If you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the time to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. With the Kansas City real estate market shifting, avoiding common seller mistakes can mean the difference between a quick sale and a home that lingers on the market.
According to the latest KCRAR December 2024 Year-End Market Report, inventory for existing homes rose by 15.2% compared to the previous year. This means sellers are facing more competition, making strategic pricing and preparation even more crucial.
Here’s a look at the three most common missteps sellers are making—and how partnering with a top Kansas City Realtor like Abby Powers & Company can help you avoid them and sell with confidence.
1. Overpricing Your Home in a Competitive Market
It’s tempting to price your home high in hopes of getting the best possible offer. However, today’s buyers are savvy, and they have more options. The KCRAR report shows that while inventory has increased, the percentage of the original list price received has dropped to 95.7%, meaning homes are selling for less than asking.
According to U.S. News & World Report, overpricing is a common seller mistake:
“Letting your emotions interfere with the home sale” can lead to an unrealistic price, scaring away buyers and causing your home to sit on the market longer than necessary.
Solution: Work with a real estate expert in Kansas City who understands market trends and can price your home competitively to attract buyers without leaving money on the table. With Abby Powers & Company, our average list-to-sales price is 100.75%, meaning our clients are getting top dollar for their homes—even in a shifting market.
2. Neglecting Staging and Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything. Buyers often make snap judgments about a home within seconds of walking through the door—or even seeing it online.
The U.S. News report warns that sellers should not underestimate “the power of staging and small cosmetic upgrades.” Even minor improvements like decluttering, repainting, and boosting curb appeal can make a home stand out.
Solution: Abby Powers & Company offers expert guidance on staging and presentation, helping you highlight your home’s best features to attract more buyers. We know exactly what it takes to sell homes fast in Kansas City and maximize your property’s value.
3. Refusing to Negotiate with Buyers
With increased inventory, buyers have more negotiating power than they did a year ago. The KCRAR report notes that the median sales price for existing homes rose by 10.3% to $290,000, but the number of days on market also increased by 21.9%—meaning some homes are taking longer to sell.
As U.S. News explains:
“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair.”
Solution: Be flexible. A strong negotiator like Abby Powers & Company can help you work out a deal that benefits both you and the buyer, ensuring a smooth and successful closing.
Sell Smarter with the Top Kansas City Realtor
Navigating today’s shifting Kansas City real estate market requires strategy, preparation, and expert representation. At Abby Powers & Company, we know how to position your home for the best results—whether that means pricing it right, staging it to shine, or negotiating a winning deal.
💰 Our list-to-sales price ratio is 100.75%—we consistently help our sellers achieve top dollar.
📞 When is a good time to chat about positioning your property for the best results?
Give us a call at 816-295-9835 or visit AbbyPowers.com to get started!
