The 3 most common mistakes property owners make when trying to sell their home themselves.

To our experience these are the three most important mistakes made by house owners who try to sell their property themselves:

1. Setting a price that doesn’t reflect the market value.

All too often we see sellers set a price based on what they’d like to receive; or on advice from a neighbor, a friend, or even what someone else’s home sold for months ago. But the truth is simple: the only correct price is what buyers are willing to pay today for that specific property.

Real estate markets aren’t driven by wishful thinking or past conversations; they’re driven by current demand, comparable sales, and buyer perception. A home’s value isn’t what it used to be or what an owner feels it should be ; it’s what the market says it is, right now.

When a property is priced above market value, it risks sitting unsold, growing stale, and eventually requiring price reductions that could have been avoided. A well-priced home, on the other hand, attracts immediate attention, generates competition, and often sells faster — sometimes even for more than expected.

The key is to listen to the market, not the myth. Pricing strategically from the start isn’t about lowering expectations — it’s about positioning your home where buyers see value and act decisively.

2. Not taking care of an excellent presentation.

In real estate, presentation is everything. The difference between a quick sale and a stagnant listing often comes down to how a home feels through the lens of a photograph or the first step through the door.

• Photos are your first showing; they create the emotional connection that draws buyers in or turns them away.

• Light transforms spaces, making rooms appear larger, warmer, and more inviting. Natural light and good lighting design highlight the home’s best features.

• Order, cleanliness, organization, and flow helps buyers imagine their own lives there. Clutter distracts; harmony sells.

• Details, a fresh coat of paint, polished fixtures, styled corners signal care and value, giving buyers confidence in the property.

When these four elements align, a home tells a story that invites offers. When they don’t, even the best property can linger on the market.

3. Ignoring the legal part.

Ignoring the legal side of selling a property is one of the most costly mistakes a seller can make.

Documents, deadlines, contracts, and taxes aren’t just formalities; they’re the framework that protects your sale. Every step in a real estate transaction has legal implications, and a single oversight can delay closing, trigger penalties, or even lead to lawsuits. Missing a disclosure, misfiling a document, or misunderstanding a contract clause can easily cost far more than the real estate commission a seller hoped to save.

Professional guidance ensures that every legal requirement is met correctly and on time. From preparing the right paperwork to navigating tax implications and protecting your rights during negotiation, attention to the legal details keeps the transaction smooth and keeps you protected long after the deal closes.

Conclusion.

Selling a property is not just about putting it on the market.

It’s about understanding how to position it, present it, and negotiate it with strategy and precision. Every home has a story and the way that story is told makes all the difference. From setting the right price and showcasing your property with professional photography, to highlighting its unique features and handling each inquiry with care, every step matters.

At Porfinca, we combine market knowledge, experience, and a personalized approach to ensure your property stands out in a competitive market. We manage every detail, presentation, promotion, negotiation, and paperwork so you can enjoy a smooth, fast and secure transaction.

When considering selling your property, let us take care of everything so that your home sells quickly, safely, and at the best possible price.