5 Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Home in Virginia Beach

by Megan Luker, REALTOR® | VA Beach | Real Broker LLC

Thinking about selling your home? Before you list, make sure you’re not leaving thousands on the table. These five common seller mistakes can seriously impact what your home actually sells for — and they’re surprisingly easy to avoid.

1. Spending Too Much on the Wrong Upgrades

It’s tempting to pour money into major renovations before listing. In fact, Zillow found that 23% of homeowners believe adding square footage is the best way to boost resale value.

But in the Virginia Beach real estate market, that’s rarely the case. Affordable, high-impact updates like fresh paint, power washing, updated landscaping, and new light fixtures often deliver a far better return.

For example, local data from the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association shows homes with neutral interior paint and updated curb landscaping sell an average of 12 days faster than outdated properties.

💡 Tip: Before you start any project, consult a local real estate professional. They’ll help identify which updates buyers in your specific neighborhood actually value.

2. Forgetting About Screen Appeal

Yes, curb appeal still matters — but in 2025, your screen appeal matters more.

Nearly every buyer starts their home search online, and most decide within seconds whether to click or scroll past. Yet 40% of sellers still believe curb appeal is the most important first impression.

Your photos, videos, and virtual tours are what truly sell your home. Invest in:

Professional photography with wide-angle, high-resolution shots
Drone footage to highlight outdoor features
3D virtual tours or floor plans for out-of-town buyers

Homes in Virginia Beach with professional photos sell for up to 47% more per square foot than homes with DIY images (source: Redfin).

📸 Local note: With so many military relocations and out-of-area buyers in Hampton Roads, your digital presentation can make or break your listing.

3. Skipping Your Homework When Hiring an Agent

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. Yet 1 in 4 homeowners admit they didn’t read reviews or interview multiple agents before hiring.

That’s like choosing a surgeon without checking credentials.

Look for a local agent who:

Specializes in Virginia Beach real estate
Has a strong online marketing presence (including video tours)
Offers clear, data-backed pricing advice
Provides professional media and staging guidance

📊 According to Virginia REALTORS®, the average list-to-sale price ratio in Virginia Beach this fall sits around 98.4% — but top agents consistently exceed that benchmark.

🗣️ Tip: Don’t skip the interview process. Ask for references and review their past sales before committing.

4. Highlighting the Wrong Features in Your Listing

You might think every buyer wants an open floor plan, but data shows otherwise. Homes with completely open layouts can actually sell for less than expected, while listings featuring natural materials like white oak flooring, quartz or soapstone countertops, and walnut cabinetry often fetch up to 3.5% higher sale prices (source: Zillow).

Your listing description should highlight what local buyers are actively searching for. In Virginia Beach, features like:

Outdoor living spaces (decks, patios, screened porches)
Energy-efficient windows and HVAC (a major plus with humid coastal weather)
Updated kitchens and baths with durable materials

These features resonate far more than generic “open concept” phrasing.

✍️ Tip: Work with your agent to tailor your listing description to current Virginia Beach buyer trends — not national fads.

5. Hiding Known Issues

Let’s be honest: some sellers hope that concealing issues like roof leaks, termite damage, or foundation cracks will make the sale easier. But more than half of homeowners who try this strategy end up with broken trust and failed deals.

Not only is failure to disclose issues illegal, but inspectors almost always uncover them anyway.

The better approach is to:

Disclose issues upfront
Price accordingly
Offer repair credits when needed

Being transparent builds trust — and can actually help your home sell faster, especially in today’s competitive Virginia Beach market.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Selling your home in Virginia Beach isn’t just about timing or luck. It’s about preparation, presentation, and partnering with the right expert.

Small choices — like hiring a skilled agent, investing in quality media, and highlighting the right features — can easily mean the difference between sitting on the market and selling for top dollar.

When you avoid these five costly mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth, profitable sale — and peace of mind knowing you made every smart move possible.

🔍 Local Resources & Citations

Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association Market Reports
Zillow 2025 Seller Insights Report
Redfin Data Center – Virginia Beach
Virginia REALTORS® Monthly Market Indicators

🧭 FAQs

Q: What’s the best month to sell a home in Virginia Beach?
A: Historically, listings in April through June attract the most buyers and sell fastest. However, well-prepared homes sell year-round due to strong relocation demand.

Q: Should I stage my home before selling?
A: Yes. Professionally staged homes in Hampton Roads sell 33% faster on average and photograph much better online.

Q: What upgrades add the most value in Virginia Beach?
A: Fresh paint, landscaping, new lighting, and updated flooring consistently deliver high ROI without overspending.

Thinking about making Virginia Beach your home? Explore local neighborhoods, discover the latest listings, or get a free home valuation to see what your home could be worth in today’s market. Call me at 757-703-1590 or DM me on Instagram @virginiabeachwithmegan.

Written by Megan Luker, REALTOR® | Virginia Beach Military Relocation Expert, Navy Wife & Mom
Licensed REALTOR® in the Commonwealth of VA at ΓEA⅃ Broker, LLC
📱 757-703-1590 (direct) | ☎️ 855-450-0442 (office)
📍 1765 Greensboro Station Place, 900 McLean, VA 22102
📧 megan@lukerativegroup.com