5 Costly Mistakes LA Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Thinking of selling your home in Los Angeles in 2025?

The market is shifting—inventory is climbing, buyers are more price-sensitive, and presentation matters more than ever. While the demand for move-in-ready homes remains strong, missteps in pricing, preparation, or timing can cost sellers tens (or hundreds) of thousands. If you're preparing to list your property, avoiding these common pitfalls can mean the difference between sitting stale on the market and selling quickly for top dollar.

Below are five of the most common mistakes LA home sellers are making right now—and how to avoid them:

Overpricing Your Home Based on Past Market Highs

Many sellers still anchor their asking price to the record-breaking market peaks of recent years, even though prices are forecast to decline nearly 2% by the end of 2025. In fact, overly priced listings now spend longer on the market, and homes listed within 5% of current value sell up to twice as fast.
How to avoid it: Use recent sales data (last 60 days), trust a credible CMA, and price strategically within psychological search brackets (e.g. $2.95M vs. $3.0M).

Skipping Repairs or Cosmetic Touch‑Ups

Buyers in 2025 overwhelmingly prefer move-in-ready, turnkey homes. Even minor issues—like chipped paint, leaky faucets, outdated fixtures, or visible cracks—can erode value and turn off buyers, especially in Los Angeles’ competitive market.
Solution: Prioritize visible upgrades and staging; focus on curb appeal with landscaping, lighting, decluttered spaces, and fresh paint.

Neglecting Digital Curb Appeal & Professional Presentation

Today’s buyers often judge a property first by its online listing. Failing to invest in high-quality photos, video tours, or staging can result in fewer inquiries and longer market time. Sellers still relying on amateur images or ignoring physical or virtual staging lose out to polished presentations.
Recommendation: Hire a professional photographer and consider cinematic video walkthroughs; physical or virtual staging works well too.

Refusing to Negotiate or Adjust

With inventory in Los Angeles up nearly 25% in many areas as of mid‑2025, buyers now have more choices and negotiating leverage. Sellers who avoid negotiations or decline to respond to counteroffers risk losing deals. Being too rigid can signal desperation and even prompt lower offers later.
Approach: Be flexible on minor concessions (e.g. closing costs or inspection credits), engage in good‑faith negotiations, and rely on your agent’s market insights.

Misjudging the Right Time to List

Timing still matters—even in LA. Sellers who wait too long or list during low‑activity seasons may see diminished interest. While spring remains a strong market, sellers who list well before the rush—especially if their home is buyer‑ready—may command better pricing. Conversely, if a home needs repairs, it may be smarter to delay listing until it’s updated.
Strategy: Time your listing when inventory is low, homes are clean and staged, and serious buyers are active.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles market in 2025 is shifting: buyers are more cautious, inventory is increasing, and move-in-ready homes at fair prices are in demand. Sellers who price accurately, invest in presentation and repairs, negotiate wisely, and list at the right moment are the ones who end up with the best results. Partnering with an experienced local agent who knows LA’s micro‑markets just makes that process smoother.