7 Mistakes South Jersey Sellers Make That Cost Them Thousands

By Robert "Bob" Millaway, AI Certified Agent™ & South Jersey Lifestyle Specialist

Let's get straight to it. If you're planning to sell your home in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, or Mercer County, you're about to make one of the biggest financial moves of your life. And here's the uncomfortable truth: most sellers leave thousands of dollars on the table without even realizing it.

I've seen it happen over and over again in neighborhoods from Cherry Hill to Marlton, Washington Township to Moorestown. Smart people make the same seven mistakes, and those mistakes cost them real money.

Here's exactly what to avoid, and what to do instead.

Mistake #1: Pricing Like It's Still 2019

You've lived in your home for years. You've made memories there. You know what you paid for it, what you've invested in it, and what your neighbor sold their house for three years ago.

None of that matters to today's buyers.

When you overprice your home, here's what happens: it sits. And sits. And when a home sits too long on the market in South Jersey, buyers start wondering what's wrong with it. They assume it's overpriced, needs major work, or both.

What to do instead: Work with an AI Certified Agent™ who uses real-time market data, not gut feelings, to price your home. At The Millaway Group, our AI Listing Advantage analyzes comparable sales, current inventory, and buyer behavior patterns specific to your neighborhood. We price homes to sell, not to sit.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the "Small Stuff" That Isn't Small

That leaky faucet? The chipped paint in the hallway? The wobbly stair railing?

Buyers see them as red flags. They start imagining what else might be wrong. They make lower offers: or walk away entirely.

South Jersey buyers expect move-in ready. And when your home doesn't feel that way, they'll make you pay for it in their offer price.

What to do instead: Walk through your home as a buyer would. Fix the obvious stuff before listing. Not sure what needs attention? Our List with a Twist program includes a pre-listing consultation where we identify exactly what to fix and what to leave alone.

Mistake #3: Thinking Staging Is "Optional"

Your family photos are lovely. Your collection of vintage cookware is impressive. Your lived-in furniture arrangement is comfortable.

But here's the problem: buyers can't see past your stuff to imagine their own.

Staging isn't about decorating. It's about removing distractions so buyers can picture themselves living there. And in 2026, with most buyers starting their search online, your first impression happens on a screen.

What to do instead: At a minimum, declutter and depersonalize. Ideally, work with a professional stager, or leverage our AI-powered virtual staging tools that show buyers the potential of each room. Clean, neutral, and bright wins every time.

Mistake #4: Using Phone Photos in a Professional Market

I'll make this simple: bad photos kill listings.

You could have the most beautiful home in Burlington County, but if your listing photos are dark, blurry, or shot on a smartphone, buyers will scroll right past you.

What to do instead: Hire a professional photographer. Period. Our AI marketing strategy includes professional photography, drone footage for homes with great outdoor features, and twilight shots that make your home absolutely shine online. We also use AI-enhanced editing to make sure every photo shows your home at its absolute best.

Mistake #5: Playing Hard to Get With Showings

I get it. You have a job, kids, dogs, and a life. Opening your home for showings is inconvenient.

But here's the reality: when you limit showing times, you limit your buyer pool. And when you limit your buyer pool, you limit your offers.

What to do instead: Be as flexible as possible, especially during the first two weeks on the market. Evening and weekend showings are where serious buyers show up. Make it easy for them to see your home, and you'll see the difference in your offer quality.

Not ready to deal with the hassle? Consider our CashOffer+ program or our Home Trade-In option: both allow you to move on your timeline without the showing circus.

Mistake #6: Listing at the Wrong Time

South Jersey has seasonal patterns. Spring and early fall? Strong buyer demand. December and January? Slower traffic (but less competition).

Listing your home without considering market timing is like planting a garden without checking the weather forecast.

What to do instead: Talk to a local expert about timing strategy. Sometimes waiting six weeks makes a $20,000 difference. Sometimes listing in a slower season means less competition and a faster sale. The key is knowing which scenario applies to your specific situation and neighborhood.

Mistake #7: Choosing an Agent Based on Commission Alone

The lowest commission isn't always the best deal, especially if that agent's marketing budget is zero, their availability is limited, or they don't know South Jersey neighborhoods as well as they should.

Your home sale isn't the place to bargain hunt.

What to do instead: Choose an agent who:

• Actually works in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, or Mercer County full-time

• Uses modern marketing tools (including AI-powered pricing and promotion)

• Has a proven track record you can verify

• Communicates quickly and clearly

• Offers creative solutions beyond "list it and hope."

At The Millaway Group, we're not just listing agents. We're problem solvers with four distinct programs designed for South Jersey sellers:

• List with a Twist – Full-service marketing with AI-powered pricing

• CashOffer+ – Skip repairs, showings, and uncertainty

• Renovate & Sell – We fund improvements to maximize your sale price

• Home Trade-In – Buy your next home before selling your current one

What Is the First Step to Selling a Home in South Jersey?

Start with a conversation, not a commitment.

The first step is understanding your options. What's your home worth in today's market? What repairs or updates would actually increase your sale price, versus just costing you money? Should you sell before buying, or can you secure your next home first?

These aren't one-size-fits-all answers. They depend on your specific property, your timeline, and your financial goals.

Schedule a no-pressure consultation with a local expert (like me) who can walk through your property, analyze current market conditions, and present you with clear options. No pressure, no obligation: just honest information so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Do I Need to Make Repairs Before Selling?

Here's the honest answer: it depends.

Some repairs pay for themselves many times over. Fresh paint, updated fixtures, and landscaping improvements typically deliver strong returns in South Jersey markets.

Other repairs? Not worth it. Over-renovating for your neighborhood, installing trendy finishes that won't appeal to most buyers, or tackling major systems that buyers will replace anyway: these often don't move the needle on your sale price.

The key is knowing which is which. During our AI-enhanced pre-listing process, we identify exactly which improvements will increase your sale price and which ones you can skip.

And if you don't want to deal with repairs at all? Our CashOffer+ program buys your home as-is, and our Renovate & Sell program funds improvements upfront so you don't pay until closing.

How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Burlington County, NJ?

In normal market conditions, expect 30-60 days from listing to closing.

But that's just an average. Well-priced, well-marketed homes in desirable neighborhoods like Moorestown, Marlton, or Medford often sell in under two weeks. Homes that are overpriced, under-marketed, or in need of significant updates can sit for months.

The biggest factors affecting your timeline:

• Pricing accuracy – Get this right, and everything else gets easier

• Home condition – Move-in ready sells faster

• Marketing quality – Professional photos and targeted digital ads matter

• Showing availability – More showings = faster sale

• Season – Spring and fall move faster than winter

Want to skip the waiting game entirely? Our CashOffer+ program can close in as little as 10 days, and our Home Trade-In option lets you move on your schedule, not the market's.

What Mistakes Do South Jersey Sellers Make Most Often?

Based on 20 years of selling homes across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties, here are the patterns I see:

Emotional pricing. You love your home. Buyers don't: yet. Price based on data, not feelings.

DIY marketing. Smartphone photos and a basic MLS listing aren't enough anymore. Professional marketing makes a measurable difference in the final sale price.

Neglecting curb appeal. First impressions happen in the driveway. Mow the lawn. Trim the bushes. Paint the front door. Small investments here pay big dividends.

Poor timing. Listing during the holidays or right before a major market shift costs money. Strategic timing matters.

Choosing the wrong agent. Not all real estate agents are created equal. South Jersey is competitive, and experience in your specific market makes a real difference.

As an AI Certified Agent™, I combine 20 years of local expertise with cutting-edge technology to help sellers avoid these mistakes and maximize their sale price in the process.

Final Thoughts

Selling your South Jersey home doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. But it does require strategy, preparation, and the right team in your corner.

Every one of these seven mistakes is avoidable. And when you avoid them, you keep more money in your pocket and move on to your next chapter faster.

Whether you're in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, or Mercer County, the same principles apply: price it right, present it well, market it aggressively, and work with someone who knows what they're doing.

If you're thinking about selling in 2026, let's talk. I'll walk you through your options, including our four seller programs designed specifically for South Jersey homeowners, and help you create a plan that actually works for your situation.

No pressure. No games. Just clear answers and real results.

Ready to avoid these costly mistakes? Let's start the conversation.