1. Trying to sell your home yourself. Selling your home by yourself can end up costing you money. Using a professional real estate agent gives you the benefit of having someone who can give you an unbiased assessment of your property and gives you an advocate during the selling process. They will use their experience to market your home in the best possible venues and can help protect you from the risk of dealing with buyers who would try and take advantage of an unrepresented home seller. Using the right real estate agent can bring more money for your home, relieve you of worrying with the details and helps expedite your home selling process.

2. Unrealistic expectation of home value. The right real estate agent will help you evaluate the market in your area and can give you an unbiased view of the true value of your home. Pricing too high or too low are both mistakes that you want to avoid.

3. Ignoring curb appeal. First impressions matter in every area of life, but especially in real estate. Spending a little cash and an afternoon of effort can make the difference in having a house that invites people in or drives them away.

4. Over-improving your home. In getting your home ready to sell, make necessary repairs and upgrades, but keep them in line with the market in your neighborhood.

5. Living in your house verses staging your house to sell. Once your house is on the market, it becomes a potential home for others. Make sure things are clean, in good repair, and clutter free. You want potential buyers to see your house, not your stuff.

6. Staying in your house during a showing. It is always best to leave you home while it is being shown. A potential buyer needs to feel relaxed and free to look around.

7. Letting pets roam free during a showing. Not everyone likes pets. It is best if you have your pets in a kennel or confined area during a showing.

8. Trying to hide problems. Failure to disclose problems on the Property Condition Form given to you by your realtor is not only unethical, but illegal. You must either fix or disclose any problems with your property. Honesty really is the best policy.

9. Not listening to your real estate agent when your home still hasn't sold. If your home is taking longer to sell than what is normal in your area, ask your real estate agent for honest feedback and selling suggestions. Once you have his/her advice, take it.

10. Taking the negotiation with a buyer into your own hands. Trust you real estate agent in the negotiation process once you have an offer on your home.