The selling mistakes that define your year

Most sellers enter 2026 with vague intentions instead of structured plans. They’ll “probably list in spring” or “see what the market does,” hoping circumstances improve without any meaningful action. Then December arrives, nothing has changed, and another year has passed without progress. Meanwhile, sellers who made concrete decisions early completed months ago and moved on.

Here’s what separates sellers who achieve strong 2026 sales from those still delaying in 2027: ten strategic decisions made early that shape the entire sale process.

One: price based on evidence, not hope

Base your price on recent completion data from the past three months, not optimistic current listings. Accept market reality now, or spend months reducing gradually while buyers assume something is wrong with your property.

Two: fix problems before listing

Small issues-leaky taps, cracked panes, cluttered gardens-aren't overlooked by buyers. They’re negotiation tools that reduce offers by thousands. Fix them before listing, when you control timing.

Three: present property like you’re competing

Professional photography and decluttered rooms are essential. Buyers compare your home to every other listing they see. Presentation isn’t vanity-it’s strategy.

Four: choose agents based on evidence

Select agents with proven recent sales in your area, not those offering inflated valuations to win your instruction. Overpricing leads to months of reductions.

Five: understand your actual timeline

Set deadlines. Prepare in February. List in March. Accept realistic offers by April. Without actual dates, selling becomes theoretical, not actionable.

Six: make your property accessible for viewings

Buyers need flexibility. Restricting viewings to narrow windows dramatically shrinks your buyer pool and slows your sale.

Seven: respond to feedback honestly

If multiple buyers highlight the same issues, take it seriously. Addressing genuine concerns moves your sale forward; ignoring them keeps your property on the market longer.

Eight: negotiate realistically from the start

Sensible first offers are often the best you’ll receive. Negotiations involve reasonable movements, not unrealistic leaps.

Nine: maintain your property during the sale

Buyers notice deterioration between viewings. Keep gardens tidy, fix emerging issues, and maintain consistent presentation.

Ten: accept that waiting rarely improves outcomes

“Better market conditions” is often an excuse to avoid decisions. Well-priced, well-presented homes sell in current conditions-waiting rarely produces better results.

Sellers who succeed in 2026 aren’t lucky-they’re decisive, realistic, and proactive.

Ready to make 2026 the year you move? Get expert advice today