The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make When Selling in DeSoto

By Steven Thomas | Refind Realty

Introduction

Most homeowners in DeSoto make the same mistake when it’s time to sell — and it’s costing them big.

I’ve worked with sellers across Dallas County, and I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. You think your home is ready to list, but you skip a few steps, and suddenly you’re dealing with price drops, lowball offers, and too many days on the market.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

The #1 Mistake: Listing Without Prepping

The biggest mistake sellers make? Listing their home before it’s truly ready.

That means no deep cleaning, no touch-ups, no staging, and no pricing strategy. It might feel like a shortcut, but it’s actually the fastest way to leave money on the table.

Buyers in DeSoto are comparing your home to others nearby — and they can instantly tell when a seller hasn’t put in the prep work.

How Buyers Think in DeSoto

DeSoto buyers are smart. They’re looking at new construction homes in places like Elerson Ranch or well-maintained resales in Mantlebrook and Mockingbird Hill. If your home doesn’t show well, they’ll move on — or they’ll negotiate hard.

The best way to compete? Prepare like a pro.

And if you’re thinking about buying new instead of selling, check out Dallas-Fort Worth New Construction Homes and see how much builders are offering right now.

2025 Market Snapshot in DeSoto

• Average Days on Market: 27

• Median Home Price: $345,000

• Buyer Interest: High for move-in-ready homes under $400K

• Price Drops: 1 in 5 homes reduce price within 3 weeks of listing

That tells you everything you need to know. If your home doesn’t stand out on day one, you’re in trouble.

Here’s What Proper Prep Looks Like

I’ve developed a full New Construction Home Guide and Home Seller Checklist that every seller should review — even if your home isn’t brand new.

Here’s the basic version of what we’ll cover before you list:

• Declutter every space

• Handle obvious repairs

• Deep clean top to bottom

• Add neutral staging

• Boost curb appeal

• Use professional photos

• Price it correctly from the start

Want to know where you stand? Take my Home Seller Score and find out how your home compares.

Why Pricing Strategy Is Everything

You can’t just guess at a number. I use actual data from DeSoto comps, buyer trends, and timing windows to price your home for attention and offers — not just clicks.

Thinking of pricing high and adjusting later? That’s usually when you see 30+ days on the market and lower offers. Let me show you a smarter way.

Start by watching my free Home Seller Webinars to learn how top sellers in DeSoto are getting results in this market.

Don’t Sell Without Knowing Your Options

There’s more than one way to sell a home — and not every seller wants a full-service listing with all the bells and whistles.

I offer flexible listing packages, and I break them all down in one place: Home Selling Options. Whether you're in a rush, relocating, or downsizing, we’ll build the right plan for you.

Real Stories from DeSoto Sellers

“Steven showed us how to stage our home using what we already had. We followed his prep plan and got 4 offers in 3 days. It made a huge difference.”
– Dana and Marcus L., DeSoto

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If you’re selling your home in DeSoto, don’t make the mistake most sellers do. Take the time to prep — and work with someone who’s done this hundreds of times.

Want to get started? Let’s talk.

You're Always Home With Refind Realty
Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas

FAQs: DeSoto Home Selling Questions

Should I fix my house before selling?
Yes — even minor touch-ups go a long way. Use my Home Seller Checklist to know what matters.

How do I know if I’m pricing it right?
Schedule a free home value review with me, or check out the Home Seller Score.

What’s the best time of year to list?
Summer and early fall are strong in DeSoto. Serious buyers are out now.

Is it worth staging?
Absolutely. Even light staging can boost your sale price. It’s in all my listings.

Can I get a rebate if I buy a new home after selling?
Yes — ask me about our Refind Realty Rebate Program.

Where can I learn more about selling smart in Texas?
Attend one of my Home Seller Webinars — they’re packed with tips, and they’re totally free.