5 Online Mistakes That Could Be Hurting Your Home Sale
Let’s set the scene…
A potential buyer is lounging on their couch, scrolling through listings on their phone with a glass of wine in one hand and a dream in the other. Your home pops up—and within 3 seconds, they swipe right past it.
Why?
Because in today’s world, your home's first showing happens online. And if you don’t nail the virtual first impression, you may never get them through the door.
Don’t worry—I’ve seen this story play out more times than I can count, and I’m here to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Let’s walk through the five most common mistakes that are sabotaging your listing online—and what to do instead.
1. Bad Listing Photos (Yes, They Matter More Than You Think)
This one’s a deal breaker.
Grainy, dimly lit, crooked iPhone shots aren’t just unflattering—they’re repelling potential buyers. Your home could be absolutely stunning in person, but if the online photos don’t capture it? You’re toast.
What works:
Bright, natural light
Clean, uncluttered rooms
Angles that show space and flow (not just corners and ceilings)
Wide shots that help buyers visualize the layout
Pro Tip: Always use a professional photographer who specializes in real estate. This is not the place to DIY.
And please—no toilet lids up. Ever.
2. Weak (or Copy-Paste) Listing Descriptions
You know the ones:
“Beautiful 3BD/2BA home in great location. Must see!”
That tells me... absolutely nothing.
Your description is your chance to tell a story. It should highlight what makes your home special, beyond the beds and baths. Does the morning light pour into the kitchen? Is the backyard your weekend sanctuary? Do you have original hardwoods or just completed a renovation?
Buyers want to feel something.
✅ Use words that evoke mood, lifestyle, and possibility.
❌ Avoid jargon or empty filler phrases like “won’t last long” (unless you want it to sound generic).
3. No Virtual Tour or Video Walkthrough
Photos are great. But if buyers can’t picture how rooms connect—or if they want a better sense of flow—they need more than static images.
Virtual tours and video walkthroughs give buyers the context and perspective that photos can’t. They increase engagement, keep people on your listing longer, and often lead to more serious showings.
Even a well-shot iPhone video walkthrough (guided by your agent) can go a long way. But again, if you want it to shine, go pro.
4. Poor Lighting = Poor Vibes
Let me say this clearly: dark photos make your house feel smaller and sadder than it actually is.
Lighting sets the tone. Warm, natural light makes a home feel spacious, inviting, and alive. Dim, yellow light makes it feel dated and closed-in—even if it isn’t.
Before your photo shoot:
Open all blinds and curtains
Replace any burnt-out or mismatched bulbs
Use consistent warm white bulbs in main spaces
Clean windows to let the light pour in
Bonus Tip: Schedule your photos during the golden hours (late morning or early afternoon) for the best natural lighting.
5. Not Launching with a Full Marketing Plan
Even the best home with beautiful photos can fall flat if no one sees it.
Just posting your home to the MLS and hoping for the best? That’s like throwing a party but forgetting to send out the invites.
The most successful listings today include:
A polished launch plan
Targeted social media campaigns
Just listed postcards or email blasts
Open house promotion
Paid ads (Facebook, Instagram, even Google) to reach the right buyers
Your agent should be your marketing partner—not just your paperwork person. If they’re not actively promoting your listing? Time for a new strategy.
Bottom Line: The Swipe Test Is Real
You might love your home and know how special it is—but buyers don’t feel that unless it’s communicated clearly, beautifully, and emotionally… starting online.
In a sea of listings, your home has to stand out. That starts with a sharp digital presentation that grabs attention and holds it long enough to spark curiosity.