By Leanne Spring June 16, 2025

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The #1 Regret Property Sellers Have — And How You Can Avoid It

Property Market News
The #1 Regret Property Sellers Have — And How You Can Avoid It

We often talk about the challenges buyers face — from securing finance to entering a competitive market.

But selling a property?

That comes with its own set of emotional landmines.

A recent survey by OpenAgent found that over 80% of Australians who sold a property in the last two years found the experience just as stressful, or more so, than buying one.

And here’s the kicker — the number one regret sellers had was choosing the wrong real estate agent.

Let that sink in.

Why the right agent matters more than you think

According to the survey, fifteen per cent of sellers admitted they should have chosen a better agent.

Source: Open Agent

In a competitive market, with high stakes and life transitions often riding on the result, this is a costly misstep.

We’re not just talking about a few thousand dollars left on the table.

We’re talking about delayed settlements, subpar marketing strategies, mismanaged buyer interest, poor negotiation, and ultimately — lost opportunities.

Sometimes it’s not even the price, but the experience that leaves a bitter taste.

[note] One in three sellers reported crying during the sale process.[/notes]

And while part of that is undoubtedly emotional — homes are, after all, full of memories — the stress is often magnified by feeling unsupported, misinformed, or pressured.

The emotional toll is real, but it doesn’t have to be

Selling a home is more than a transaction.

For many, it’s the end of a chapter — a home where children were raised, milestones celebrated, or years of effort poured into renovations and maintenance.

That’s why a good agent does more than stick a sign out front.

A skilled, strategic agent will:

Provide clear, evidence-based pricing strategies
Present the property in a way that emotionally engages buyers
Strategically time the campaign to suit the market
Proactively manage the selling journey so you’re never left guessing

And most importantly, they’ll reduce your stress.

Common regrets (and how to avoid them)

Aside from choosing the wrong agent, other top regrets included:

Not setting a higher asking price
Wishing they had waited for a better time to sell

These issues are often symptoms of poor guidance.

A good agent should educate, not just list.

They should help you understand why a particular price strategy works — not just what the market says today, but what trends are telling us about buyer sentiment and future demand.

At Metropole, we’ve seen time and again how a well-managed sale, backed by market data, buyer psychology, and tailored strategy, doesn’t just achieve a strong result, it leaves sellers feeling confident and in control.

So, what’s the lesson here?

If you're planning to sell — whether it's your home or part of your investment portfolio — choosing the right agent isn't just a box to tick.

It’s a strategic decision that can materially impact both your financial result and your peace of mind.

Don’t base your decision on who charges the lowest commission or who promises the highest price.

Instead, ask:

What’s their track record in this local market?
How do they handle buyer objections?
Do they understand how to emotionally position a property for today’s discerning buyers?
Will they tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear?

Because in real estate, as in life, regret is often the price of not asking better questions up front.

Metropole Vendor’s Advocacy Service is a special no extra cost service to property sellers shielding you from many of the “hassles” of your sale.

Why not get a professional vendor advocate on your side?

Click here now and enquire about how we can help if you're planning to sell your home or buy your next home

We are independent and work for you. We tell you the truth. Are you ready to find the best price for your property?

Get the unfair advantage by using Metropole's no additional cost vendor advocacy service - click here now and organise a time to have a chat with us.

About Leanne Spring Leanne is a highly experienced Buyers Agent in the Brisbane Real Estate market. Leanne became a passionate lover of property in 2001. Since then, both professionally and personally, she has been involved in all aspects of property including purchasing, negotiating, renovating, and selling.