Should You Sell Your Home Now?-A Seller’s Dilemma in a Changing Market

10/07/2025

When I meet with sellers these days, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Is now a good time to sell my home?”

After several years of rapid price growth, home values have started to level off. Many homeowners are wondering if we’re at the market’s peak and considering selling before prices drop further.

At the same time, today’s buyers have become much more informed. The more homes they see, the better they understand what a fair price looks like.

When Life Changes — The Real Reason People Sell

Ultimately, people sell their homes because their circumstances change.
The reasons vary, but most fall into one of the following categories:

• Changes in family structure
  Marriage, a new baby, children leaving home, or even divorce or loss — these life events can make your current space no longer fit your needs.

• Job relocation or financial changes
  A job promotion may require moving to a new area, or on the other hand, a layoff may make it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments.

In these cases, even when the market feels uncertain, it’s often the right time to sell.
That’s why setting the right price becomes absolutely critical.

Pricing Strategy — Why “Let’s List High and Negotiate” Can Backfire

Many sellers think, “Buyers will negotiate anyway, so let’s start a little high.”
But in today’s market, that strategy rarely works.

If your listing price is set too high, you lose buyer interest from the start. Your home stays on the market longer, and you may end up lowering the price later — sometimes below what it could have sold for initially.

Conversely, pricing slightly below market expectation can generate more interest and even lead to multiple offers.

If You Don’t Have to Sell Now — Use This Time to Prepare

If there’s no urgent reason to sell, I often advise my clients to wait.
Mortgage rates remain high, and buyers are taking their time before making big decisions.

It’s not just about interest rates — general economic uncertainty and social concerns have made buyers more cautious overall.

So why not use this period as your home preparation phase?

Pre-Sale Preparation Checklist

1. Declutter
   Start by removing about one-third of your belongings. A spacious, tidy home always looks more appealing — both in photos and during showings.
2. Repairs & Updates
   Fix any functional issues first (leaks, lights, door handles, etc.).
   If budget allows, small updates like new faucets, lighting fixtures, or a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.
3. Deep Cleaning
   Hire a professional cleaning service to make your floors, windows, and bathrooms shine like new.
   These details can significantly impact how buyers perceive your home later.

Final Advice

If you don’t need to sell right now, use this fall and winter as a time to prepare.
Aim for a strategic launch in spring (around March).

Markets fluctuate — but well-prepared homes always sell.
The depth of your preparation shapes the strength of your results.