Selling your home? 16 realtors share their best advice

Navigating the real estate market can be daunting, but armed with insider tips from industry experts, selling a home becomes a strategic endeavor. This article distills wisdom from seasoned realtors who share practical advice to maximize appeal and secure the best deal. Discover key tactics for making your property stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

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  • Make the House Feel Inviting
  • Invest in Pre-Listing Preparations
  • Trust the Process and Be Patient
  • Leverage Detroit’s Revitalization Narrative
  • Evaluate Early Offers Objectively
  • Focus on First Impressions
  • Set Selling Price Rationally
  • Think Like a Buyer
  • Hire a Local Real Estate Agent
  • Enhance Curb Appeal and Stage Interior
  • Fix Small Cosmetic Issues
  • Create an Emotional Connection
  • Stop Thinking About the House as Yours
  • Solve a Problem for the Seller
  • Provide Detailed Documentation of Improvements
  • Highlight Unique Features of Your Home

Make the House Feel Inviting

According to my realtor, making the house feel warm and inviting will do the trick. I created this space by not only arranging things but adding a few personal touches to warm up the feel. For example, I added fresh flowers to the kitchen, as well as set up a reading nook in the living room. We shared stories in the listing, such as how the backyard is perfect for summer barbecues, to help buyers imagine creating their own memories there.

That advice was useful because people want a space that feels good, not just one that is big or has improvements. We sold the house for more than our asking price because the buyers loved it.

In real estate and business, people decide what to buy based on both emotions and facts. When something feels personal, it means more to us.

Austin Rulfs, Founder, SME Business Investor, Property & Finance Specialist, Zanda Wealth

Invest in Pre-Listing Preparations

During my years of real estate investing, the most game-changing advice came when I was preparing to sell a challenging property in a competitive market. My realtor emphasized something counterintuitive: “Don’t rush to list. Instead, invest three weeks in strategic pre-listing preparations.” This completely transformed my approach to selling properties.

I had a dated 1970s ranch-style home that needed serious updating, and my initial instinct was to list it quickly in a hot market. However, following my realtor’s guidance, I took a step back and spent those three weeks meticulously preparing. We focused on high-impact, low-cost improvements like deep cleaning, decluttering, and strategic staging. The most significant change was removing outdated wallpaper, applying fresh neutral paint, and updating light fixtures—simple changes that dramatically modernized the space.

The results were remarkable. While similar homes in the neighborhood were sitting on the market for 45-60 days and receiving modest offers, my property generated multiple offers within the first weekend. We closed 15% above our asking price, which more than covered the initial investment in preparations. More importantly, the entire process was smoother—from showings to inspections—because we had addressed potential issues upfront.

This experience taught me that proper preparation isn’t just about cosmetic improvements; it’s about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. Now, whether I’m flipping properties or helping other homeowners sell, I always emphasize the importance of strategic pre-listing preparations. It’s not about spending a fortune on renovations; it’s about making smart, targeted improvements that showcase a home’s potential and create that crucial first impression. This approach has consistently led to faster sales and better returns across dozens of transactions in various market conditions.

Cesar Villaseñor, Real Estate Investor, Click Cash Home Buyers

Trust the Process and Be Patient

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got during the selling process wasn’t about staging, pricing, or marketing—it was about patience and timing. My realtor told me, “The right buyer is out there. Your job is to set the stage, but don’t force the sale.” As a realtor myself, I already knew the mechanics of listing a home. But when it was my property, emotions crept in. I wanted a quick sale, I analyzed every showing, and I second-guessed the price. That’s when my agent reminded me to trust the process.

Instead of panicking when the first few showings didn’t result in offers, I focused on refining the presentation and being strategic. I made small tweaks, adjusted my approach, and, most importantly, waited. Sure enough, the right buyer came along, and I ended up with a more substantial offer than if I had rushed to negotiate too early. That experience reinforced what I tell my own clients now: a well-prepared home, priced correctly, will sell. But trying to force it or reacting emotionally can lead to mistakes. The best deals happen when you give the process room to work.

Justin Landis, Founder, Justin Landis Group

Leverage Detroit’s Revitalization Narrative

During the selling process of my Detroit loft, the most valuable advice my realtor gave me was to leverage Detroit’s unique revitalization narrative to appeal to potential buyers. Detroit often gets undervalued, but its resurgence presents huge opportunities. I focused on highlighting the proximity to landmarks like Belle Isle and The Riverwalk and emphasized the rich French heritage and vibrant community.

Applying this advice, I crafted compelling property descriptions and visuals that showcased not just the loft’s features, but its connection to Detroit’s cultural rebirth. I highlighted the local arts scene and the convenience of nearby amenities. This strategy attracted more interest from those looking to invest in emerging neighborhoods.

The outcome was a quicker sale at a competitive price. It taught me that understanding and positioning within a broader city evolution narrative can make a property more appealing, especially in revitalizing areas. This approach aligns with how we market our short-term rentals, emphasizing community and culture to stand out in a crowded market.

Sean Swain, Company Owner, Detroit Furnished Rentals LLC

Evaluate Early Offers Objectively

Looking back at my years of buying distressed properties, the most impactful advice actually came from a seasoned realtor who told me, “The first offer is often the best offer.” I initially dismissed this as a sales tactic until it played out dramatically with a property I was selling in Phoenix back in 2019. After receiving a solid offer within the first week of listing—just slightly below asking price—I got greedy and held out for something better. Three months and two price reductions later, I ended up accepting an offer that was $27,000 less than that initial one. That experience fundamentally changed how I approach both buying and selling properties.

Now, when I work with homeowners facing foreclosure or dealing with inherited properties, I emphasize the importance of evaluating early offers objectively, especially in uncertain market conditions. Just last month, I was working with a family in Denver who needed to sell their mother’s house quickly due to medical bills. They received an early cash offer that was slightly below market value but would allow for a quick, hassle-free closing. Rather than dismissing it outright, we sat down and calculated the true cost of waiting—including ongoing mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and potential market shifts. They decided to accept the offer, and looking back, it was absolutely the right call given how the local market has softened since then.

This principle of not letting perfect be the enemy of good has saved my clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in carrying costs and potential losses over the years. The key is understanding that real estate isn’t just about the sale price—it’s about the net outcome when you factor in time, stress, and holding costs. Sometimes, that first serious buyer who comes along, even if they’re not offering your dream price, might actually be your best opportunity for a successful transaction.

Cesar Villaseñor, Real Estate Investor/ Owner and Founder, Click Cash Home Buyers

Focus on First Impressions

One of the best pieces of advice my realtor gave me during the selling process was to focus on first impressions—both online and in person. They explained that buyers often make decisions within seconds, so it’s crucial to present the home in the best possible light from the start. I took that advice seriously by deep cleaning, decluttering, and staging the home to make it feel inviting and spacious. Instead of using phone pictures, I invested in professional photography to make sure the listing stood out. I also made small but impactful upgrades, like touching up paint, replacing outdated light fixtures, and ensuring the landscaping was neat. The result? More showings, stronger interest, and ultimately, a quicker sale at a better price than I had expected. That advice reinforced how much small details matter in real estate and how a little extra effort up front can make a huge difference in the final outcome.

Parker McInnis, Owner, Speedy Sale Home Buyers

Set Selling Price Rationally

The best tip my realtor provided to me was to set my selling price rationally instead of emotionally. As with many sellers, my first instinct was to set the price higher than I intended to sell so that I could negotiate it. My realtor told me that this logic could backfire; if my house was overpriced, it would result in fewer showings, and due to a lack of buyers, my home would take longer to sell. In light of that, my wife and I decided to underprice the house compared to similar listings. This resulted in a lot of interest being generated in the house. We were able to receive multiple offers from buyers within the first week. This competitive bidding propelled the sale price of the house beyond my wife’s and my expectations. By trusting the market, our strategy allowed us to sell quickly and for more than we anticipated.

Marvin Zhou, Senior Marketing Manager, House Bell

Think Like a Buyer

When I sold my first property, the best advice my realtor gave me was to think like a buyer, not a seller. At first, I didn’t fully understand what they meant because, as the seller, I thought my job was to highlight what I loved about the house. But they explained that buyers don’t care about your memories or personal style—they want to see themselves in the space. That perspective completely changed how I approached the process.

One specific tip they gave me was to declutter and stage the home in a way that felt neutral but inviting. It was hard at first because I had to pack away personal items that made the house feel like “mine.” But once I did, the transformation was incredible. My realtor suggested rearranging furniture to open up the flow of each room and even brought in a few staging pieces—like fresh linens and simple decor—to make it feel modern and welcoming.

As someone who specializes in staging photos for realtors, I already knew how important visuals were for attracting buyers online. But seeing it play out in my own home sale was eye-opening. Staging isn’t just about making a space look pretty—it’s about creating an emotional connection for potential buyers. When people walked through the door, they weren’t distracted by clutter or bold design choices; instead, they could imagine their own lives unfolding there.

The outcome? My house sold within two weeks, and we even got multiple offers. I’m convinced that following my realtor’s advice to focus on the buyer’s perspective made all the difference. It reminded me how powerful it is to step out of your own shoes and think about what someone else needs to see or feel to make a decision.

That experience stuck with me and influences how I approach my photography work today. Whether it’s capturing a cozy reading nook or highlighting natural light in a living room, it’s always about telling a story that resonates with the buyer—not just documenting a space.

John Lattanzio, Owner, John Angelo Photography

Hire a Local Real Estate Agent

The most valuable advice my real estate agent gave me was to hire a local real estate agent who had experience with properties in my price range and neighborhood. This was crucial because they understood the market dynamics and buyer expectations in the area, which made a huge difference in positioning my home competitively.

They recommended budgeting about 1% of the home’s value to freshen it up. I followed this advice by repainting the walls, updating light fixtures, and improving curb appeal with some landscaping touches. These small, targeted changes attracted more interest and helped the house stand out. By the time we listed, the property presented far beyond its initial condition, and the results showed. We received multiple offers early on and closed the sale above the asking price. It taught me that investing in the right expertise and strategic improvements pays off.

Billy Rhyne, CEO & Founder | Entrepreneur, Travel expert | Land Developer and Merchant Builder, Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort

Enhance Curb Appeal and Stage Interior

The most valuable piece of advice my realtor gave me during the selling process was to focus on enhancing the property’s curb appeal and staging the interior to highlight its potential. This advice helped me see the importance of first impressions, both from the street and within the home itself. I applied this by investing in small updates like landscaping, fresh paint, and rearranging furniture to make the space feel welcoming and spacious. The outcome was fantastic—my home sold faster than expected and for a higher price than I initially anticipated. That advice really paid off, proving how much small details can impact the sale of a property.

Joseph Commisso, Owner, WeBuyHousesQuick.ca

Fix Small Cosmetic Issues

The best advice my realtor gave me was to fix small cosmetic issues before listing, like touching up paint and replacing dated light fixtures—it cost under $500 but made a huge difference. We ended up getting three offers within a week because buyers could envision themselves living there without seeing a list of projects they’d need to tackle.

Brandon Beatty, Owner, Southern Hills Home Buyers

Create an Emotional Connection

The best advice my realtor gave me was to focus on creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. They emphasized that most people don’t just buy a house—they buy the feeling of what it could be like to live there. At first, I was skeptical, but I decided to give it a try. One specific suggestion was to depersonalize the space while still making it feel inviting. I swapped out family photos for neutral artwork, added fresh flowers to the dining table, and arranged cozy throws in the living room.

During an open house, a couple walked in and immediately commented on how warm and welcoming the space felt. Later, they told me they could easily picture themselves hosting family dinners in the dining area, which was a huge selling point. By tapping into that emotional aspect, the house sold faster than I expected and at a price I was thrilled with. That single piece of advice shifted my mindset from just “selling” to creating a story for the space—and it worked.

Alexsandr Borkin, Co-Founder, Coastline Gutter Pros

Stop Thinking About the House as Yours

Fair enough, the best advice my realtor gave me was to stop thinking about the house as mine the second it hit the market. Sounds simple, but seriously, it changed everything. Every little thing I had an emotional attachment to—the bright red door I loved, the way the living room was set up, even the landscaping—none of it mattered anymore. The only thing that mattered was what buyers wanted to see.

Once I wrapped my head around that, I made changes that felt weird at first, like painting over that red door with a neutral color and rearranging furniture to make rooms look bigger. Long story short, it worked. The house was listed at $385,000, and after a few tweaks based on buyer feedback, we had multiple offers within two weeks. The final sale price? $402,000. Not bad for a little fresh paint and a mindset shift. Honestly, selling a house is like running a business, you have to put personal preferences aside and focus on what gets results.

Victor Hernandez, COO, Hurricane Safety Program (A Home Improvement and Safety Company)

Solve a Problem for the Seller

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I ever received from a realtor was: “Don’t just sell a house—solve a problem.” This changed the way I approached home sales entirely. Instead of focusing solely on pricing and market trends, I started looking at what the seller truly needed—whether it was speed, convenience, or flexibility.

I applied this advice by shifting our company’s approach to home buying. We streamlined our process to provide sellers with hassle-free, cash offers, eliminating common roadblocks like financing contingencies, repairs, and lengthy closing timelines.

We’ve helped countless homeowners move forward with peace of mind, whether they were facing foreclosure, relocating, or dealing with an inherited property.

Selling a home isn’t just about transactions—it’s about transitions. And the best deals happen when you focus on the seller’s bigger picture.

Johell Aponte, Founder, Move On House Buyers – We Buy Dirty Houses

Provide Detailed Documentation of Improvements

The most impactful advice was to provide detailed documentation of all major infrastructure improvements. When selling our first commercial property, we included a comprehensive roof maintenance history with warranty transfers, which increased buyer confidence significantly. This transparency helped us secure a sale price 15% above market average, as buyers valued the proven track record of maintenance and the transferable warranties. Now we advise all our clients to maintain detailed records of roofing work for future property transactions.

Tony Mirzakhanyan, President, Prime American Roofing

Highlight Unique Features of Your Home

My realtor stressed to me that highlighting the unique features of my home would make it more attractive to buyers. A lot of listings start to look the same after a while, especially in neighborhoods where homes have similar layouts. He told me that if I wanted my property to get more attention, I needed to showcase details that made it different. I took his advice seriously and made sure to highlight custom upgrades that might not be obvious at first glance. The sliding doors in my home had been upgraded with high-quality rollers and tracks, making them glide effortlessly. I pointed this out in the listing and even demonstrated it during showings. Many buyers in South Florida deal with stuck or worn-out sliding doors, so this small detail made a bigger impact than I expected.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

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