Here’s something you should know before you sell your house. The homeowners who succeed aren’t the ones waiting it out or stepping back. They’re the ones who understand what homeowners need to know before selling and adapt from the start.
A number of homeowners this year didn’t get the outcome they wanted. But it’s not because something’s wrong with the market. It’s because something wasn’t right with their expectations.
Realtor.com reports 57% more homes have been taken off the market compared to last year. That means they listed… but didn’t sell. And in most cases, that comes down to two things that fall under what homeowners need to know before selling: price and timing.
If those sellers had come in with the right mindset on each, their sale could’ve gone very differently. Here are the top two things homeowners need to understand before selling.
1. Price It Right from Day 1
One of the biggest lessons in what homeowners need to know before selling is how important the right price is from the beginning.
Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more. But that confidence doesn’t always match reality.
According to Redfin, only 1 in 4 (25.3%) sellers are actually getting more than their list price.
A few years ago, you could set almost any price and buyers would come running. But that’s no longer how the market works.
Buyers now have more options and are more selective. If a price feels even slightly too high, they may skip the home entirely.
For many homeowners, this leads to pulling their listing instead of making a small adjustment that could change everything. According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is just 4%.
That’s why understanding pricing is one of the most critical parts of what homeowners need to know before selling. Before you list, talk with your agent about what’s actually working nearby so you can find the right balance between competitive and realistic.
2. Don’t Rush the Process
Another common misstep: expecting your house to sell in a weekend.
Many sellers right now remember when homes sold in as little as hours – and they expect that to happen today. But in most markets, that’s not the reality anymore.
It takes closer to 60 days to go from listed to sold, which is actually normal (see the gray in the graph below):
It only feels slow when compared to the rapid pace of 2020 and 2021.
Today’s buyers are more intentional. They’re taking time to weigh their options, which is creating a healthier housing market.
So if your home doesn’t sell right away, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. Understanding realistic timelines is a major part of what homeowners need to know before selling.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let the market discourage you—let it guide you.
The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed. They simply started with the wrong strategy.
When you understand what homeowners need to know before selling, you put yourself in a much stronger position. With the right price, realistic expectations, and guidance from a local agent, you can still sell successfully and confidently.
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