Navigating Today's Real Estate Market: Tips to Get Sold Now!

caitlinleetolley
Jul 3
4 min read

Selling a home has always required strategy, timing, and a bit of luck—but in today’s unpredictable market, preparation is everything. Inventory is up, and buyers are experiencing serious FOMO. They’re touring more homes than ever, but when it comes to making offers, they’re cautious and selective. If your home isn’t priced right or presented well, it could sit on the market longer than an unclaimed shopping cart on Zillow. The good news? With the right approach, you can still attract serious buyers, maximize your sale price, and close with confidence.

Here’s what you need to know to sell your home in today’s market:

1. Price Correctly From Day One.

The current real estate market is a strong buyers market. With a surplus of inventory, buyers have a ton of homes to choose from, and this gives them a lot of leverage in a negotiation. Pricing your home right is more important now than ever before. In order to be the 'obvious choice' for a buyer, a home needs to have strong value, with a compelling list price. Sellers need to use their competition to sell their homes! How do we do this? We price just below the competition, and use recent sold comparable's as a pricing guide. This will generate more interest and attract all the active buyers in your area.

Pro Tip: Never price your home based on what another seller is asking for their property. There is a huge difference between what someone is asking for, and what has actually sold. Not to mention, if you price the same as another home and it has not yet sold, there's a good chance your home will suffer the same fate and end up on the expired list.

(For my super handy buyer desirability chart on this topic click HERE).

2. Prepping Pays Off

Buyers today are less interested in fixer-uppers. With higher borrowing costs, many prefer move-in ready homes. A few cost-effective updates can go a long way:

Fresh paint in neutral tones
Tackle any and all deferred maintenance. (No damage/broken items allowed).
Replacing outdated fixtures
Minor kitchen or bath refreshes
Decluttering and deep cleaning
'Carpet Free' is a top request
Mechanics, Roof, Utilities need to all be in good working order. (Inspection will hurt you here if they are not).

Bonus Tip: When buyers walk through homes they start to count on their fingers the amount of work they will need to do to make the home work for them. If the count gets to high and the work starts to cut into their decorating budget, the buyers will walk. To avoid this, the home must be well maintained and clean. Pride of ownership goes a long way right now!

3. Maximize First Impressions

Buyers are making quick decisions—often from their phones. Your home’s first impression, both online and in person, matters more than ever. Your first showing with Buyers is online so make it a great one with these tips:

Professional photography is a must.
Consider virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs to expand reach.
Target the right buyers by honing in on your marketing. Make sure your homes best features shine online. (If your home has a big backyard, make sure you have drone shots)
Curb appeal still counts: clean landscaping, fresh paint, and a tidy entryway make a strong impact.
White photographs beautifully and makes a home appear larger, brighter, and clean.
White bedding, white bathroom towels, and Benjamin Moore's White Dove OC-17 paint are all your friends.

4. Be Flexible and Creative with Offers

It’s not just about price anymore—terms matter. Offering seller concessions, such as a credit toward closing costs can sweeten the deal for cash-strapped buyers.

In slower markets, sellers who are flexible on closing dates or willing to negotiate repairs are more likely to close successfully.

Pro Tip: A successful negotiation is one where both Seller and Buyer feel like they have received equal value from a transaction. A great Agent knows how to find the middle ground and make the deal work well for both sides.

5. Work the Offer You Have, NOT the Offer You Think You Are Going to Get

This is one of my best pieces of advice for all sellers right now!

Most people know that your first offer is almost always your best, but don't realize how difficult it can be to remain unemotional and bring that offer to a close. You need to negotiate with the buyer to make that deal work for you, instead of thinking that a better one might be coming in any second. The name of the game is 'Keep the Deal Alive.' With every counter offer having the potential to end negotiations altogether, you need to accept that your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it, not how much you spent to maintain it, or on expensive upgrades.

Final Thoughts

Yes, today’s housing market is difficult—but it’s far from impossible. With smart preparation, realistic expectations, and expert guidance, sellers can still succeed. Remember, every market presents opportunities; the key is knowing how to adapt.

If you're thinking about selling your home this year, take time to understand the landscape, invest in presentation, and arm yourself with the right Agent. The results can still exceed your expectations—even in 2025.