By Donnie Weddle – DonnieWeddle.com | Southern Belle Properties LLC
After more than four decades in business, construction, and real estate, I’ve learned one simple truth:
Most homeowners don’t lose money when they sell.
They lose it before they ever make the call.
I’ve walked into hundreds of homes across Oklahoma. Some are in great shape. Some are in rough shape. Some held together with hope and duct tape.
And time and time again, I see the same mistakes.
If you’re thinking about selling your home “as-is” or considering a cash offer, I want to help you avoid them.
Here are the five biggest ones.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long
Life happens.
Health issues. Divorce. Job changes. Inherited property. Financial stress.
Most sellers know months — sometimes years — before they call me that something isn’t right.
But they wait.
Meanwhile:
- Roofs leak
- Foundations shift
- HVAC systems fail
- Small problems become expensive ones
Waiting almost never helps.
Early conversations give you options. Late conversations limit them.
Mistake #2: Spending Money on the Wrong Repairs
I’ve seen homeowners spend:
- $12,000 on cosmetic upgrades
- $8,000 on flooring
- $5,000 on paint and fixtures
…only to still need major structural work.
Investors look at:
- Foundation
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Layout
- Location
Not throw pillows.
Before you spend a dime, talk to someone who knows what actually matters.
You might save thousands.
Mistake #3: Trusting Online Estimates Too Much
Zillow is a tool.
It is not reality.
Online values don’t see:
- Mold
- Termite damage
- Old wiring
- Structural issues
- Neighborhood changes
I’ve had sellers shocked when they learn their “estimate” isn’t accurate.
The real value of a home is what a real buyer will pay — not what a website predicts.
Mistake #4: Talking to the Wrong “Investors”
Not all buyers are created equal.
Some are:
- Wholesalers with no money
- Flippers without experience
- Middlemen chasing commissions
They tie up properties and disappear.
At Southern Belle Properties LLC, we close what we promise.
No games. No surprises. No vanishing acts.
Ask questions.
Check reviews.
Verify experience.
Your home deserves that respect.
Mistake #5: Letting Pride Delay Help
This one is personal.
Many sellers think:
“I should be able to fix this.”
“I don’t want anyone to see it like this.”
“I’ll handle it later.”
There is no shame in asking for help.
I’ve worked with:
- Widows
- Retirees
- Veterans
- Families in crisis
- Heirs overwhelmed by property
Strong people ask smart questions.
That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
The Truth About Selling “As-Is”
Selling a home as-is doesn’t mean giving up.
It means choosing clarity.
It means:
- No repairs
- No cleaning marathons
- No open houses
- No endless showings
- No waiting months
It means knowing where you stand.
Why I Share This
I’ve built homes.
Remodeled homes.
Managed major projects.
Led hundreds of people.
And worked in real estate since 1982.
I’m not here to pressure anyone.
I’m here to give people real options.
If You’re Considering Selling
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Oklahoma — whether it’s perfect or falling apart — let’s talk.
No obligation. No pressure.
Just honest answers.
Because the best decisions are informed ones.
— Donnie Weddle
Cell 918-470-9876