Thursday, August 21, 2025
Selling a home can be challenging, but avoiding a few common mistakes can make all the difference between a quick sale at top value and a listing that drags on. Here are the key pitfalls to watch for - and how to sidestep them.
READ: The pillars of a successful real estate transaction
1. Don’t wait for the 'Perfect Time'
According to Quay1, timing the market is a gamble, and the “right time” rarely announces itself. The Cape Town property market, for example, is currently experiencing strong growth. Delaying your sale could mean missing out on top value, especially if market conditions shift. Rather than waiting, focus on presenting your property in the best possible light to attract serious buyers now.
2. Choosing the wrong agent can cost you
It may seem tempting to go with the lowest-commission agent or to try selling your property privately, but these approaches can be risky. As Barbara Larney, Broker/Manager of RE/MAX Wine and Whales, explains, selling without an agent opens the door to potential fraud, theft or personal harm, since private sellers often lack the tools to verify buyers’ identities or financial positions.
READ: The ultimate home upgrade: What really sells a property in 2025
Similarly, low-commission agents may not provide the marketing reach or negotiation expertise required to secure top value. Kim Peacock, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors, says: “The right strategy, price, and partner equals the fastest path to a successful sale. Choosing an inexperienced or non-local agent can derail the process entirely.”
Investing in a skilled, well-marketed agent may cost a little more upfront - but it often results in a higher selling price, quicker sale, and greater peace of mind.
3. Don’t overprice your property
Overpricing deters buyers and can cause a listing to stagnate. Peacock advises using market-related pricing based on solid data. Overpricing not only slows the sale but can inadvertently make competing properties appear better value, costing you even more.
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4. Presentation is everything
Spending heavily on renovations isn’t always necessary. Location remains the most critical factor in property value, so focus on presenting a tidy, well-maintained home. Simple upgrades such as a fresh coat of paint, clean or refreshed kitchen cupboards, decluttered spaces, well-kept carpets, and some greenery can create a welcoming impression and enhance buyer appeal.
5. Legal compliance is key
In older suburbs, particularly in Nelson Mandela Bay, missing or outdated building plans and title deed restrictions can cause serious delays. Carla Visagie, Sales Manager at RE/MAX Independent Properties, explains: “Many properties were extended or modified informally, and prior building plan approvals may not align with title deed restrictions. Sellers may discover servitudes or conditions preventing extensions only when it’s too late, delaying or even derailing the sale.”
READ: First-time buyer’s edge: Maxing out that transfer duty saving
6. Safety and security during viewings
Professional estate agents not only market your property effectively but also safeguard the process. Larney notes that agents pre-qualify buyers, schedule and supervise viewings, and maintain a record of every visitor, working with trusted partners like bond originators, attorneys, and security services. Selling privately may save commission upfront, but the exposure to risk is high.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can lead to a faster, safer, and more profitable sale. As Peacock emphasizes: “The right strategy, price, and partner equals the fastest path to a successful sale.”
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