10 Mistakes Brooklyn Home Sellers Make — And How to Avoid Them

Selling your Brooklyn home? It might seem straightforward—list it, show it, sell it. But small missteps can cost you time and money. Whether you’re selling a brownstone in Park Slope, co-op in Prospect Heights or condo in a nearby Brooklyn neighborhood, avoiding common missteps can make all the difference.

Here are the biggest mistakes home sellers make—and how you can sidestep them for a smoother, more profitable sale.

1. Dismissing Market Trends

Here in Park Slope and throughout Brooklyn, the real estate market has its own rhythm—some seasons bring multiple offers, while others are slower. Pricing your home too high can leave it sitting on the market, while underpricing might mean a dip in profit.

Because Brooklyn is so dense, many agents specialize in multiple neighborhoods, with hyperlocal market knowledge of each. Find an agent who can help you time your sale right and set a competitive price based on recent neighborhood sales and what they know about local buyers.

2. Neglecting Minor Repairs

From Park Slope to Dyker Heights to Williamsburg, savvy Brooklyn buyers will hesitate if they see small but noticeable issues including chipped paint, loose doorknobs or dripping faucets. These easy-to-fix problems can make your home seem less well-maintained than it is. A little touch-up work goes a long way.

3. Skipping Decluttering

Brooklyn homes aren’t typically known for their extra square footage, so maximizing space is key. Decluttering makes your home feel bigger, brighter and more inviting. Whether you’re selling a pre-war co-op or a townhouse, clearing out extra furniture and personal belongings helps buyers see the full potential of the space.

4. Underestimating the Importance of a Deep Clean

A quick tidy-up isn’t enough. Buyers notice dust, grime and streaky windows. For example, if you’re selling a Park Slope brownstone with original details, those intricate moldings and hardwood floors should shine. A professional deep clean can make your home look its absolute best.

5. Displaying Too Many Personal Items

Your home is full of memories, but potential buyers need to picture their own future there. Swap out personal photos and bold decor for neutral touches that appeal to a wider audience. Your real estate agent probably shows a lot of homes and regularly hosts open houses. They know what buyers are looking for, how buyers best respond to a space, and they can offer staging tips to make your home feel fresh and inviting.

6. Not Staging the Home

Staged homes sell faster and often for more money. In fact, 81% of buyers’ agents report that staging helps buyers visualize a property as their future home, and it can increase offers by up to 5% or more. The most important spaces to stage? The living room, kitchen, dining room and primary bedroom. Even if your home hasn’t recently been updated, thoughtful staging can highlight its best features.

7. Forgetting About Curb Appeal

A beautiful Park Slope brownstone or Gowanus townhouse deserves a welcoming exterior. A chipped front door, overgrown plants or cluttered stoop can make buyers hesitate before they step inside. Even if you’re selling a condo or co-op, make sure the entryway looks inviting. First impressions count.

8. Staying Home During Showings

Buyers need to feel comfortable walking through your home, imagining themselves living there. That’s tough to do if the current owner is hovering nearby—or if a curious cat or energetic dog is around. To give potential buyers the best experience, step out during showings and take your pets with you if possible.

9. Not Hiring a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Selling a home in Brooklyn isn’t the same as selling in other parts of NYC. Each neighborhood has a unique market and working with a real estate agent who understands the local pricing trends, buyer demand and marketing strategies is crucial. In 2024, 90% of sellers reported that they worked with an agent, and only 6% sold their homes on their own. A great agent helps you price, market and negotiate the best deal possible.

When vetting a Brooklyn real estate agent, here are five questions to consider asking.

10. Poor Listing Photos

In a competitive market like Brooklyn, first impressions begin online. A listing with dark, blurry, or poorly framed photos can make even the most charming brownstone or sleek condo look unappealing. Buyers scrolling through listings decide within seconds whether to schedule a viewing. A skilled real estate agent will invest in professional photography and detailed floor plans to showcase a home at its best. The right photographer will highlight natural light, room proportions, and architectural details that make your space stand out. For the best results, schedule the shoot on a bright day and ensure the home is clean and staged. High-quality photos attract more interest, leading to quicker offers and potentially a higher sale price.

The Bottom Line

Selling a Brooklyn home comes with its own unique challenges, but a little preparation can go a long way. Paying attention to market trends, making small but impactful improvements, and creating a welcoming space for buyers can make the process smoother and more rewarding. Whether you’re selling a brownstone, co-op, condo or cond-op, avoiding these common mistakes will help you put your best foot forward and maximize your home’s value.

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Looking for more tips for selling your Brooklyn home? Check out our posts on FAQs for first-time sellers, preparing your Brooklyn home for sale and 10 tips for home sellers.

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