how to stay one step ahead.
1. Overpricing the Home
Let’s start with the most common (and costly) mistake: asking too much.
It’s tempting, I know. You look at what your neighbour got last year, you think about your upgrades, and you want to push the price a little higher. But here’s the reality: when buyers have more options and more time, overpricing just pushes them away.
What to do instead:
Price your home strategically—not emotionally. I always run a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) so you’re basing your list price on data, not guesswork. In this kind of market, the right price attracts serious buyers faster and can still lead to strong offers.
2. Skipping the Prep Work
When homes aren’t flying off the shelf, first impressions become everything. If your place looks outdated, cluttered, or poorly maintained—even slightly—buyers will move on without a second thought.
What to do instead:
Stage it. Declutter. Touch up the paint. Boost the curb appeal. Invest in professional photos (please, no dark iPhone shots). The small stuff makes a big difference. Buyers need to feel something when they walk in—and that starts before they even book a showing.
3. Getting Too Emotionally Attached
This one’s tough. I get that your home means something to you—it’s where life happened. But emotional pricing or turning down solid offers just because “it doesn’t feel right”? That can backfire.
What to do instead:
Take a step back and treat it like a business move. Let your agent (me 👋) help you navigate the numbers, negotiations, and timing. Sellers who stay flexible tend to sell faster—and usually with less stress.
4. Weak or Outdated Marketing
Gone are the days when slapping a listing on the MLS was enough. If your property isn’t being marketed where today’s buyers are looking, you’re missing out.
What to do instead:
Use an agent who goes beyond the basics. That means professional video tours, social media campaigns, targeted ads, reels, open houses, and more. The more eyeballs we get on your home, the better your chances of finding the right buyer at the right price.
5. Waiting for the “Perfect” Time
I’ve seen a lot of homeowners hit pause—hoping the market will bounce back. But here’s the thing: real estate is about timing your life, not timing the market. Waiting too long can mean higher carrying costs, missed opportunities, or listing when competition is even tougher.
What to do instead:
If selling lines up with your goals, let’s make it happen. Don’t wait for conditions to be perfect—let’s use the data and build a smart plan to get it done now.
Final Thoughts
Selling in a slower market isn’t impossible. It just requires a shift in mindset—and the right strategy.
Avoid the emotional traps. Put the work into presentation. And don’t sleep on your marketing. When you do all of that right, you can still sell with confidence (and without regret).
If you’re thinking about selling and want a no-pressure game plan built around your situation, I’m here to help.
Let’s talk about what makes sense for you—now or later.
📲 Send me a message, or book a quick call here. I’ve got you.
