Here are some common mistakes to avoid so you can list with confidence.
Mistake #1: Letting Emotion Drive the Price
Your home may hold decades of memories, but buyers aren’t paying for sentiment. Setting a price based on how much you love your house can backfire. Also, don’t fall into the trap of pricing it based purely on how much work you’ve put into it. Instead, rely on comparable sales, market trends, and your agent’s expertise to land on a number that reflects true market value.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Market’s Direction
In a seller’s market, you may be able to push the price slightly higher. In a buyer’s market, pricing aggressively can help you stand out. California’s market can change quickly, and even neighborhoods just a few miles apart can have different pricing dynamics. Staying tuned in to the latest data is key. If you’re working with an experienced Realtor, they can guide you on how to best follow the market’s direction.
Mistake #3: Overpricing to “Test the Market”
Many sellers think, “We can always drop the price later.” But the longer a property sits, the more buyers wonder if something’s wrong with it. In competitive areas like Culver City, homes that are overpriced from day one can miss out on the initial surge of interest. This is often the most active period of a listing. Pricing it right from day one is the right move to make.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Appraisals
If a buyer needs financing, the lender will require an appraisal. If your home is priced higher than what comparable sales support, you risk the deal falling through. Or, you’ll need to lower the price during escrow. This is especially common in fast-rising markets where sellers try to get ahead of the curve.
Mistake #5: Not Considering Local Nuances
Here’s where local knowledge really matters. In Culver City, for example, buyers often compare listings across multiple school districts. These can be from Culver City Unified to nearby Los Angeles Unified schools. A home’s location on one side of a street versus the other can change perceived value significantly. Add in differences between neighborhoods like Carlson Park, Studio Estates, and Blair Hills, and it’s clear why a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy doesn’t work here.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Online Search Price Brackets
Most buyers search for homes online within set price ranges (for example, $1,000,000–$1,250,000). If you list at $1,255,000, you could miss buyers who never see your home in their search results… even if they’d stretch their budget for the right property!
Mistake #7: Skipping the Pre-Listing Prep
A home that’s cluttered, in need of minor repairs, or poorly photographed can’t support a top price. Even in a hot market a messy house won’t sell. In LA County, where buyers often pay a premium for “move-in ready,” even small cosmetic updates can have a big impact on the final sales price.
The Bottom Line
Pricing your home correctly from the start is one of the most powerful tools you have as a seller. A strategic, data-driven price can spark competition, shorten your time on the market, and help you walk away with the best possible offer.
Thinking about selling your Culver City home? The Martin Feinberg team can help you analyze the market, price with precision, and attract qualified buyers from day one. Schedule a call with me below, or reach out to my email or cell.