Many First-Time Sellers Think They Could Have Gotten A Higher Price By Making Different Choices

An overwhelming share of Americans who sold a home for the first time in the past two years wish they had done something differently (84%). A new Zillow survey conducted online by The Harris Poll finds that even in a seller's market, many recent first-time sellers have regrets about, the pricing, timing, or marketing of their home.

Homeowners looking to list their home for sale this spring can set themselves up for success by anticipating and avoiding these four common regrets of first-time sellers.

Regret #1: Pricing Incorrectly for the Market

The most common thing recent first-time home sellers wish they had done differently is set a higher list price (39%).

Regret #2: Unappealing Online Curb Appeal

Almost 2 in 5 (39%) think better listing photos could have boosted their bottom line, while 1 in 4 recent first-time sellers (25%) think a virtual tour could have helped sell their home for more.

Regret #3: Right house, Wrong Time

One-quarter of recent first-time sellers (25%) wish they had listed their home at a different time. While the best time to sell will always depend on a homeowner's personal circumstances, if the owner has flexibility, the second half of April is the optimal time to list a home for sale.

Regret #4: Ignoring Repairs

More than one-quarter of recent first-time sellers (25%) think they could have gotten a higher sale price if they had invested in more home improvements and repairs. Landscaping, interior painting and carpet cleaning are the most common repair projects. They boost online curb appeal and send a powerful signal to a buyer that a home is well-maintained.