20 Worst Things to Agree to When Selling Your Home!

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. While it can be exciting to get an offer, sellers in Lancaster PA often make costly mistakes by agreeing to terms that hurt them in the long run. To help you avoid pitfalls, here are the 20 worst things you could agree to when selling your home.

1. Accepting the First Offer Without Reviewing Others

Jumping at the first buyer might leave money on the table—especially in Lancaster’s competitive housing market.

2. Agreeing to an Unrealistic Closing Timeline

Buyers may push for a 2–3 week close, but if you can’t move out or line up your next purchase, you’ll create stress (and possibly extra costs).

3. Covering All Closing Costs

It’s common to split costs, but don’t agree to pay for everything unless it makes financial sense.

4. Excessive Repair Requests

Small fixes are normal, but paying for unnecessary upgrades drains your profit.

5. Allowing Unlimited Buyer Walkthroughs

A final walkthrough is expected, but multiple “revisits” can be disruptive and sometimes lead to nitpicking.

6. Accepting a Low Appraisal Without Challenge

Don’t just agree to lower your price—sometimes appraisals can be contested or reviewed.

7. Seller Financing Without Legal Protections

Unless structured carefully, you could end up with major financial and legal headaches.

8. Overly Generous Seller Credits

Credits for repairs, closing costs, or appliances can add up fast and cut into your bottom line.

9. Agreeing to “Kick-Out” Clauses You Don’t Understand

These allow buyers to walk away if they find another home—leaving you back at square one.

10. Ignoring Your Net Sheet

Focusing only on the offer price and not the true net proceeds is one of the worst mistakes a seller can make.

11. Leaving Possessions or Furniture Without Agreement

Buyers may want “everything included.” Unless you’re okay with that, don’t assume it’s standard.

12. Overly Broad Inspection Contingencies

Agreeing to vague wording like “seller to repair all issues” can cost thousands.

13. Allowing Rent-Back Without Strong Terms

If the buyer lets you stay post-closing (or vice versa), unclear terms can create legal and financial risk.

14. Accepting Offers From Unqualified Buyers

Without proper pre-approval, the deal may collapse weeks in.

15. Not Protecting Against Home Sale Contingencies

If their home doesn’t sell, you’re left waiting—sometimes for months.

16. Letting Buyers Dictate Settlement Company/Attorney

Make sure the title company is reputable and works for your best interests too.

17. Agreeing to Pay for Items Buyers Can Finance

For example, kitchen appliances—buyers can usually roll those into their mortgage.

18. Ignoring “As-Is” Fine Print

“As-is” doesn’t always mean you’re free of responsibility—read the details carefully.

19. No Escrow Holdback Protections

If something isn’t finished (like repairs), an escrow hold ensures both sides are protected.

20. Skipping a Realtor Review of Terms

Worst of all? Signing without expert advice. A Lancaster PA real estate agent can save you from agreeing to any of the above.

Final Thoughts

When selling your home in Lancaster PA, the wrong terms can cost you thousands—or even sink the deal altogether. Work with a local agent who knows how to protect you, negotiate smartly, and maximize your net.

👉 Ready to sell your Lancaster home for top dollar? Book a free discovery call with me here.