Selling homes is a blend of art and science coupled with strategy and action. For all the talent and skill a rock star listing agent may bring to the table, subliminal signs that a seller isn't ready to sell can thwart the most valiant of efforts . While de-cluttering and staging go a long way to presenting a salable product, there are some commonly overlooked scenarios that can lead to sales sabotage.
At The Curb 
Assuming an attitude of 'the buyer must buy my problems' is a selling error. Although a tempting proposition from a seller's perspective (especially in a seller's market), it is best to resist the urge to position a home to be sold in 'as is' condition. Not only does it boldly announce that 'something is wrong with the home' even if there isn't, but buyers will also be reluctant to engage time, energy and money into a contract that may paint them into a corner if there are issues that would prevent them from securing financing on the property. It is better to work through repairs as a negotiation, finding the right balance between price and concessions, to make the deal work for both parties.
Also, advertising "as is" will work to attract investment-minded buyers, who seek deep discounts for their willingness to buy other people's problems. If 40-60% of fair market value won't be an acceptable offer, then quit trying to attract hummingbirds with bird seed.
At The Door 
Perhaps the housewarming gift Aunt Betsy gave you when you bought the home was funny enough at the time, but first impressions when selling a home are single shot opportunities. Remove anything that would create an unwelcome atmosphere or cause a buyer to feel uncomfortable upon entry. This includes personal effects, religious items, insects, hazards, damaged trim, peeling paint, difficult locks, overpowering fragrances, and dead plants. Be especially sensitive to any written directive that could plant a subliminal command in the mind of a buyer. "Go Away", "No Soliciting", and "Crime Watch" are common examples that may be taken for granted or dismissed as normal or humorous. But they are also easily changed, so why take the risk?
Inside The Home
Fluffy and Fido are the loves of our lives, and for the time that as seller is on market, the home still belongs to Fluffy and Fido as well. Buyers typically understand this. 
However, nothing breeds a more stressful showing than Fido vocalizing his displeasure with a buyer's presence in the home. Even when confined to a crate or one room of the house, a protective pooch can rush a showing and create an unpleasant atmosphere.
Pets also tend to bring questions about sanitary conditions to the forefront of buyer's minds. From pest control and odors to elimination habits or damaged flooring, walls & yard, evidence of how a seller's pets live in the home may deter a buyer's interests. 
It is best to remove issues that would evoke a high 'squeam factor' for folks who aren't accustomed to pets, and to diminish the visible presence of pets when possible. The 'bathtub as litter box' that works for the seller's household may cause a buyer to want to gently take a Kleenex and burn down the bathroom.
Offering to include professional cleaning for the home, HVAC and ductwork will also help increase your market to allergy sufferers and a less pet-inclined pool of buyers.
What tell-tale signs have you seen that indicate a seller might be undermining marketing efforts?
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