Selling your home in Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, or Grand Bay-Westfield is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make. While it’s exciting to move on to a new chapter, the process can also be overwhelming. Many sellers unknowingly make mistakes that cost them both time and money.
If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, this guide will help you avoid the top 10 mistakes sellers make in Saint John real estate, and how to ensure your sale goes smoothly.
1. Overpricing Your Home
It’s tempting to list your home for the highest possible price, but overpricing can backfire. In Saint John’s market, overpriced homes often sit unsold, forcing sellers to drop the price later, which can make buyers suspicious.
Tip: Work with a local REALTOR® who can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to set a competitive, realistic price from the start. Remember, the list price isn’t what your home is valued at; it’s a strategy.
2. Neglecting Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. If buyers aren’t impressed when they pull up to your property, they may not even want to see the inside.
Fix: Invest in landscaping, fresh paint for the front door, and clean exterior details. A tidy, welcoming exterior signals that your home has been well cared for.
3. Skipping Home Repairs
Small issues like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint can make buyers think your home hasn’t been maintained. These problems can also show up during inspections, potentially delaying or derailing the sale.
Fix: Tackle minor repairs before listing. A well-maintained home reassures buyers and keeps negotiations smoother.
4. Poor Staging or No Staging at All
A cluttered, dark, or overly personalized home can make it hard for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Staging highlights your home’s strengths and minimizes its weaknesses.
Fix: Declutter, depersonalize, and consider professional staging or at least strategic furniture placement. Neutral tones and bright lighting work best in Saint John homes.
5. Using Low-Quality Photos
Most buyers in Saint John begin their search online. If your listing photos are dark, blurry, or poorly framed, your home may not even make their “must-see” list.
Fix: High-quality photos can dramatically increase your home’s online appeal and show off its best features.
6. Being Unprepared for Showings
Last-minute showings are common in today’s market. If your home isn’t clean or ready, you could miss out on serious buyers.
Fix: Keep your home “show-ready” by cleaning regularly, storing away clutter, and having a plan for quick tidy-ups before showings.
7. Ignoring Marketing Opportunities
Simply listing your home on MLS isn’t enough. Effective marketing reaches buyers where they are, online and in person.
Fix: Work with a REALTOR® who uses a multi-channel approach, including MLS, social media, virtual tours, email marketing, and open houses in Saint John and surrounding areas. Don’t forget to be open to your REALTOR® creating fun videos and jumping on trends; it’s a great way to get more eyes on your home.
8. Getting Too Emotional
Selling a home is emotional, especially if you’ve lived there for years. But emotional attachment can lead to poor decisions, like rejecting fair offers or taking negotiations personally.
Fix: Focus on the financial and practical side of the sale. Trust your REALTOR® to guide you through offers and negotiations objectively. You hired your REALTOR® to be an objective professional in this transaction, let them help you!
9. Not Disclosing Issues
Hiding problems like water damage or electrical issues may seem like a shortcut, but they’ll likely surface during the inspection. This can kill the deal or lead to costly repairs later.
Fix: Be upfront about your home’s condition. Buyers appreciate honesty, and transparency builds trust.
10. Choosing the Wrong REALTOR®
Not all REALTORS® are the same. Choosing someone without local experience in Saint John, Rothesay, or Quispamsis can lead to poor pricing, weak marketing, and missed opportunities.
Fix: Look for a REALTOR® who knows the Saint John market, has a strong marketing strategy, and communicates clearly. The right agent can make the difference between a stressful sale and a smooth, successful one.
Selling your home in Saint John doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you avoid these common mistakes. From pricing too high to skipping staging, each misstep can cost you time and money. The good news is that with the right preparation and the guidance of an experienced REALTOR®, you can set yourself up for success.
👉 Have you sold a home recently in Saint John or the surrounding areas? What challenges did you face, and what advice would you give to other sellers? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story!
