Thinking about selling your home in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, or the greater Conejo Valley? The right strategy can mean the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a frustrating experience. But some sellers haven’t fully adjusted to today’s market conditions—more homes for sale, cautious buyers, and a shift in negotiating power.

Avoid these common pitfalls to sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

1. Overpricing the Home

Every seller wants to get the best price, but pricing too high is the fastest way to scare off buyers. Homebuyers today are carefully watching their budgets, thanks to higher interest rates and increased inventory. If your home sits too high above similar properties in Westlake Village or Agoura Hills, buyers will scroll past your listing—or worse, never even see it because it’s filtered out of their searches.

What happens when a home is overpriced? It lingers on the market. As days turn into weeks, buyers start wondering what’s wrong with it. Then comes the dreaded price drop, signaling desperation. The longer your home sits, the harder it becomes to sell for what it’s truly worth.

Solution: Work with a real estate agent who knows the Conejo Valley market. They’ll analyze recent sales in your neighborhood to set a price that attracts buyers while still maximizing your profit.

2. Skipping Repairs and Preparation

First impressions are everything, and small cosmetic issues can make buyers question the overall condition of your home. That squeaky door, chipped paint, or outdated fixtures may not seem like a big deal, but they can plant seeds of doubt.

Buyers wonder:

• If this hasn’t been fixed, what else has been neglected?

• Is this home going to need expensive repairs?

• Should I offer less to cover potential issues?

According to Investopedia,

"Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all."

Solution: Address minor repairs before listing. A little effort can increase your home’s perceived value and prevent buyers from making lowball offers or requesting expensive concessions.

3. Refusing to Negotiate

It’s a buyer-sensitive market, and with more homes available, today’s buyers are willing to walk away if they feel they can get a better deal elsewhere. That means some sellers receive offers lower than expected—or face requests for closing cost assistance or repairs.

Some sellers take this personally, dig in their heels, and refuse to budge. But that strategy can backfire, leading to weeks or months on the market with no sale.

As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

"If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate. The only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits. Consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for minor repair the inspector found."

Solution: Instead of rejecting an offer outright, work with your agent to strategically counteroffer. Even small compromises—like offering a credit for closing costs—can seal the deal while still protecting your bottom line.

The #1 Mistake? Not Hiring an Expert Agent

Selling your home without an experienced real estate agent is like trying to fly a plane without training. Every mistake on this list can be avoided with the right professional guidance.

An expert agent will:
✔ Price your home competitively so it attracts offers quickly
✔ Help you prep and stage to maximize buyer interest
✔ Negotiate effectively so you get the best possible terms

Bottom Line

The Conejo Valley real estate market is competitive, and sellers who adapt are the ones who succeed. Avoid these common mistakes by partnering with a trusted local real estate expert who knows the market inside and out.

Thinking about selling? Let’s connect and strategize the best approach to get your home sold quickly—and for the best price.