A few years ago, when housing inventory was at a record low, nearly every home that hit the market sold quickly, often with multiple offers and bidding wars to match. But today’s landscape looks very different.
Listings are up almost 20% compared to this time last year, and in many areas, inventory levels have returned to what we last saw in 2017–2019. That means sellers are facing more competition than they have in years.
Simply put, your home needs to stand out from day one.
And that’s especially true when you look closer at what’s driving today’s higher inventory. According to Realtor.com, much of the increase isn’t from brand-new listings, but from homes that have been sitting on the market longer than expected. Fewer new listings are being added each month while active listings are piling up.
So, how do you make sure your home isn’t one of the ones that lingers? Let’s look at what makes the difference between homes that sell and homes that sit.
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly and Others Don’t
Selling a home today comes down to one thing: how easy it is for buyers to say “yes” the moment it hits the market.
That means pricing based on current conditions, not what your neighbor’s home sold for a few years ago. It means handling important repairs before listing. And it means showcasing your home’s best features through professional marketing that captures attention online and in person.
Homes that are priced and presented well are still selling quickly, often faster than expected. The ones that linger are typically the ones where sellers hold on to outdated expectations or skip crucial prep work.
According to Redfin and HousingWire, the most common reasons homes struggle to sell include:
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Overpricing from the start
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Skipping repairs or staging
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Refusing to negotiate
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Limited showing availability
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Poor-quality marketing or listing photos
Just a few years ago, many of these details didn’t matter as much. But today, with more homes competing for buyers’ attention, presentation and strategy matter more than ever.
The first few weeks on the market are critical: that’s when your listing gets the most eyes and the most momentum. Get it right from the start, and your home could sell faster than you think. Get it wrong, and you could find yourself chasing the market downward as your listing goes stale.
How the Right Agent Makes the Difference
Selling quickly in today’s market isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy and having the right team behind you.
An experienced agent will analyze the local market, price your home based on real-time comparables, and create a marketing plan designed to make buyers take notice. They’ll also advise on updates, repairs, or staging that can make your home shine.
As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports, over half of sellers who work with an agent accept an offer within the first month which is nearly twice as fast as those who go it alone.
That’s the power of getting it right from the start.
The Takeaway
Yes, there are more homes for sale right now but that doesn’t have to work against you.
With the right pricing, preparation, and marketing strategy, your home can stand out and sell confidently, no matter the market conditions.
If you’re thinking about selling this fall and want to position your home for success, connect with our team at Tucker Realty Group. We’ll help you prepare, price, and present your home to sell — not just sit.
