What are the biggest mistakes Reno homeowners make when prepping to sell?
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating how much proper preparation affects a home’s value. Skipping professional advice, staging, or local strategy often leads to price cuts and longer days on market. This blog unpacks what to avoid—and how to do it right in Reno and Sparks.
1. Relying on Outdated or National Advice
What works in one city doesn’t always work in Reno or Sparks. Sellers often follow advice they hear online or from out-of-state friends—but our market has its own trends, buyer expectations, and quirks.
For example:
Some buyers here prefer newer finishes over historic charm.
The "right" time to sell varies depending on specific neighborhoods like South Meadows vs. Spanish Springs.
Reno buyers are very inspection-aware; a pre-listing check can make or break your first impression.
✅ Local Tip: Always check with a Reno/Sparks real estate expert (like the Kinney & Renwick Team) before deciding when and how to prep your home.
2. Ignoring the Power of First Impressions
Buyers in this market form an opinion the moment they pull up. Skipping curb appeal upgrades can immediately limit your pool of interested buyers.
Common mistakes:
Overgrown landscaping
Dirty or chipped paint
Outdated exterior lighting
No pressure washing on paths and driveways
✅ Local Tip: Homes in neighborhoods like Double Diamond or Northwest Reno especially benefit from clean, modern curb appeal. Competition is high.
3. Over-Improving the Home (Yes, That’s a Thing)
It’s tempting to go all out on upgrades—but not all improvements pay off at resale.
We often see sellers:
Install high-end flooring when mid-range would have sufficed
Remodel bathrooms top-to-bottom with little return
Customize layouts in ways that reduce general appeal
✅ Local Tip: Stick to upgrades that are proven in the Reno market: fresh paint, modern fixtures, clean landscaping, and minor kitchen refreshes.
4. Not Getting a Pre-Listing Inspection
In our market, buyers are savvy—and they almost always do inspections. Skipping a pre-listing inspection often leads to surprises during escrow that cost you money or even derail the sale.
Even though Nevada is an “as-is” state, buyers can (and usually do) request repairs or credits after inspections.
✅ Local Tip: A pre-listing inspection helps you control the narrative, price properly, and reduce last-minute stress.
5. Thinking Staging Doesn’t Matter in Reno or Sparks
Some sellers believe our market is hot enough that staging isn’t worth the effort. That’s not true—especially as buyer expectations shift and inventory grows.
According to local MLS data:
Staged homes sell 30–50% faster
Staged homes in Reno average 6–10% higher offers
And staging doesn’t always mean renting furniture. Sometimes it’s just rearranging, decluttering, or using your own pieces with an expert’s eye.
✅ Local Tip: In higher-end areas like Arrowcreek or Damonte Ranch, professional staging can drastically affect buyer perception.
6. Pricing Based on Emotion or Zestimate
This one’s huge.
Zillow estimates aren’t always accurate for the Reno/Sparks market, especially in niche neighborhoods. Homeowners often:
Overprice based on what they “need to make”
Trust an algorithm that doesn’t know about their views, upgrades, or unique layout
Underprice because they don’t understand current demand
✅ Local Tip: A detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) by a local expert is the only reliable way to set a smart, strategic price.
7. Underestimating the Market Timeline
Some sellers assume they’ll list and close in 30 days. But between prep, pricing strategy, marketing rollout, and inspections, the process takes planning.
Average Days on Market in Reno (July 2025):
Reno: 44 days
Sparks: 39 days
✅ Local Tip: Work backward from your desired move date and give yourself at least 2–3 months of runway. That includes pre-listing steps like inspections, staging, and photography.
8. Choosing the Wrong Agent—or Going Solo
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Yet, some sellers still:
Choose an agent without hyperlocal experience
Hire a friend who “just got their license”
Try selling on their own
The result? Undermarketed listings, poor pricing, weak negotiation—and money left on the table.
✅ Local Tip: The Kinney & Renwick Team has guided over 315+ successful sales in Northern Nevada, with over 74 five-star reviews on Google. We bring local insight, smart prep strategies, and proven negotiation skills that help our clients win—every time.
Final Thoughts: Avoiding These Mistakes Can Make You Thousands
Selling a home in Reno or Sparks doesn’t have to be stressful—but you can’t wing it. Preparation, strategy, and expert guidance make all the difference.
📍 Whether you’re in Somersett, Spanish Springs, South Meadows, or Midtown, we’ll help you avoid the common mistakes and sell smarter.
📞 Kinney and Renwick Team • Chase International
📧 [email protected]
📱 (775) 391-8402
🌐 kinneyandrenwickteam.com
License #'s: S067935 | BS0141620 | S197254
