The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

Before you list your home, there’s something important we want you to know. In today’s market, the sellers who see the best results aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect moment.” They’re the ones who set the right expectations and strategy from the very beginning — and that’s exactly what we guide our clients through at Slater Realty Group.

This year, many homeowners didn’t get the outcome they hoped for. But it wasn’t because the market failed them. It was because their expectations didn’t match the current reality. Realtor.com reports that 57% more homes were taken off the market this year compared to last. That means these sellers listed, didn’t attract the right buyers, and ultimately pulled their homes from the market. In most cases, it came down to two things: price and timing. And with the right mindset around each, those sellers would have had completely different results.

Step One: Price It Right from Day One

Pricing is the number-one factor that determines how fast a home sells and whether it sells at all. Right now, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more, but the data paints a different picture. But only about one in four sellers are actually selling above list price.

A few years ago, you could list almost anything high and still attract multiple offers. But today’s buyers have more options, and they’re much more selective. If your home feels even slightly overpriced, they move on without hesitation. Many sellers this year experienced that disconnect. Instead of adjusting their price strategically, they pulled their listing entirely often over a difference as small as a 4% price cut, which is the current national average according to HousingWire. At Slater Realty Group, we know how important it is to start with a price that’s competitive, realistic, and still protects your bottom line. The good news? If you’ve owned your home for several years, your equity often gives you plenty of room to price smartly and still walk away with a strong financial outcome.

Step Two: Don’t Rush the Process

Another common issue we saw from sellers this year was unrealistic expectations around timing. Many people still remember when homes were selling in hours during 2020 and 2021. But that pace was the exception not the norm.Today, it typically takes around 60 days from listing to closing, which is perfectly normal for a balanced market. It only feels slow when you compare it to the frenzy of the past few years. Buyers now are more intentional. They’re taking their time, exploring their options, and making thoughtful decisions which is actually a much healthier environment for both sides.

That’s why we help our clients understand what a realistic timeline looks like and how to speed it up where possible. Professional staging, high-quality photography, strategic pricing, and thoughtful prep work all make a measurable difference. With the right strategy, your home can still sell quickly, just not overnight.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell, don’t let uncertainty push you into the wrong approach. The homes that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed; they simply started with the wrong strategy. At Slater Realty Group, we help you avoid those missteps from day one so you can price confidently, prepare properly, and attract the right buyers.In today’s market, success doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from partnering with the right team, setting clear expectations, and positioning your home to win from the start.

Source

Coldwell Banker Realty