10 Biggest Lies You’ve Been Told About Selling a Home

By Diane Cardano-Casacio

I'm an expert in real estate marketing and negotiation. With innovative strategies and sharp negotiation skills, I help home sellers sell quickly, creatively, and for top dollar while saving them money.

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. Yet many sellers still follow outdated advice from friends, family, or even agents that ends up costing them tens of thousands of dollars. To protect your equity and sell with confidence, you need to know the truth. Here are the biggest lies to avoid:

1. Price high to negotiate. Starting too high does not give you room to negotiate. It drives buyers away. Homes that sit on the market for too long become stale, forcing sellers to cut below market value just to get attention. Pricing right from the beginning creates urgency and sparks competitive offers.

2. Staging isn’t needed. Homes that aren’t staged feel cold, cluttered, or distracting. Buyers often lack the imagination to picture themselves living there. Staging creates an emotional connection and helps homes sell faster, often for tens of thousands more.

3. Open houses sell homes. Open houses can create buzz, but serious buyers usually find homes online and schedule private showings. Relying only on open houses wastes valuable time. Strong marketing and professional photos drive real results.

4. All upgrades add value. Not every improvement pays off. Luxury projects, such as wine cellars or built-in aquariums, rarely return what you put into them. Simple updates, such as painting, fixtures, and curb appeal improvements, offer the best bang for your buck.

5. Phone photos are fine. In today’s market, first impressions happen online. Poor-quality photos turn buyers off instantly. Professional photography highlights space, light, and features, generating more views and stronger offers.

6. Spring is the best time. Buyers relocate year-round due to job changes, family needs, or lifestyle shifts. Off-season sales often perform better because there is less competition. The best time to sell is when you are ready and prepared.

7. Skip the agent to save. For-sale-by-owner homes usually sell for less, even after factoring in the commission savings. Agents bring pricing expertise, wider marketing, negotiation skills, and legal protection that ultimately help you net more money.

8. Take the first offer. The first offer might feel tempting, but it is not always the best. Allowing 24 to 48 hours gives other buyers time to see the home, often sparking bidding wars and better terms.

9. Sell as-is for top dollar. “As-is” sends the wrong signal. Buyers often assume the worst and heavily discount properties for repairs, risk, and hassle. Fixing obvious issues or being transparent with estimates helps protect your home’s value.

10. The market always goes up. Trying to time the market is gambling. Prices, rates, and demand change constantly. What matters most is your life and financial goals. Selling when you’re prepared is always the safer path.

Avoiding these common lies will not only help your home sell faster, but it will also increase your chances of walking away with top dollar. If you have questions or need guidance on how to prepare your home correctly, please call or text me at (215) 669-6285 or email me at dianeandteam@cardanohomeservice.com. I’m here to guide you through the process and ensure your home stands out in today’s market.