Insider Discussion – What Sellers Regret Most

Insider Discussion – What Sellers Regret Most

Insider Discussion - What Sellers Regret Most | Hoosier Home Listings | Michael Archbold

Insider Discussion – What Sellers Regret Most

What sellers regret most—and how you avoid it.

One regret we see? Skipping pre-listing prep. Deep clean, stage, and fix minor issues before showings. You never get a second chance at first impressions. Check out our blog at HoosierHomeListings.com for more.

I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.

What Sellers Regret Most—And How You Can Avoid It

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s natural to want everything to go smoothly. Yet, time and again, we see sellers look back on their sale with one big regret: skipping pre-listing preparation.

The truth is, you never get a second chance at a first impression. Buyers often form an opinion about a home within the first few minutes of walking through the door. If your home isn’t showing at its best, it can mean fewer offers—or worse, a lower sale price.

The Most Common Regrets

  • Not deep cleaning. Even if you’ve lived in your home for years, buyers notice dust, odors, and clutter immediately.
  • Skipping staging. A well-staged home helps buyers picture themselves living there. Empty or poorly arranged rooms make it harder for them to connect emotionally.
  • Overlooking small repairs. That leaky faucet, squeaky door, or scuffed wall might feel minor, but buyers often see them as signs of larger hidden issues.

How to Avoid Them

  • Invest in a deep clean. Consider hiring professionals to tackle everything from carpets to windows.
  • Stage strategically. You don’t always need to rent furniture—sometimes it’s as simple as rearranging or decluttering to highlight your home’s best features.
  • Fix the little things. Take a weekend to tighten loose handles, patch holes, and replace burnt-out light bulbs.

The Payoff

When buyers see a well-maintained, move-in-ready home, they’re more likely to make stronger offers—and less likely to negotiate for repairs or concessions. A little preparation up front can save you time, stress, and money once your home hits the market.


Additional Pre-Listing Suggestions

If you’re preparing to sell, here are more ways to stand out from the competition:

  • Boost curb appeal. Trim landscaping, add fresh mulch, and consider a pop of color with seasonal flowers.
  • Refresh paint. Neutral, light tones make spaces feel larger and appeal to a broader audience.
  • Update lighting. Bright, modern fixtures help your home feel warm and inviting.
  • Depersonalize. Remove family photos or bold décor so buyers can imagine themselves in the home.
  • Highlight energy efficiency. Replace old bulbs with LED, service your HVAC system, or showcase eco-friendly upgrades.
  • Organize storage. Buyers open closets, pantries, and garages—make sure they look spacious and tidy.
  • Consider a pre-listing inspection. This can uncover hidden issues before buyers do, giving you more control over negotiations.

📌 Thinking about selling your home? Let’s talk about how to maximize your return while avoiding common regrets.
👉 Visit HoosierHomeListings.com for more tips and resources.

Michael J Archbold
Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro
RE/MAX Results
8101 Coldwater Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
c. 260-579-1516
e. Mike@MikeArchbold.com
w. www.MikeArchbold.com

Oh, by the way… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them. 

Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?

Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.

Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.

The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!

Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.

“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“

We’re Here To Help

Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.

Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.

Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – What Sellers Regret Most

… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.

The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.

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