What Are the Most Common (and Costly) Mistakes Home Sellers Make in Rhode Island?
Are you thinking about selling your home in Warwick, East Greenwich, Cranston, Coventry, North Kingstown, or anywhere in Rhode Island? If so, are you confident you're avoiding the most common — and expensive — home seller mistakes?
According to new research released by Zillow® in June 2025, many homeowners across the country are unknowingly sabotaging their own success when it comes to selling. From overspending on the wrong renovations to skipping critical steps when choosing an agent, these missteps could cost you thousands of dollars.
At The Slocum Home Team, led by Nick Slocum, we’ve seen firsthand how Rhode Island sellers can maximize their results — but only when they approach the process with the right strategy. Let’s break down the five biggest mistakes home sellers are making today and share what savvy homeowners in Central Rhode Island are doing right.
1. Overspending on the Wrong Pre-Sale Improvements
One of the most common misconceptions among sellers is that major renovations automatically mean major returns. In fact, 23% of sellers surveyed by Zillow believed that building an addition was the best way to boost resale value. But the data tells a different story.
In reality, simple cosmetic updates like a fresh coat of paint or improved landscaping offer a far better return on investment — especially in competitive markets like Warwick or Cranston, where buyers are more concerned with move-in readiness than luxury additions.
Nick Slocum or one of The Slocum Home Team’s top agents will help you prioritize the improvements that matter most to today's buyers in Rhode Island. Hint: It’s probably not the kitchen island waterfall countertop you were eyeing.
2. Focusing on Curb Appeal, Not “Screen Appeal”
While curb appeal still counts, it's now screen appeal — how your home looks online — that makes the first impression. And in 2025, 40% of homeowners still believe the front yard is the top priority for attracting buyers.
But online is where decisions are made. Listings that include professional photography, immersive 3D tours, and interactive floor plans receive significantly more attention — and even sell for more. According to Zillow, homes listed with their premium Showcase marketing package sell for 2% more than similar listings without it.
At Slocum, we leverage high-end marketing packages and stunning visuals (including Zillow Listing Showcase) to ensure your home in East Greenwich, North Kingstown, or anywhere in Rhode Island shines online before a buyer ever sets foot inside.
3. Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent — Or Rushing the Decision
Another expensive misstep? Skipping due diligence when hiring a real estate agent.
The Zillow survey found that one in four homeowners skip essential steps like:
Reading online reviews (25%)
Researching past sales performance (25%)
Interviewing more than one agent (25%)
In Rhode Island’s competitive market, hiring the right real estate professional isn’t optional — it’s essential. Our clients know that when they work with Nick Slocum or one of The Slocum Home Team’s experienced Realtors, they’re getting industry leadership, marketing firepower, and a 5-star experience backed by hundreds of reviews across Google and Zillow.
4. Overhyping the Wrong Features
Nearly half (45%) of homeowners think an open floor plan is the most marketable feature. But surprisingly, Zillow’s research shows that homes boasting an “open floor plan” in the listing description actually sell for 0.2% less than expected.
So what do buyers really want?
Natural materials. Homes with features like white oak flooring, walnut cabinetry, and soapstone counters command up to 3.5% more in final sale price. Yet only 9% of homeowners identified these materials as a value-booster.
At The Slocum Home Team, we craft compelling, data-driven listing descriptions based on what buyers in Central Rhode Island are actively searching for — not just what sellers assume is trendy.
5. Misunderstanding (or Hiding) Required Disclosures
This one isn’t just expensive — it’s legally risky.
Over half (56%) of sellers believe it's okay to hide issues like structural problems, pest infestations, or asbestos. But failing to disclose known issues can lead to lawsuits and serious delays.
In Rhode Island, seller disclosures are not just best practice — they’re mandatory.
When you work with a knowledgeable Warwick real estate agent like Nick Slocum or a member of The Slocum Home Team, we’ll guide you through all necessary documentation to protect you and keep the transaction compliant from start to finish.
What Rhode Island Sellers Are Getting Right
Not all the news is bad. According to Zillow, sellers are getting two major things right:
✅ Asking the Right Questions
Roughly 37% of homeowners know to ask their agent where their home will be listed. At Slocum, we ensure your property appears on all major platforms, including Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, along with robust social media exposure.
✅ Listing on the MLS (Not Just Privately)
Only 8% of sellers believe that a private listing through their agent’s brokerage is the best strategy. And they’re correct — Zillow data shows homes not listed on the MLS sell for nearly $5,000 less on average and sometimes much more.
Our approach is built on maximum exposure, because more visibility = more offers = more money in your pocket.
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Seller Mistakes Starts with the Right Partner
Selling a home in Rhode Island — whether it’s your primary residence or a luxury property in East Greenwich — is too important to leave to chance.
The Slocum Home Team brings over 76 years of local experience, top-tier marketing, and a commitment to client advocacy. Backed by insights like this from Zillow Research and a hyperlocal approach to the Rhode Island real estate market, we ensure you avoid costly mistakes and walk away with confidence.
Ready to list your home the right way?
Let’s talk.
Reach out to Nick Slocum or one of our expert Realtors today to schedule your no-pressure seller consultation.
