What's the best piece of advice your real estate agent gave you during the home selling process? How did this advice help you?

Question

Selling a home can be a complex process, but with the right strategies, it can be both successful and rewarding. This article presents valuable insights from top real estate professionals on how to effectively market and sell your property. From pricing tactics to home staging tips, these expert recommendations will help you maximize your home's appeal and potential in the competitive real estate market.

Adam Chahl · Answer

For me, the best piece of advice I've ever received, and one that I now give to every seller I work with, is this: "Detach emotionally, and treat your home like a product."
When I sold my own place years ago, I was so caught up in the memories and the way I had lived in the space, I wasn't seeing it from the buyer's point of view. My agent reminded me that buyers don't care about your personal connection; they care about how they can see themselves living there.
That shift in mindset helped me focus on staging, pricing strategically, and being flexible with showings. We removed personal items, opened up the space, and even made a few inexpensive improvements that showcased the home's best features. The result? We got multiple offers and sold for over asking.
As the founder of Vancouver Home Search and someone who guides sellers every day, I always say, "Emotion can cost you money, but strategy can make you money." Letting go of attachment allows you to approach the sale like a business move, which is exactly what it is.

Sean Grabow · Answer

My agent, Jill, dragged me outside last March and whispered, "Sean, list Thursday lunchtime; weekend warriors in Clintonville only scroll Redfin on their phones at happy hour." We snapped twilight photos, posted at 1:07 p.m., and by 6 p.m. half of Franklin Park had booked tours. The third couple offered twenty over ask before their second beer and waived everything but the fridge magnet, proving her happy-hour hack works every single time.

Betsy Pepine · Answer

One of the best tips I received from my real estate agent in selling my house was to focus on making my house look more attractive from the outside. Betsy Pepine and her team at Pepine Realty told me how important it is to make a great first impression. They suggested I spend time updating the landscaping, painting the front door, and keeping the outside neat and tidy.
Having heeded this suggestion, there was genuinely a difference. Buyers were immediately attracted to the house, creating a great first impression before entering. This boosted viewings and gave me confidence that led to stronger offers. It was clear that Pepine Realty's attention to these details truly put my house at the head of the pack in the challenging market.
Besides the physical improvements, the support of the team conveyed to me that even minute details could make a difference in how the buyer perceives, and hence the selling price. Their vast knowledge regarding what buyers look for and dedication to helping sellers get the best result made all the difference for me in my selling process. With their professional advice, the experience was more streamlined and the outcome better than expected.

Peter Kim · Answer

My agent LuAnn cornered me at the open house and said, "Peter, price this place $12,400 under the Zillow Zestimate so we can collect nine offers and let them bid against each other by Sunday." I laughed, did it, and by 8 p.m. we had fifteen offers, a $45k escalation, and I picked the one with zero inspection contingency. That extra $32,600 in net profit funded six months of meals at our homeless shelter in Georgetown.

Joel Janson · Answer

The best advice I received from my real estate agent was to communicate openly with potential buyers about why I was selling, even if it felt personal. When I took the time to share, for example, that our move was motivated by a new opportunity for my family, it helped buyers connect with the home and eased any concerns about hidden issues. That small gesture built trust right away, making the process not only smoother but also surprisingly more human for everyone involved.

Sal Dimicel Sr. · Answer

During the home selling process, the best advice was to tell a story during every showing. Instead of just sharing facts about the house, it was key to help buyers imagine their life in the home.
For example, describing weekend gatherings in the backyard or family meals in the dining room created an emotional connection. In some areas, the arrangement of spaces was even influenced by this approach. Focusing on feelings rather than just features helped the home stand out among many listings. Buyers formed a personal bond with the property, making it memorable. This strategy led to faster interest, multiple offers, and ultimately a higher sale price than expected. It shows that connecting on an emotional level can make a big difference in selling a home.

Daniel Welch · Answer

I built my pest control business from scratch after military service. When I sold my first rental property, my agent's best advice was, "Fix every single entry point before showing." She meant not just the obvious stuff, but every gap, crack, and hole that could suggest pest problems.
I spent two weekends sealing gaps around pipes, replacing weatherstripping, and fixing tiny holes I'd normally ignore. It cost me about $200 in materials. The house sold in 8 days because buyers felt confident about the maintenance quality.
In my business, I see how much pest issues decrease property values. Buyers walk away from $300K homes over a few ant trails or spider webs. My agent understood that sealed entry points signal "well-maintained" even if everything else is average.
The lesson applies beyond selling - prevention beats reaction every time. Those small fixes prevent bigger problems and show attention to detail that buyers absolutely notice during walkthroughs.

Pablo Cavalcante · Answer

I was worried about the cost of renovating both bathrooms, but my agent, Luis, said, "Just add a new quartz countertop to the guest vanity and leave the rest as is." For about $3,400, we installed a bright, waterfall-edge remnant from my own shop, added an inexpensive vessel sink, and filmed a 15-second counter-to-faucet reel for Instagram. Showings doubled that weekend, and one couple actually FaceTimed me from the bathroom to ask if we'd include matching bar counters too—they outbid the other offers by ten thousand dollars. Time and again, when buyers hesitate due to outdated rooms, this small-scale upgrade proves invaluable.

David Shellu · Answer

I've sold properties both as a construction business owner and through my racing company ventures, and the best advice my agent gave me was "stage the functionality, not just the aesthetics." She meant showing buyers how spaces actually work for real life, not just how pretty they look.
During my last sale, instead of focusing only on curb appeal, we set up the garage to show tool organization and workspace potential, and arranged the backyard to demonstrate entertainment flow from patio to lawn areas. We even put a small table near the outdoor electrical outlets to show RV parking possibilities.
That house sold in 8 days with multiple offers, compared to my previous sale that took 6 weeks when I only focused on making things look nice. Buyers could immediately picture using the spaces for their hobbies and lifestyle needs.
The key is thinking like your buyer - they want to see how they'll actually live there, not just admire it. Show them the workshop potential, the storage solutions, the practical outdoor entertaining setup. Function sells faster than just beauty.

Jeff LEXVOLD · Answer

As a contractor who has renovated over 1,000 homes in Minnesota and Florida, I've worked closely with countless realtors. The best advice came from a Siesta Key agent who told me: "Always stage the renovation timeline to finish 2-3 weeks before listing, not the day before."
I learned this the hard way when we rushed to complete a kitchen renovation that finished on a Friday, with photos scheduled for Monday. The house still smelled like paint, cabinet doors needed final adjustments, and the countertop installer left fingerprints on the granite. The listing photos looked flat, and the house sat on the market for 6 extra weeks.
Now, when I work with selling clients, we build in that buffer time. Houses smell fresh, everything's properly settled, and staging looks natural. One Venice condo we renovated sold for $15,000 over asking because buyers walked into a "lived-in perfect" space instead of a construction zone.
The staging window also lets you catch small issues before buyers' inspectors do. We've saved dozens of deals by fixing minor paint touch-ups and outlet covers during that buffer period instead of negotiating repairs after inspection.

Dr. Edward Espinosa · Answer

She said, "Ed, schedule the home inspection during daylight so grandparents can see every doorway, then tackle small fixes yourself." I bought two boxes of LED night-light outlet covers, swapped all the old bulbs, and showed receipts to the picky cardiologist buyers—they dropped their repair credit by three thousand dollars. The nurse across the street told friends the place felt warm and cared for, so we had three backup bids the next weekend. Whenever families thank me, I remind them that medicine and real estate both heal when you add calm, clear light.

Sofiane Zahouani · Answer

Stage your property like you're selling a lifestyle, not just a home.
That was the single most valuable piece of advice I received from a real estate agent during the selling process—and it changed everything.
When we first listed the property, we had done what most sellers do: cleaned it up, decluttered a bit, and assumed the location would do the heavy lifting. After all, it was Dubai—prime area, solid views, decent layout.
But the phone stayed quiet. Too quiet.
That's when my agent stepped in and said, "You're not just selling square footage. You're selling what it feels like to live here. Make people want the life, not just the listing."
It hit me. Hard.
From 'clean' to captivatingWe rearranged furniture to create space and flow. Added soft throws, warm lighting, and a breakfast tray with fresh juice on the terrace. We diffused subtle scents. We played on the light at different times of the day. Suddenly, the apartment didn't just look clean; it looked lived in, loved, and aspirational.
We didn't just clean. We curated.
And the response? Immediate. More viewings. More genuine conversations. One emotional connection that led to a serious offer in less than two weeks.
The advice that sells beyond numbersThat advice taught me that buyers aren't just looking for walls and floors; they're looking for a feeling. They're imagining Sunday mornings, after-work routines, family dinners, and cozy winter nights.
The best agents don't just list homes. They help sellers translate the invisible value of their space—the warmth, the ease, the everyday luxury—into something buyers can actually feel.
In a market like Dubai where so much is glossy and fast-moving, that emotional layer is what sticks. It's what sells!

Sebastian Jania · Answer

Real estate agents bring more than their expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to the table. The truth is that they are also able to offer tailored advice on how to get the best possible price for a property.
The best piece of advice my real estate agent gave me during my home selling process was telling me to take care of the minor repairs in my home. Little things like replacing a doorknob, fixing the leaking faucet in my kitchen, and making sure that the light switch was in perfect working condition. According to my real estate agent, making these little repairs would help my home sell faster and for a better price, because when buyers find everything working as it should, they find less to complain about. In addition to helping them view the property more favorably, negotiating with buyers also becomes easier, increasing my chances of getting the price I want.
This advice really paid off, and the best part about it is that the cost of these little repairs was so minimal. I also believe this little repair helps buyers perceive my home as move-in ready, which also helps attract more interested buyers and speed up the process of the sale.

Jordan Smith · Answer

I have never personally sold a home, but after 15 years in exterior construction and seeing hundreds of deals through my work with Smithrock Roofing, the smartest advice I've heard agents give is "upgrade your windows before listing, not your kitchen."
A realtor in Winston-Salem told her client this after seeing how our Norandex eXtreme 3000S window installations were affecting home values in the area. The seller spent $8,000 on new windows instead of $25,000 on a kitchen remodel, and the home sold for $15,000 over asking price within two weeks.
New windows immediately signal energy efficiency to buyers - something granite countertops can't do. When potential buyers see modern, well-sealed windows, they're not worried about winter heating bills or summer cooling costs. That peace of mind translates directly into offers.
I've watched this play out dozens of times in the Triad area. Homes with obvious exterior improvements like quality windows and fresh siding spend 40% less time on the market than homes with dated exteriors, even when the interiors are stunning.

Ryan Nelson · Answer

My listing broker's simple rule was "declutter until the house breaks even on furniture," so I packed half my kitchen gadgets and rolled the noisy armchair into storage. Folks who toured kept saying the rooms looked bigger, and one couple paid four grand above asking price because it felt move-in ready. From fifteen years in this game, I've learned that the first weekend purge is the cheapest trick that still pays like a full-scale remodel.

Ahmad Altahan · Answer

He taught me to put yellow sticky notes on every closed drawer and closet with a photo and repair receipt inside, so walk-through buyers saw proof I'd actually fixed stuff. That folder of receipts killed the buyer's $9k price chop request for the ancient HVAC because they could prove it had been serviced last winter. Ever since, my mother-in-law's old house sale in Stockton set my template: receipts first, then matching photos--never the other way around.

Dave Spooner · Answer

When I sold my first home, my agent told me, "Price it to the market you have, not the one you wish you had."
It was 2011, and like many sellers, I thought my home was "worth more" because of what I'd paid and the upgrades I'd made. But she showed me recent sales data — homes in my neighborhood were selling in 27 days on average if priced within 2% of comparable properties, but sitting for 90+ days if they were overpriced by even 5%.
I took her advice, priced strategically, and ended up with three offers in the first week — one over asking. This experience taught me that in real estate, time on the market can cost more than a slightly lower list price.
That advice still shapes how I coach clients today: the right upfront price attracts buyers, builds momentum, and often nets you more.

Adam Nyeholt · Answer

The best advice an agent gives isn't a secret trick. It's a fundamental truth applied with precision. The most common and impactful advice is usually about pricing. A client might say, "The best thing my agent told me was to price the house correctly from the start, not to test the market with a high price."
Why is that so powerful?
    It's a reality check. Sellers often have an inflated idea of their home's value. A good agent confronts this early and gently, using hard data from recent comparable sales, not Zillow estimates, to anchor expectations.
    It creates momentum. A house priced right gets immediate interest. It attracts multiple buyers, which can lead to a bidding war and ultimately, a higher sale price than if it had been overpriced from the start. An overpriced house just sits there, collecting digital dust, and buyers wonder what's wrong with it.
    It saves time and money. An agent who convinces a seller to price correctly prevents months of market stagnation, price reductions, and the stress that comes with a property that won't sell.
So, when you're talking to a seller, and you tell them to price their home at fair market value, you're not just giving them a number. You're giving them a strategy. You're saying, "Trust me. I've seen this before. This is the path to a faster, more successful sale."

Patrick Schultz · Answer

Early in our company's history, we worked with a real estate agent who was also a cash investor like we are today.
He gave us a piece of advice that we still follow in every home-buying evaluation and offer: In Texas, always get a foundation evaluation report.
In the Dallas area, where we do most of our investing, the clay soil can shift dramatically, and a house with an undiscovered foundation problem can lead to massive losses on the P&L statement. An engineering report gives you clarity and allows you to know whether the foundation of your investment is truly sound.
At Uncle Tex Buys Houses, we buy houses with foundation issues all the time, but the key is making sure the numbers work. We adjust our cash offer to reflect the real cost of repairs.
That one piece of advice has saved us from risky deals and has helped numerous Texas homeowners sell their houses quickly, even when foundation repairs are needed.

Richard Mews · Answer

My real estate agent suggested that I first obtain a mortgage pre-approval. This aided me in creating a precise budget. My proposals became more competitive as a result. Even for residences that appear flawless, she underlined the value of a comprehensive home inspection. Hidden issues may potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I should look past the state of the market, my agent advised. I should consider the neighborhood's and the property's long-term prospects. I was also advised against becoming very attached to any home while the hunt was underway. By doing this, you risk overpaying or failing to notice warning signs. She informed me that purchasing a home is a long process rather than a quick one. To discover the ideal property at the ideal price, patience is essential.
How did this advice help you?This guidance was really helpful to me throughout the entire house-buying process. Pre-approval let me save time. I didn't look at houses that were out of my price range. I could move quickly once I located the perfect property. I had my finances ready, so the sellers took my bid seriously. I was able to avoid a major error thanks to the thorough inspection advice. In a property that appeared to be flawless, we discovered foundation issues. I may now go or negotiate repairs without worrying. I chose a house in a developing community while keeping the long term in mind. I refrained from going over budget for a trendy neighborhood that might not be as valuable in the future.

20 Top Real Estate Agent Tips for Selling Your Home

Table of Contents

20 Top Real Estate Agent Tips for Selling Your Home

Treat Your Home Like a Product

Time Your Listing for Maximum Exposure

Boost Curb Appeal for First Impressions

Price Strategically to Spark Bidding Wars

Share Your Story to Build Trust

Help Buyers Imagine Life in Your Home

Seal Entry Points to Showcase Maintenance

Upgrade Strategically for Maximum Impact

Demonstrate Functionality in Every Space

Allow Buffer Time After Renovations

Optimize Lighting for Buyer Comfort

Stage a Lifestyle Not Just a Home

Fix Minor Repairs for Better Offers

Upgrade Windows for Energy Efficiency Appeal

Declutter to Maximize Perceived Space

Document Repairs with Photos and Receipts

Price to Current Market Not Wishful Thinking

Price Correctly from the Start

Get a Foundation Evaluation Report

Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval Before House Hunting

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