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The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling
Price It Right from Day One Before you sell your home, there’s one truth you should hold onto: the homeowners who succeed in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting for “the perfect moment.” They’re the ones who start with clarity, realistic expectations, and a plan that fits the real world not the highlight reels on social media. This year, a lot of homeowners walked away disappointed. Not because the market was broken… but because their expectations were. Realtor.com reports that 57% more homes were taken off the market compared to last year. These were homes that listed… but didn’t sell. And in most cases, it came down to two things:price and timing. The good news?When you understand these early, you step into the selling process feeling calmer, more confident, and more in control instead of stressed or blindsided later. Here are the top two lessons you can learn from the sellers who struggled this year. Let’s talk about pricing, the part most sellers wrestle with. Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more.But the reality is different. Redfin shows that only 1 in 4 (25.3%) sellers actually end up selling for above list price. So where’s the gap? A few years ago, you could set almost any number and buyers would rush in. Homes were selling in hours, and bidding wars were the norm. Today, buyers have options more than they’ve had in years which means they can be selective. If your price feels even a little too high, buyers scroll right past it. That’s exactly what happened to many homeowners this year. Instead of making a small, strategic price adjustment, they pulled their listings entirely and missed out on real opportunities. Here’s the part most sellers never hear: According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is just 4%. That’s it. Four percent is often the difference between “no activity” and “multiple showings.” If those sellers had priced strategically from the start or made a simple adjustment sooner they likely would’ve sold. And here’s the part that brings the pressure down. If you’ve built equity over the years, you can price competitively and still come out ahead financially. Before listing, work with a trusted real estate agent to analyze comparable homes in your area. Together, you can find a price that’s competitive, realistic, and aligned with your goals. Don’t Rush the Process — Selling Takes Time Another common mistake is expecting your home to sell in a weekend. Many sellers are still comparing today’s market to the lightning-fast pace of 2020 and 2021. But those days were the exception, not the rule. Right now, the average timeline is closer to 60 days from listed to sold.And that’s normal. Think of it like going from highway speed to neighborhood speed.You’re not going slow you’re going the right speed for where you are. Today’s buyers are more intentional. They’re slowing down, comparing homes, and making thoughtful decisions. This is actually healthier for the market, and for you. So if you’re planning to sell: Don’t panic if your home doesn’t go under contract the first weekend. Don’t assume something’s wrong if you don’t get an immediate offer. Don’t rush the process and sabotage your own results. If you want your home to stand out, talk with your agent about strategic upgrades staging, photography, minor fixes, or value-driven pricing. Small improvements can create big momentum. With the right preparation and the right expectations, your home can still sell quickly. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let fear shape your decisions let clarity guide them. The listings that struggled this year weren’t doomed…they were simply misaligned. You can still win in this market if you price with intention, stay patient, and work with an agent who understands what buyers are responding to right now. Success isn’t about waiting for the market to change.It’s about starting the process with the right plan and the right expectations from day one.