The most common pitfalls—and how to avoid them

Selling your home for the first time is a big milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many moving parts—from valuations and agents to open homes and offers—it’s easy to make missteps that could cost time, money, or peace of mind.

At Lowe & Co, we work with hundreds of first-time sellers every year. And we’ve seen the same mistakes pop up time and again. The good news? They’re all avoidable with the right guidance.

Here are the most common errors first-time sellers make—and how to sidestep them for a smoother, more successful sale.

Overpricing Based on Emotion

Your home is personal. You’ve built memories, poured in effort, and likely made improvements. But buyers won’t see it the same way you do.

The mistake: Expecting buyers to pay more because of personal attachment, rather than market value.

What to do instead:

• Get a professional appraisal and understand what similar homes are selling for in your area.
  
  
• Let market data—not emotions—guide your price.
  
  
• Remember: Pricing competitively from the start often attracts more interest and better offers.

Waiting for “The Perfect Time”

Many sellers try to time the market, holding off for the “perfect” conditions. But the truth is, perfect rarely arrives—and delaying can cost more than it saves.

The mistake: Sitting on the sidelines, only to list when competition is highest.

What to do instead:

• Talk to your agent about seasonal market trends in your suburb (sometimes winter can be an advantage).
  
  
• Focus on your personal timing—what works for your life stage, finances, or goals.
  
  
• A well-presented home with a smart campaign can sell well in any market.

Underestimating Presentation

Some first-time sellers think buyers should “see past” dated décor or clutter. But most can’t. In a competitive market, presentation matters more than ever.

The mistake: Listing without decluttering, staging, or doing minor touch-ups.

What to do instead:

• Neutralise the space so buyers can imagine themselves there.
  
  
• Consider partial staging or layout tweaks to highlight light, space, and flow.
  
  
• Focus on low-cost improvements with high impact—cleaning, paint, lighting, and curb appeal.

Picking the Wrong Agent (or Going It Alone)

Your agent is your campaign partner, negotiator, and strategist. Choosing one based on friendship, the cheapest fee, or not using one at all can cost you dearly.

The mistake: Choosing an agent without experience in your suburb or the right marketing strategy.

What to do instead:

• Interview a few agents and ask about recent results, approach, and fees.
  
  
• Look for someone who knows how to position your property in the current market.
  
  
• A strong agent will guide you through prep, pricing, marketing, and negotiation—not just list and hope.

Letting Offers Linger (or Acting Too Quickly)

Selling is emotional, and reacting impulsively—either by jumping on the first offer or waiting too long—can backfire.

The mistake: Rejecting a strong early offer or holding out for something unrealistic.

What to do instead:

• Work closely with your agent to evaluate each offer based on price, conditions, and timing.
  
  
• Don’t let fear or ego drive the decision—look at the full picture, including your next move.
  
  
• Be prepared to negotiate—but also recognise when a good offer reflects the true market.

A Smart Sale Starts With Good Advice

Selling a home for the first time doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right prep, a realistic outlook, and expert support, you can avoid the pitfalls and move forward with confidence.

At Lowe & Co, we’ve helped thousands of Wellington sellers—first-timers included—get results they’re proud of. From setting the price to setting the stage, we’ll guide you through every step so you can sell smarter, not harder.

Thinking about selling? Book a free, no-obligation appraisal and let’s talk about your next move.