Top Mistakes Sellers in the Mohawk Valley Make (And How to Avoid Them)By Carrie Smith, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Krutz Properties
Thinking about selling your home around Fort Plain, Canajoharie, St. Johnsville, or anywhere in the Mohawk Valley? Before you list it, let’s talk about the real mistakes I see folks make all the time—ones that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Selling a home is a big deal. And in smaller towns like ours, where the buyer pool is tight and people talk, first impressions (and strategy) matter more than ever.
Here are the top mistakes local sellers make—and how to make sure you don’t:
1.
Overpricing Based on Emotion (Not the Market)
It’s natural to feel your home is worth more—it’s full of memories, after all. But buyers aren’t paying for your story. They’re comparing your place to similar homes in their budget.
What to do instead:
Get a hyper-local home value estimate based on recent sales in your exact area. I offer that for free, and it’s not a computer-generated guess—it’s based on real market knowledge from right here.
2.
Waiting for “The Right Season” to List
I hear this all the time: “We’ll wait until spring.” But in our area, serious buyers don’t disappear in fall or winter—they just have fewer options. That can work in your favor.
What to do instead:
Sell when it makes sense for you. I’ll help you figure out how to make your home stand out in any season.
3.
Not Fixing the Little Things
Peeling paint, dripping faucets, squeaky doors—buyers notice these things. And in a slower market, they’ll move on to the next home without a second thought.
What to do instead:
Let me walk through with you before listing. We’ll create a small, smart fix-it list that keeps your costs low but your appeal high.
4.
Thinking “As-Is” Means No Effort At All
Even if you’re selling as-is, there’s a big difference between “as-is” and “unprepared.” A little cleaning, decluttering, and basic staging can make all the difference—even in fixer-uppers.
What to do instead:
I can help you sell as-is strategically—especially to out-of-town buyers looking for investment potential.
5.
Letting Online Zestimates Set Expectations
Zillow and other sites have no idea your roof is new or your back porch overlooks open fields. Relying on their numbers can steer you way off track.
What to do instead:
Let’s look at actual local sales—Fort Plain to St. Johnsville—not just averages. Real numbers tell a better story than algorithms.
6.
Skipping Pre-Listing Strategy Altogether
Throwing your home online without a plan is a missed opportunity. In rural markets, targeted marketing and smart timing matter even more than in the city.
What to do instead:
I help you build a listing plan from day one—so you’re not just “on the market,” you’re in demand.
Bottom line?
Selling around here isn’t one-size-fits-all. It takes a little planning, some local knowledge, and someone in your corner who actually knows these towns—not just your square footage.
If you’re even thinking about selling in Fort Plain, Canajoharie, St. Johnsville, or the surrounding area, let’s talk. Just a real conversation about what’s possible.
Ready to find out what your home’s worth in today’s market?
Carrie Smith
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Krutz Properties | Serving the Mohawk Valley & Surrounding Rural NY
