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If you want to sell your home, now is the perfect time to prepare. For most people, a home is their largest lifetime investment, yet many home sellers make costly mistakes when trying to cash in. Here is a list of the most significant errors and how to avoid them:
As a top-producing husband and wife real estate team at Compass, Eric and Janelle of the Boyenga Team offer persistent and pervasive marketing and the best real estate exposure in all the cities encompassing Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. With over 50 years of combined real estate experience and backgrounds in design, communication, marketing, staging, spec-housing, construction and sales, our team can give you the representation that you deserve.
1. Trying to sell without using a Real Estate Agent
By using a real estate agent you get the knowledge and experience of someone who knows the current market. They can advertise your property in many different ways and hold open houses so your property gets maximum exposure. Agents are great negotiators and will make the whole process of selling your home a more enjoyable experience.
2. Choosing the wrong agent
Don't make selling a home more difficult by choosing the wrong agent. You want an agent who works for you and understands your needs and goals. It's important to choose an agent with a solid marketing plan and track record to sell your home. You and your agent will be working together to reach your goals so it's important to choose someone who is both competent and enjoyable to work with.
3. Basing their asking price on needs or emotion
Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how much they paid or on how much time and money they have invested in their home. This can be an expensive mistake. Consult with a professional you trust and listen to their opinion. They can assist you in pricing your home correctly from the beginning.
4. Failing to stage their home correctly
First impressions are the most important. Experience shows that for every $100 in repairs that your home needs, a buyer will deduct $300-$500 from their offer. Thoroughly clean and prepare your home before you put it on the market if you want top dollar in the shortest amount of time.
5. Not leaving the home for showings
It is always best to leave the house during showings. Homebuyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is there. Give the buyers adequate time and freedom to view your home without being present to avoid this mistake.
6. Not knowing all of their legal rights and obligations
Real estate law is complex. The contract that you will sign when selling your home is legally binding. Small items that are neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of dollars. You should have a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who fully understands the real estate transaction. By working with a good agent you will be educated along the way and avoid this mistake.
7. Failure to effectively market the property
Good marketing opens the door that exposes the real estate to the marketplace. It means distinguishing your home from hundreds of others on the market. It also means selling the benefits, as well as the features. The right Real Estate agent will employ a wide variety of marketing activities, emphasizing the ones believed to work best for your home.
This comprehensive home buyer/seller tool offers direct access to the latest properties for sale in Silicon Valley (Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties.) Featuring extensive community information, Silicon Valley consumer links, Silicon Valley Rentals, Silicon Valley School Information, free home reports, answers to commonly asked real estate questions, and more, you will find everything about Silicon Valley real estate within one easy source.
Contacting the Boyenga Team is the best way to learn more about Silicon Valley real estate. Feel free to call us at 408.373.1660, 650.497.4645 or send an email to Boyenga Team.
Based on information from MLSListings MLS as of January 17th, 2026 at 10:10pm PST.
All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS.
All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
