If you’re thinking about selling your home in St. Augustine, you want to be sure to avoid the most common missteps that can lead to stress, delays, and lost profit.
With the market shifting and inventory rising, selling smart means working with an experienced local team that knows the nuances of Northeast Florida real estate. At The Newcomer Group, we help sellers navigate every step of the journey.
1. Overpricing Your Home
Your home means a lot to you. Maybe you purchased a ranch in St. Augustine Shores and are ready for a bigger space. Maybe your kids were raised on the sands of Vilano Beach. Maybe you’ve been loving life on Anastasia Island, but it’s time to downsize. It’s natural to want top dollar and near impossible to take emotion out of the equation. But in today’s market, pricing too high can scare away potential buyers. According to Investopedia, “Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.” This is not ideal because a home that sits on the market too long often ends up with price reductions that raise red flags and reduce interest.
A strategic pricing plan, based on real-time market trends in neighborhoods like Anastasia Island and Davis Shores, can make all the difference. Our team analyzes comparable sales, your home’s condition, and buyer behavior to price it right from the start, increasing your chances of multiple competitive offers. While we’re writing this in July 2025, the last six homes we’ve sold went for 99.75% of the listing price. (The lone exception was a home that sold for $3,400,000 when we were asking for $3,500,000.)
2. Investing in the Wrong Upgrades
With more homes available in St. Augustine than buyers actively searching, sellers need to stand out. Keep in mind, though, that not every renovation adds value. Spending money on trendy upgrades or large-scale remodels that don’t resonate with local buyers could eat into your bottom line.
Our team knows exactly what buyers in areas like Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach are looking for. Fresh landscaping or a new coat of paint are less expensive changes that can make a difference. Updated fixtures are another thing that will make listing photos pop online. However, installing a new pool can go either way. We’ve seen pools and hot tubs help move investment properties and short term rentals. On the other hand, we’ve seen buyers hesitate when they consider the upkeep a pool might require.
3. Being Too Rigid in Negotiations
Buyers have more choices now, and flexibility can be the key to sealing the deal. Small concessions (like covering closing costs or offering repair credits) can keep negotiations moving. If you’re a seller, keep in mind that your number one competitor will be new construction and, we’ll be honest, builders are offering incredible incentives.
That’s where a seasoned agent becomes invaluable. We’ll help you understand buyer expectations in the current St. Augustine market and craft responses that create win-win outcomes. Sometimes a minor compromise leads to a major result. Picture this: a smooth sale and a quicker transition to your next chapter.
4. Skipping the Research When Hiring an Agent
The National Association of Realtors reports that 81% of sellers choose the first agent they talk to. That’s great if the first agent you talk to is awesome like us, but when you’re selling in a competitive market like St. Augustine, it pays to do your homework. Look for an agent with a proven track record, excellent reviews, and deep local expertise.
At The Newcomer Group, we specialize in selling homes across the St. Augustine area, from historic Lincolnville to the gated communities near Palencia. Our sellers benefit from personalized marketing, neighborhood-specific insights, and a team that’s invested in your success.
Ready for the Next Step?
Give us a call today or stop by our offices in St. Augustine Beach. We’d love to connect with you and explore how we can help you on your real estate journey.
