The Top Mistakes Home Sellers Make in Winter & Spring (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling a home in Central and Northern Wisconsin during winter and spring can be a smart move — but many homeowners unknowingly make costly mistakes that delay their sale or reduce their profit.

If you’re thinking about selling in Wausau, Merrill, Mosinee, Schofield, Rothschild, or the surrounding area, here are the most common mistakes sellers make — and how to avoid them.

1. Overpricing the Home

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is starting too high on price.

Buyers today are highly informed. They watch price changes, compare listings, and know when a home is overpriced. When a home sits on the market too long, buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it.

How to avoid it:

Price your home based on real local sales data, not online estimates or what a neighbor’s home sold for last year.

2. Ignoring Winter Curb Appeal

In Wisconsin, winter lasts a long time — and curb appeal still matters.

Snow-covered yards, icy walkways, and messy entryways can immediately turn buyers off before they even step inside.

How to avoid it:

•Keep walkways shoveled and salted

•Clear snow from driveways and roofs when possible

•Use outdoor lighting to brighten short winter days

These small details create a strong first impression.

3. Skipping Repairs Buyers Will Notice

Sellers sometimes ignore small problems because the home “feels fine” to them. Buyers see things differently.

Common red flags:

•Leaky faucets

•Cracked tiles

•Loose handrails

•Drafty windows

How to avoid it:

Fix the small stuff before listing. These repairs are inexpensive but make your home feel well-maintained.

4. Poor Listing Photos

Winter and early spring lighting can make homes look darker, smaller, and less inviting — especially if photos aren’t done professionally.

Bad photos can dramatically reduce showings.

How to avoid it:

Use professional photography, bright lighting, and schedule photos for the best natural light possible.

5. Not Preparing for Spring Competition

Many sellers wait until spring without preparing early. By the time they list, newer, fresher homes may already be attracting buyers.

How to avoid it:

Start preparing weeks before your intended list date. Declutter, clean, and stage early so you’re ready when serious buyers hit the market.

6. Letting Emotions Drive Decisions

Your home holds memories — but emotional pricing or refusing fair offers can cost you time and money.

Buyers see your home as a product, not a memory.

How to avoid it:

Lean on market data and professional guidance instead of emotional attachment.

7. Trying to Do It Alone

Some sellers try to sell without professional guidance to “save money,” but often lose more through poor pricing, weak negotiation, and legal mistakes.

How to avoid it:

Work with a local real estate professional who understands seasonal market shifts in Central and Northern Wisconsin and can guide you through pricing, marketing, and negotiations.

Learn more @ www.tynantherealestateguy.com