20 Common Seller Regrets and How to Avoid Them

Selling your home can be emotional, exciting, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or relocating, the process comes with a lot of decisions. And with all those decisions? Potential regrets. If you’re planning to sell your home in Markham or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, you deserve to move forward confidently—without second-guessing every step.

That’s where we come in. We’ve worked with countless sellers and gathered the top 20 regrets they’ve shared after the sale. But don’t worry—we’re not just listing the problems. You’ll also get simple tips to avoid these missteps so your next sale feels like a success 💫.

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1. Underpricing the Home

Some sellers fear their home won’t sell quickly, so they list it low. But in the hot Markham real estate market, that can leave real money on the table.

  • Work with a local expert who understands current pricing trends
  • Request a comparative market analysis (CMA) for your area

2. Overpricing and Scaring Off Buyers

On the flip side, some sellers get ambitious and overprice their home. In fast-moving markets, overpricing can cause your listing to sit—and grow stale.

Homes for sale in Markham that are priced right from day one tend to sell faster and for more.

3. Skipping a Pre-Listing Inspection

It’s tempting to skip this step and let the buyer uncover any issues, but that can lead to stress, delays, and deals falling through during negotiations.

A pre-listing inspection gives you time to fix problems affordably and position your home more confidently.

4. Ignoring Curb Appeal

First impressions matter—especially when buyers get their first look online. A little landscaping, fresh paint, or new lighting can truly set the scene.

5. Not Staging the Property

A well-staged home helps buyers visualize themselves living there. Empty rooms or cluttered spaces? Not so much.

Staged homes in the Toronto suburbs consistently sell faster and for better prices.

6. Selling at the Wrong Time

Timing your listing to match seasonal buyer demand can have a huge impact. Spring and early fall often bring better offers in areas like Markham and Richmond Hill.

Talk with your agent about local market timing—don’t go it alone.

7. Choosing the Wrong Agent

Not all agents are created equal. Look for someone with local experience, strong negotiation skills, and a proven marketing plan.

Ask for examples of how they’ve helped others buying a home in Markham or selling in your neighborhood.

8. Letting Emotions Lead the Process

It’s normal to be emotionally attached—but your home is now a product. Sellers who let go emotionally tend to make better, more strategic decisions.

9. Not Being Flexible With Showings

The more people who see your home, the faster it’ll sell. Limiting showings can seriously cut into your buyer pool.

Plan ahead for the showing schedule so your routine isn’t thrown off.

10. Leaving Repairs to the Buyer

Small issues might seem minor to you, but they stand out to buyers. Fixing a leaky faucet, squeaky door, or patchy paint can go a long way.

More Common Regrets You Can Avoid:

  1. Delaying listing while you “wait for the market”—opportunities pass.
  2. Taking the first offer without reviewing options.
  3. Not understanding your closing costs.
  4. Skipping professional photos.
  5. Not reviewing the offer terms carefully (timelines, conditions, etc.).
  6. Failing to plan for your next move after the sale.
  7. Making costly upgrades that don’t boost value.
  8. Overlooking local competition in your neighborhood.
  9. Leaving pets or odors unchecked during showings.
  10. Trying to sell without professional help.

Whether you live near Unionville, Box Grove, or Old Markham Village, understanding the regrets others have faced can help you navigate your sale with confidence. Every home has a story—let’s make sure yours ends on a high note, with a smooth, rewarding sale.

Oh, and if you’re buying a home in Markham after selling? Timing your purchase with your sale is another area where guidance can really help. The GTA market moves quickly—having a plan in place ensures you won’t feel rushed or stranded between moves.

Selling your home doesn’t need to be confusing. You just need the right people in your corner to avoid common missteps and make sure your next chapter starts strong.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next step, you’re not alone.
Let’s make the home buying process feel simple and stress-free.
Reach out to talk about your goals — no pressure, just a helpful conversation.

Last Updated: June 19, 2025 |By |