Selling your home without an agent lets you save on commission. But going the Minneapolis for sale by owner route also comes with challenges that can cost time, money, and missed opportunities if you’re not prepared. From pricing mistakes to marketing missteps, many homeowners underestimate what it takes to manage a smooth and successful sale on their own. In this post, we’re breaking down six common mistakes to avoid.
-
Letting emotions drive your decisions
It’s completely normal to feel attached to the very place where you’ve built memories and milestones. But emotions can get in the way when you’re selling your property, and especially in a Minneapolis for sale by owner arrangement. You might feel offended by low offers or overly confident in your asking price because of sentimental value, not market realities.
To avoid costly mistakes, try to view your home as a product and not a personal space. Step back and consider what buyers will see: Is the price competitive for your neighborhood? Are there any small, affordable updates that could help your home stand out to buyers? Having this practical mindset can help you stay focused and make decisions that support a successful sale.
-
Not being honest about major issues
When you’re selling your home on your own, it’s tempting to downplay or hide bigger problems — like a leaky roof, cracked walls, or aging plumbing — to avoid scaring off buyers. But skipping full disclosure can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble or a collapsed deal late in the process. Minnesota law requires home sellers to share a disclosure form that details any known problems with the property.
Even if you try to avoid the topic, most buyers will hire a home inspector and any hidden problems will likely come to light. Being upfront not only builds trust but also gives you more control over how those issues are addressed — whether that means adjusting the price, offering credits, or completing repairs. Transparency can prevent delays and protect the sale from falling apart at the last minute.
-
Not thinking of insurance coverage
Even if your mortgage is paid off, having proper homeowners’ insurance is still essential, especially when selling your home on your own. Why? Because your risk increases once you start allowing strangers to tour the property. Accidents can happen during open houses or private showings, and without the right coverage, you could be held personally liable for injuries or damage.
Before listing your Minneapolis for sale by owner property, review your current insurance policy to make sure it includes adequate liability protection. It’s a simple step that can protect you financially and help you feel more confident during the sale.
-
Not investing in high-quality photos
Buyers usually see your home online before anything else, so that first digital impression really counts. Would you buy a product if it doesn’t look appealing? Probably not.
If you’re selling your Minneapolis for sale by owner home, low-quality or limited listing photos can turn buyers away before they even schedule a showing. Most buyers scroll past listings with poor lighting, awkward angles, or missing room shots because they will automatically assume that your home isn’t worth their time.
Investing in high-quality photos, or even hiring a professional photographer, can make a huge difference in how your listing performs. Clear, high-quality photos bring out your home’s best qualities and attract more potential buyers.
-
Skipping the prep work
Selling your home as a Minneapolis for sale by owner means you’re in charge of making that first impression count. If your home isn’t cleaned, repaired, or properly presented, buyers will notice—and they’ll likely move on. Even simple things like scuffed walls or leaky faucets can make people wonder what else hasn’t been taken care of.
Deep clean, declutter, repaint, and fix anything that could raise red flags. A quick pre-sale inspection can also help you catch small issues before they become deal breakers.
-
Overlooking the power of the MLS platform
You think you’ve got it and you know it all, but skipping the MLS platform could be the one thing holding your sale back. While posting on a few public websites or social media might seem enough, the MLS is still the main platform serious buyers and agents go to find properties for sale in your area. Without it, your listing could be missing from where most of the action happens.
The good news is you don’t need to hire a traditional agent to get that kind of exposure. With a flat-fee MLS service, you can list your Minneapolis for sale by owner property where it counts.
Sell smarter with the team at Real Estate Corners
If you’re planning to sell your home without a full-service agent, we make it easy to get the exposure you need without paying high commissions! At Real Estate Corners, we offer flat-fee MLS listing packages that give Minneapolis FSBO sellers access to the same platform real estate professionals use.
Our FSBO listing services are designed for homeowners who want control over the sale but still need the right tools to succeed. We’ll handle the MLS listing for you, provide the necessary forms, and guide you through each step, while you keep more of your hard-earned equity.
Ready to get started? Call us at (612) 483-1230 to talk to a team member.
