Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
EXPECT MORE
Are You Making Any Selling Mistakes?
Top mistakes homeowners are making in 2026…and how to correct them
FACT:
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly ELEVEN THOUSAND homes sell every day in this country
And the sellers who are making their moves happen have these things in common:
:They have adjusted their strategy to match today’s market.
:They have realized that inventory has grown.
:Homebuyers are more selective.
:And buyer expectations are higher.
These are important shifts all homeowners should be aware of. And these shifts can seem subtle to the homeowner who is casually following the market without the guidance of a professional Realtor®
The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them.
1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back
Setting your price is the most important decision you make when you sell – and the one that’s most often mishandled. Note: (Realtor.com data shows almost 1 out of 5 sellers in 2025 had to drop their price). Here is what those sellers did not know:
Buyers have more choice and more negotiating power now that inventory has grown. And potential buyers will actively avoid your house if feels like it’s priced too high. That’s why overpricing usually leads to:
Fewer showings
Less competitive (or lowball) offers
Longer time on market
his is something you really don’t want to happen.
What To Do Instead: The good news is the cure is simple. Just price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headlines. Lean on me, your professional Realtor®, who has knowledge of recent comparable sales, knows the current competition, and local buyer behavior, to show you the value “sweet spot” that drives traffic and urgency from day one.
2. Trying To Skip Repairs That Buyers Now Expect
A few years ago, you could sell as-is and still get well above asking. Today? Not so much. Right now, NAR says two-thirds of sellers are making at least some repairs.
And the reason why is simple. In a market with more inventory, buyers compare homes side by side. Homes that don’t show well (or feel dated) are going to lose attention quickly, even if the issues are minor.
What To Do Instead: Ask your agent which high-impact, low-stress updates they would recommend for your house. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers see themselves moving in without a mental to-do list. Small investments in staging, repairs, and curb appeal can make a huge difference in how quickly offers come in – and how strong those offers are.
3. Playing Hardball When Buyers Try To Negotiate
Today’s buyers have housing affordability at the top of their minds. And since money is already tight, they’ll be pickier and will probably ask for some compromises from you. Whether that’s making repairs, giving them a credit at closing, or taking just a few thousand dollars off your asking price, negotiating is normal again.
So, if something pops up in the inspection, you’re going to need to be open to talking about it. If you’re not, you may very well see your buyer walk away. And some sellers are figuring this out the hard way. Redfin data shows one of the big reasons home sales fell thru in 2025 was inspection or repair issues. Odds are those homeowners weren’t willing to flex a bit to get the deal done.
What to Do Instead: Meet with me to make sure you understand what buyers in our area care the most about. Align your price with value that is reflected, present your home clearly and confidently, and stay open to reasonable negotiations that keep deals moving forward. It is my job to guide you through these hurdles.
Price your house right, make strategic repairs, listen to my local guidance, and make decisions based on how buyers actually behave today. Those small but mighty mindset shifts could make or break your sale.
So much to learn about! So much to choose! So much to consider!
Need help? Considering a change, or are you ready to sell? Call me. I can help suggest!
“…the right relationship means everything…”
By incorporating my personal attention and guidance into the marketing strategy I aim to provide you with
an Exceptional Selling Experience and detailed negotiations
while ensuring that your property receives the exposure needed and terms of the contract met
to attract buyers from anywhere
LIVE. LIFE. LOVE. LOCAL.
Your Local Real Estate Connection
Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling your home:
Trusted resource for answers about the process
Innovative marketing strategies
Expertise about neighborhood features
Ability to target home searches
Strong negotiation skills
Support through the closing and beyond
Why would you settle for anything less?
Adding value for my clients and loving where we live!
Judy@JudithSutton.com
COLDWELL BANKER...GUIDING PEOPLE HOME SINCE 1906
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
SERVING THE SOMERSET HILLS AREA ONE CLIENT AT A TIME
Service & Experience
since 1983