Avoid these 6 mistakes when selling your property

Every seller wants two things: to sell their property quickly and to get the highest possible price.

According to Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, achieving this requires more than just listing your home and hoping for the best. It’s about strategy, market understanding, and avoiding costly mistakes.

At the heart of any property transaction lies a natural tension — the seller wants top rand, while the buyer wants the best deal. Bridging this gap is the role of the estate agent, whose expertise is crucial in setting the right asking price and guiding both parties to a fair and successful outcome.

To maximise your chances of a smooth and profitable sale, steer clear of these common seller mistakes:

1. Trying to Sell It Yourself: DIY selling might seem like a way to avoid commission fees and secure a higher price, especially if your expectations are above what the market might bear. However, Seeff warns that this often backfires. The process is time-consuming, involves unvetted buyers, and often leads to calling in an agent anyway. A professional agent not only vets serious buyers but also handles the legal and logistical complexities.
2. Overpricing the Property: One of the biggest reasons homes sit unsold is that they’re overpriced. Today’s buyers are savvy and have access to countless online listings. If your property is priced too high, it will be skipped over — or worse, linger on the market and become “stale.” Ironically, this can lead to price reductions and ultimately a lower final sale price than if it had been correctly priced from the outset.
3. Rejecting a Quick Offer: It’s easy to assume that a fast offer means the home was underpriced. In reality, it often indicates the price is on point or that market conditions are favourable. Agents frequently have pre-qualified buyers lined up, and a quick sale can save time and holding costs. Dismissing an early offer out of fear that the agent is pushing for a fast commission could cost you in the long run.
4. Letting Emotions Cloud Judgment: Sellers naturally have emotional ties to their homes, especially after investing time and money into improvements. However, custom features and personal finishes don’t always translate into added value for buyers. Seeff advises sellers to view the transaction as a business decision — listen to the market and trust your agent’s guidance.
5. Being Too Involved in the Sale: While enthusiasm is great, sellers who hover during showings can make buyers feel awkward or pressured. Buyers need to imagine themselves in the space, which is easier without the seller present. Leave viewings to the professionals — a seasoned agent knows how to showcase your home and vet interested parties effectively.
6. Waiting for a Better Offer: There is an old adage in property which states that your first offer is often the best offer, said Johan Meyer from Seeff Pinelands who noted that waiting in hopes of something better can lead to missed opportunities. Just because you’ve received one offer doesn’t guarantee another will follow — or that it will be higher. Every serious offer deserves careful consideration.