How One Bad Real Estate Decision Cost Over $100,000 — Coach Joe’s Coaching Tips to Protect Your Equity

When it comes to buying or selling a home, the decisions you make can impact your financial future for years. As a real estate professional in Midlands South Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand how the right strategy can build wealth — and how the wrong one can drain it.

Today, I’m sharing a real story that perfectly illustrates why I’m so passionate about educating and protecting homeowners. This is one of my most important Coach Joe Coaching Tips, and it could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

A Real Estate Story That Still Stings- Choosing the right Agent

A friend of mine recently sold a home in another state. I’m not licensed there, but I am committed to helping people make smart real estate decisions — and knew a very strong local agent to recommend to him.

I reviewed her marketing plan, pricing strategy, and how she planned to position the home’s solar panels, which still had a $60,000 balance. Everything checked out. She understood the home’s value and how to structure the deal to protect the seller’s equity.

But it was not only my friend’s decision, it was a family decision and they chose a different agent.

And that decision cost them over $100,000.

⚡ The Solar Panel Mistake That Changed Everything

The agent I knew and I both viewed the solar panels as an asset — something that could increase the home’s value. Our plan was to:

• List the home between $350,000–$375,000
• Market the solar panels as a long‑term energy benefit
• Structure the deal so the buyer could take over the solar payments
• OR roll the solar balance into the purchase price

Either option would have kept that $60,000 in my friend’s pocket.

But the agent he chose saw the solar panels as a liability. She recommended listing the home at $300,000, far below market value, just to “sell quickly.”

At closing, the solar balance was deducted from the sale price.
My friend walked away with about $240,000 before closing costs.

Had he followed the strategy I laid out, he could have walked away with $350,000+.

That’s over $100,000 in lost value — all because the deal wasn’t structured correctly.

🧠 Coach Joe Coaching Tips: What You Can Learn From This

Here are the key takeaways every homeowner should know:

✔ 1. Not all agents understand deal structuring

Pricing a home is more than picking a number. It’s about understanding assets, liabilities, financing options, and buyer psychology. And structuring the deal to your advantage.

✔ 2. Solar panels can be an asset — if marketed correctly

Many buyers want energy‑efficient homes. The key is knowing how to position the value.  This house feature nearly no electric expenses.

✔ 3. The right agent protects your equity

A strong agent doesn’t just list your home — they strategize, negotiate, and maximize your financial outcome.

✔ 4. A second opinion can save you thousands

Even if you’re selling in another state, having someone in your corner who understands real estate strategy can make all the difference.  If you contact me, I will refer and agent to you in your area who is knowledgeable.

🏆 Why I’m in Real Estate

This story is exactly why I do what I do.
I’m not here just to open doors or put signs in yards.

I’m here to coach people through the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
To help them avoid costly mistakes.
To make sure they keep every dollar they deserve.

That’s the heart of Coach Joe Coaching Tips — empowering you with the knowledge and strategy to protect your financial future.

📣 Thinking About Moving, Buying, or Selling? Let Coach Joe Guide You.

If you’re relocating, buying, or selling a home — in South Carolina or anywhere in the country — reach out.

As an SRS, ABR, and Coldwell Banker Realtor, I have a trusted network of high‑quality agents nationwide. I personally vet agents to ensure you’re working with someone who will protect your equity and put your financial future first.

Your biggest investment deserves a coach in your corner.
Let Coach Joe guide you with confidence.