The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

🏡What Every Homeowner Should Understand About Pricing and Timing Before Listing Their Home

Selling a home today isn’t about waiting for the “perfect” moment — it’s about approaching the process with the right strategy from day one. The homeowners who succeed in this market aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines. They’re the ones who adapt quickly and set clear, realistic expectations.

Over the past year, many sellers didn’t get the outcome they hoped for. Not because the housing market suddenly shifted against them, but because their expectations didn’t match today’s reality. In fact, Realtor.com reports 57% more homes were taken off the market compared to last year — meaning many sellers listed… but never sold.

The good news? Most of these situations could have been avoided by focusing on two key factors: pricing and timing. Let’s break down the top lessons you can learn from other sellers so you can avoid the same pitfalls.

1. Price It Right from Day One

Pricing is still the biggest reason listings fail to get traction.

Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their full asking price or more — a confidence left over from the highly competitive markets of recent years. But according to Redfin, only 25.3% of sellers actually achieve above list price in today’s market.

The Market Has Shifted

A few years ago, you could name your price and buyers would still show up in droves. But today, buyers have more choices and more leverage. They’re selective and quick to move on if a home feels even slightly overpriced.

Unfortunately, many homeowners react to slow activity by pulling their listing entirely instead of making a small adjustment that could change everything.

Here’s What Sellers Often Miss

According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is just 4%.
That’s it.

Many sellers list too high, lose momentum, and walk away — all over a small adjustment they could have made upfront. If they had priced just 4% lower from the start, many of those homes likely would have sold quickly and smoothly.

And here’s the advantage: if you’ve owned your home for years, your equity gives you flexibility. You can price competitively and still walk away with an excellent return.

So before you list, work with a local expert who understands what’s selling and why. They’ll help you find that pricing sweet spot that attracts buyers while protecting your bottom line.

2. Don’t Rush the Process

Another major expectation gap? Timing.

Many sellers still remember the lightning-fast market of 2020–2021, when homes went under contract within hours or days. Those conditions were unusual — and they’re not the norm anymore.

Today, it takes closer to 60 days from listing to closing, which is actually a healthy, normal pace for real estate.

Why It Feels “Slow”

It’s like leaving the highway: you’ve been moving fast, and suddenly 25 mph feels painfully slow — even though it’s exactly the right speed for where you are.

That’s where many sellers get stuck. They assume their home is failing because it didn’t sell in the first weekend. But in reality, today’s buyers are more thoughtful. They’re taking their time, comparing options, and moving with intention.

The days of instant offers every time are gone — and that’s okay.

Here’s the Key: Stay Patient and Stay Strategic

If you want to stand out and sell faster, focus on:

• High-quality photography

• Strong staging

• Smart, competitive pricing

• Making a great first impression online

With the right preparation and guidance, you can still attract strong interest — just don’t expect it to happen overnight.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let fear or outdated expectations derail your plans. The homes that struggled this year didn’t fail because of the market — they failed because of strategy.

Success in today’s market comes from:
✨ Pricing right
✨ Being patient
✨ Working with a knowledgeable local agent
✨ Understanding how buyer behavior has shifted

The right mindset from the start makes all the difference.
Because in this market, winning isn’t about waiting for conditions to change — it’s about approaching your sale with clarity, strategy, and confidence from day one.

This blog post is based on content and market insights provided by Keeping Current Matters (KCM).