Selling Your Home? Don’t Make These 4 Mistakes

Louisiana REALTORS® • November 9, 2021

Mistakes are inconvenient and expensive; but they also have value, in hindsight. The value of a mistake is the opportunity to learn from it. Whether it’s knowing what to NOT order at a restaurant or how to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the way to work, there was likely a time when you, or someone had to learn these the hard way. This is especially true when it comes to selling your home. Of course these mistakes can cost a lot of time and money, so here are a few to make sure avoid.


Sell without a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are a great resource for home sellers and buyers alike. They have market experience and expertise that, for a home seller, can result in the highest offer possible. When you consider all of the moving parts that make up any real estate transaction, it can be quite a daunting task. If you attempt to sell your house without a trusted professional, you can be quickly overwhelmed and leave serious money on the table.


Have irrational expectations about selling your home

Managing your expectations can be difficult, but it is very important when it comes to selling your home. Of course in a perfect world your home would sell quickly and above your asking price, but that’s not realistic. An aggressive price point and unreasonable expectations for buyers can turn them off of your property in a hurry. The advice and guidance of a REALTOR® can help to ensure that you have a fair and competitive price, making this process much smoother.


Attend open houses and showings

While the desire to be present at open houses and showings is understandable, it may not be in your best interest. When potential buyers are looking at your home and you’re there, it can create an awkward experience. For a buyer trying to imagine themselves in your home while you’re there can be difficult. They may also feel inhibited about providing accurate and honest feedback with you present. This is a great opportunity for your REALTOR® to represent you in your absence during these events.


Not preparing your home for sale

It takes a lot more to sell a home than simply sticking a sign in the yard. Much of that work and due diligence will fall on your REALTOR®, but  there are responsibilities for the home seller as well. Rushing too quickly to get your house on the market can be a costly mistake if it isn’t prepared. A first impression is priceless when it comes to selling your home and if you haven’t made any necessary repairs, decluttered, improved the curb appeal, or staged your home, it may sit longer and go for less.




FIND A REALTOR®
By Louisiana REALTORS® August 25, 2026
Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes SpaceX’s announcement of a more than $100 billion investment to build its largest launch facility in Vermilion Parish, recognizing the historic project as an opportunity to create thousands of jobs while generating significant demand for housing, construction, infrastructure and commercial development across the Acadiana area and Louisiana. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the SpaceX project is expected to create more than 3,000 direct new jobs over the next 10 years, with an average annual salary of $92,600, as well as more than 8,100 indirect jobs. The project is also expected to generate 34,516 construction jobs at peak construction. For Louisiana REALTORS®, the significance of the investment extends beyond the jobs created at the SpaceX campus. Major economic development projects bring new workers, families and businesses to Louisiana, creating demand for homes, rental housing, commercial properties and the infrastructure necessary to support growing communities. “An investment of this magnitude creates opportunities that reach far beyond the project itself,” said Norman Morris, Chief Executive Officer for Louisiana REALTORS®. “Thousands of new jobs mean more families looking for places to live, more businesses needing space and more construction activity to support that growth. Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes this investment because a strong economy and a strong housing market go hand in hand.” The planned SpaceX campus is expected to become the largest spaceport in the world, with capacity to support thousands of launches annually. At full buildout, the site is expected to include five launch complexes with two launch pads each, propellant facilities, power generation, vehicle processing and residential housing for employees and their families. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with initial operations targeted for 2030. The construction component alone represents a significant opportunity for Louisiana's workforce and businesses. LED estimates that the project could support more than 34,000 construction jobs at peak construction, while SpaceX has joined Source Louisiana to provide Louisiana suppliers, contractors and service providers with a pathway to compete for project-related opportunities. “Louisiana has an opportunity to make sure this historic investment translates into lasting opportunities for Louisiana families and businesses,” Morris said. “That includes having enough housing available for the people coming to work here and creating an environment where builders, developers, contractors and real estate professionals can help meet the needs of growing communities.” Louisiana REALTORS® supports continued efforts to prepare Louisiana communities for the growth associated with major economic development investments. Ensuring adequate housing supply, encouraging responsible construction and development and maintaining infrastructure are essential to making Louisiana an attractive place for businesses, workers and families. SpaceX’s investment adds to a historic period of economic development in Louisiana and further establishes the state as a destination for advanced industries, manufacturing, technology and aerospace. LED describes the project as positioning Louisiana as a global hub for next-generation aerospace and a new center of private spaceflight activity. “Louisiana REALTORS® is excited to see what this investment can mean for the future of our state,” Morris said. “When Louisiana wins major economic development projects, our communities have the opportunity to grow with them. We want to see that growth supported by quality housing, strong communities and opportunities for Louisiana businesses.” Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes SpaceX to Louisiana and looks forward to the opportunities this transformational investment can create for Vermilion Parish, Acadiana and communities across the state. Enjoy the video below from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development .
technology real estate agents should consider
By Louisiana REALTORS® August 17, 2026
Explore technology investments that help Louisiana real estate agents stay organized, strengthen client relationships, and market more effectively.
navigate the buying process with a local real estate agent
By Louisiana REALTORS® August 12, 2026
Selling a home in Louisiana? See how an experienced real estate agent helps keep your transaction on track from offer acceptance to closing.
Show More