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.




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Consumer Guide Update: Teen Financial Literacy

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 9, 2026
Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.

Constitutional Amendment Positions for November 3 Election

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 9, 2026
Homeownership Is on Louisiana's November Ballot

Cookbook for the REALTORS® Relief Foundation On Sale Now!

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 8, 2026
After months of gathering recipes from across our Louisiana REALTORS® family, the cookbook is ready! This 200+ page collection is filled with Louisiana flavor, REALTOR® heart and recipes contributed by our members. We launched sales of the cookbook at the Fall Governance Meetings. You can now purchase your copy for $30 directly from the printer and shipped to you! Additionally, we will have copies available at the RRF booth at NXT . After NXT, we will carry a limited stock at the LR office for you to purchase through the LR Merch Shop and pick-up from the office or at an LR event, as stock is available. Even better, $15 from every cookbook sold will be donated to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to help provide housing-related assistance to REALTORS® and their families following disasters. Pick up a copy for yourself, grab one as a gift and enjoy a taste of Louisiana while supporting a great cause!
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