The 7 Biggest Mistakes Long Island Home Sellers Make Before Listing Their Home
By Russ Bonanno, Broker/Owner
BonAnno Realty ERA Powered
After helping Long Island families buy and sell homes for more than 40 years, I’ve learned that selling a home successfully isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard. In many cases, the biggest mistakes happen before a home ever reaches the market.
Here are seven of the most common mistakes I see—and how you can avoid them.
1. Pricing Your Home Too High
Many homeowners believe it’s better to start high because they can always lower the price later.
In my experience, that’s often the opposite of what works.
The first couple of weeks after your home hits the market are usually when it receives the most attention. If buyers think it’s overpriced, many won’t even schedule a showing. Once a home sits on the market too long, people begin to wonder what’s wrong with it.
A well-priced home often attracts more interest and can even generate multiple offers.
2. Ignoring Small Repairs
You don’t need to completely remodel your home before selling it.
However, buyers notice the little things.
Leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, chipped paint, burned-out light bulbs, and broken screens may seem minor, but together they can make buyers think the home hasn’t been well maintained.
3. Leaving Too Much Clutter
Buyers aren’t just looking at your home.
They’re trying to imagine living there.
The cleaner and less cluttered your rooms are, the easier it is for buyers to picture themselves moving in.
4. Skipping Professional Photos
Today, almost every buyer begins their home search online.
If your photos don’t capture attention immediately, many buyers will simply move on to the next listing.
Professional photography is one of the best investments you can make when selling your home.
5. Trying to Time the Market Perfectly
I often hear people say,
“I’m waiting until prices go a little higher.”
The truth is that nobody consistently predicts the market perfectly.
The better approach is determining whether selling makes sense for your personal goals and timing rather than trying to guess exactly what the market will do next.
6. Choosing an Agent Based Only on Commission
Saving a little money on commission can end up costing much more if your home sells for less or takes significantly longer to sell.
Experience, marketing, negotiation skills, and local knowledge often have a much greater impact on your bottom line.
7. Waiting Too Long to Ask Questions
One of the biggest misconceptions is that calling a Realtor means you’re committed to selling.
It doesn’t.
Sometimes a simple conversation helps homeowners understand their options months before they actually decide to move.
The earlier you start planning, the smoother the entire process becomes.
Final Thoughts
Every home is different, and every family’s situation is unique.
After more than four decades helping buyers and sellers across Long Island, I’ve found that preparation is one of the biggest keys to a successful sale.
Even small changes before listing can make a meaningful difference in how quickly your home sells and the price you ultimately receive.
If you’re thinking about selling and would simply like an honest opinion about today’s market or what your home may be worth, I’d be happy to help.
Russ Bonanno
Broker/Owner
BonAnno Realty ERA Powered