Selling Your Home for the First Time? Avoid These 5 Common Seller Mistakes.

If you’re selling your home for the first time, I get it—it can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. For many of my clients here in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County, this is their biggest financial move so far. My job is to make sure you don’t leave money on the table or learn lessons the hard way.

After years of helping first-time sellers, here are the five biggest mistakes I see—and exactly how I help my clients avoid them.

1. Overpricing “Just to See What Happens”

This is the most common (and most expensive) mistake.

Many first-time sellers think, “Let’s price high and we can always come down.” The truth? Your home gets one first impression, and it happens in the first 7–14 days.

When a home is overpriced:

• Buyers scroll past it

• Showings slow down

• Price reductions follow

• You often net less, not more

What I do differently: I price homes strategically using real, hyper-local Costa Mesa data—not online estimates—so we create urgency and multiple offers right out of the gate.

2. Skipping Prep Because “Buyers Will Change Everything Anyway”

I hear this one a lot—and it’s almost always a mistake.

Even buyers who plan to remodel still pay more for homes that:

• Feel clean and well cared for

• Photograph beautifully

• Feel move-in ready

What I do differently: I guide you on what’s actually worth doing—paint, lighting, landscaping, small fixes—so you’re not overspending but still maximizing value.

3. Underestimating the Power of Marketing

A great home won’t sell itself without the right exposure.

Bad photos, weak descriptions, or a “list and hope” strategy can cost you serious money—even in a strong Orange County market.

What I do differently: I focus on presentation and storytelling—professional photos, video, staging guidance, and a clear launch plan designed to make buyers emotionally connect with your home.

4. Hiring the Wrong Agent (or Going It Alone)

Selling your first home isn’t the time to experiment.

I’ve worked with sellers who came to me after:

• Choosing the cheapest option

• Hiring someone who didn’t know the neighborhood

• Trying to sell on their own

What I do differently: I specialize in Costa Mesa and understand how buyers think, what they pay for, and how to negotiate terms that protect you, not just the deal.

5. Letting Emotions Take Over During Negotiations

Your home has memories. I respect that.

But emotions during escrow can lead to:

• Missed opportunities

• Unnecessary stress

• Deals falling apart over small issues

What I do differently: I act as a calm, strategic buffer—keeping negotiations professional, focused, and moving forward so you finish strong.

My Advice to First-Time Home Sellers

You don’t need to know everything before selling—but you do need the right plan and the right advocate.

I walk my first-time sellers through every step, explain the “why” behind each decision, and make sure you feel confident—not pressured—through the entire process.

Ready to Talk Through Your Options?

If you’re a first-time home seller in Costa Mesa or Orange County—even if you’re just thinking about selling—I’m happy to walk you through:

• Timing

• Strategy

• What actually matters in today’s market

No pressure. Just honest advice.

Reach out to start the conversation with me,Kendra Fisher of Torelli Realty, proudly serving Costa Mesa and all of Orange County.