Seller Surprises & Setbacks: 5 Common Challenges Sellers Face (And How We Help You Through Them)

Selling your home can be exciting — but it doesn’t always go smoothly. Even in a great market, surprises can pop up that stall your momentum, impact your sale price, or just leave you wondering what to do next.

The good news? You don’t have to face them alone.

Here are five common challenges sellers face — and how we help you navigate each one.

1. The Inspection Notice
You listed your home, got a great offer, and now… the buyers want everything fixed? This is totally normal — and entirely negotiable. We’ll help you understand what’s worth addressing, what to push back on, and how to keep the deal moving forward. Yes, this is everyone’s least favorite part, but it’s just a necessary part of the process. 

2. The Occupancy Inspection
If your home is in unincorporated St. Louis County (or certain municipalities), you may need an occupancy inspection before closing — sometimes even before listing. We’ll make sure you’re in the loop and help coordinate this so it doesn’t cause delays.

3. A Quiet Open House
Open houses can feel exciting — or discouraging. If turnout is low, it doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. We look at the full picture: market timing, showing activity, buyer feedback, and pricing strategy to make adjustments that matter.

4. Showings Are Sparse
Sometimes, listings don’t get traction right away. There are lots of reasons for why this may happen. We are here to help you interpret the data and tweak our strategy as needed.

5. Appraisal Gaps and Financing Delays
Even after accepting an offer, hiccups can happen with the buyer’s loan or the appraisal. We stay in communication with lenders, anticipate potential issues, and renegotiate creatively if needed to keep deals alive and working in your favor.

Selling a home isn’t just about listing it and waiting — it’s about strategy, communication, and knowing how to handle the curveballs.

Our team has seen it all — and we’re here to help you navigate every step.

You can also download our free Seller Guide to feel more prepared before you list.