Selling Your House Summer 2026 April Hieronymus & Starck Real Estate

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN Selling Your House

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know About Selling Now

This Summer season, there’s plenty of opportunity if you’re thinking about selling, whether that’s next month or closer to Fall. But you still need to have a strategy that matches the moment. Here’s what you have to know.

Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.

There are more homes for sale than there have been in years. That’s great because it gives you more options for your own move. But it also means the buyers looking right now, have more choices too. According to the data, the number of homes for sale is inching back toward more normal levels nationally (see graph below):

Number of Homes for Sale at Highest Point in 5 Years

Active Listing Count, April of Each Year

But the improvement is going to vary by area. If you’re in a market where the number of homes for sale is back to normal, buyers may have more sway than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean buyers have all the power – it just means they have more choices, so your home has to stand out, and you need to be ready to negotiate. But if you live where inventory is still pretty limited, you may still see multiple buyers competing for your house.

No matter where you are, the key is to work with a pro who can help you adjust your game plan for your local market.

Your Asking Price Matters

And with more homes to choose from, today’s buyers are quick to skip over homes that feel overpriced. That’s why pricing your house right is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar. Miss the mark, though, and you may have to backtrack and do a price cut.

The best way to get make sure you’re priced to sell is to lean on your local agent. Because, as they say, if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

Flexibility Wins Negotiations

And don't expect today's buyers to waive inspections and appraisals just to get a deal done. Now that buyers have more options, they’re able to ask for things like repairs, credits, and help with closing costs. Data from Redfin shows 44% of sellers are offering concessions like that right now. That’s just shy of the highest level on record.

The savviest sellers are the ones taking advantage of every opportunity to work with buyers. It’ll help if you think of concessions as tools, not losses.

Use them to bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and get across the finish line. And don’t stress. Since prices went up roughly 39% over the past five years, you’ve got plenty of room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead. Just work with your agent to understand which concessions could be the key to sealing the deal.

Bottom Line

Sellers who are going to succeed in the months ahead are the ones who understand this shift and lean into it with the right expectations, the right agent, and the right strategy.

The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market

When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating for sellers. But, here’s what you need to realize.

In every market right now, there’s one clear exception. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling, and it’s often faster than you’d expect. If you can tap into that and nail your price and prep, you can still set yourself up to move quickly, too. Here’s how to get it done.

How Long It Takes To Sell Today

According to Realtor.com, homes are selling in about 52 days. That’s how long the process takes from the day it hits the market until closing day. And while that may sound slow to you, it’s not slow. It’s normal.

That’s because it’s pretty much right in line with what it was during the last normal years in the market (see 2018-2019 in the graph below):

The Number of Days It Takes To Sell Is Back to Normal

Median Days on the Market, April of Each Year

Source: Realtor.com

It just feels slow when you’re eager to move –or when you think back a few years to when homes seemed to sell almost instantly. Buthere’s what matters most.

This is the norm forhow long it takes from start to finish. You may have an accepted offer in hand even faster than this.

Some Homes Go Under Contract in as Little as a Week

Zillow says the typical home will go “pending” or “under contract” in 19 days. Some homes even see it happen in as little as 7 days.

It just depends on where you are – and how you prep your house.

The Big Reasons Some Homes Sit, and Some Sell Fast

Today’s buyers are paying attention to condition.They’recomparingphotos, upgrades, layout, location, and price. And they’re choosing homes that feel move-in ready and worth their price.

The homes that check those boxes?They’re not sitting for long. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:

“The cream of the crop is still selling fast, even in markets that have slowed considerably. . .”

Because in any market – hot or not – if a home is overpriced, needs too much work, or just doesn’t meet current buyer expectations, it’s not going to sell.

Right now, the sellers who win are the ones who get real about their house. They’rehonest about how their home compares to other listings, realistic about price, and they work with an agent who truly understands today’s market and what it takes to sell.

When your agent knows how to price strategically, spotlight the strengths of your home, and move quickly when the market gives clear signals, that’swhen the results follow.

Bottom Line

Today's housing market rewards the right strategy. Because even in a slower area, the homes that are priced realistically and positioned well are still selling – sometimes faster than you may expect. Let’s connect if you’re ready to make yours one of them.

Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Summer

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort?

The short answer is “yes,” especially right now. And here’s why.

With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money possible without your house sitting on the market. The answer is staging It can help your house stand out, bring in stronger offers, and sell faster. As Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it:

“Staging matters. Preparing the home to be ‘buyer-ready’ attracts more buyers, especially now that inventory has increased.”

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing your house, so it appeals to as many would-be buyers as possible.

That usually means decluttering, deep cleaning, rearranging furniture, and adding simple touches that help each room feel bright, open, and welcoming.

Why Is It Worth the Effort?

The goal is to help those buyers fall in love with the space and picture themselves living there, which makes them more likely to make an offer.

The benefit is obvious. Staged houses tend to perform better on almost every metric that matters when you sell.

According to Redfin, staged homes have been shown to sell up to 73% faster than unstaged homes. They often close in under a month, compared to anywhere from two to three months for vacant ones.

There’s also a strong return on the money you spend.

The Home Staging Institute says mid-level staging can deliver a 350% return on investment. On a $400k home, that turns the typical $4k cost into roughly $18k in added value when you sell (see graph below):

The Impact Mid-Level Staging Can Have on Your Sale

By that estimate, that’s an extra potential profit of about $14k – a meaningful boost when you’re trying to maximize what you walk away with at closing.

Your Staging Options

And just in case you’re seeing that $4k upfront investment above and thinking, “I’m not going to spend that,” here’s what you should know.

Staging doesn’t always have to mean hiring a full crew or filling your house with rented furniture. There are options for almost every budget, from professional staging to virtual staging to DIY updates like decluttering and rearranging furniture. So, you could spend less and still get a good return. Your agent can help you figure out which approach fits your house, your market, and your goals. That way you can get the most bang for your buck – no matter your budget.

Bottom Line

With more homes for sale right now, making a strong first impression matters. Staging can help your house sell faster and for more – and there's an option for almost every budget. If you’re getting ready to list, let’s talk about what makes sense for your house.

Small repairs and maintenance are often needed to show buyers that you've taken good care of the home. These small efforts can make a big difference when it comes to how long it takes to sell your home and how much it sells for.

Home Upgrades That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

Planning to sell your house? Remember, it’s worth it to tackle repairs. But, you'll want to focus on updates that actually matter. And that’s exactly where return-on-investment (ROI) data comes in handy.

Which Projects Tend To Pay Off

Every year, Zonda looks at which home improvements deliver the most value when you sell your house. And the results can be a little surprising. The green in the graph below shows the updates where sellers have the biggest potential to add value based on that research:

Home Projects with the Highest Return on Investment (ROI)

Estimated ROI Compared to Upfront Cost, 2025 National Average

While there’s a wide range of projects represented in this data, the good thing is, some of the top winners don't take a ton of effort. They’re just swapping out doors.

Small Updates, Big Visual Impact

This goes to show little projects can have a big impact. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And you don’t need to tackle everything on this list. But in today’s market, doing nothing can work against you. Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, a lot of them are going to opt for what’s move-in ready.

The best advice? Focus on what your house needs, whether it’s listed here or not – like the repairs you’ve been putting off. A front door or shutters in need of a little TLC. Piles of leaves in the yard. Scuffed up paint where your kids play inside. Those details matter too. Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager, explains it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) this way:

“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”

These seemingly small things help buyers focus on the home itself – not the work they think they’ll have to do after they move in. And that’s paying off for other sellers. Buyers are often willing to spend more on homes that feel well cared for, updated, and move-in ready.

This Information Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy

Here’s the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline. Buyer preferences are going to vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood. That means a project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary (or even overkill) in yours. That’s why the first step should always be to talk with a local real estate professional before you start. An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:

• Which updates do buyers in your market expect?

• What can you skip without hurting your sale?

• Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?

That guidance helps you avoid over-improving and under-preparing.

Bottom Line

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk about what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

How Home Equity Could Change Everything About Your Move

If you own a home already, you may be tempted to wait because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of how much your house has likely grown in value. That one number might just change everything about your next move.

The Hidden Wealth of Homeownership

Here’s how it works. When you own a home, you build up something called equity.

Each time you make a mortgage payment, you’re chipping away at your loan balance. And that helps your ownership stake in your home grow. At the same time, home values typically rise –which drives up the overall value of your home.

When you put those two things together, you’re building wealth automatically, month after month, year after year.

And that combo can make a real difference in your move. That’s especially true if you’ve lived in your house for a while, which many homeowners have. According to Realtor.com:

“Nearly half (45.2%) of today’s homeowners have lived in their home for more than 15 years, and 1 in 4 for over 25 years.”

If that’s you, just imagine what 15-25 years of payments plus steady appreciation have done to your bottom line. It's time you see how your equity stacks up over time.

What That Really Means in Dollars

The chart on the next page uses research coming out of Realtor.com to show an estimate of how much equity homeowners have built up depending on when they bought.

For each time frame, it takes the median-priced home and uses it as the baseline example.

Check it out for yourself.

According to the study, if you bought the average-priced home in...

• The mid-90s: You could be sitting on over $400,000 in equity now.

• The early 2000s: You could have over $330,000, even with owning during the housing crash.

• In 2015: Even in that shorter 10-year time frame, many homeowners have already built nearly $285,000 in equity.

Real Examples of How Homeowners Gain Equity Over Time

* Estimates based on the purchase of a median-priced home

If you haven’t had someone help you understand the value of your home this year, let’s connect to take a look. It doesn’t mean you have to sell. But it does mean you’ll know what you could be working with – and how far that number can take you. …

Of course, your actual number is going to vary based on the purchase price, any work you've done to the house, the size of your original down payment, and more. The point is, a lot of homeowners are sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity. And that can offset nearly every concern you have about moving right now.

• Worried about taking on a higher mortgage rate? Your equity could cover a significant down payment. And the more money you put down, the less you need to finance at today’s rates.

• Ever thought it would be easier to just buy your next house in cash? Thanks to your equity, that may be possible. And an all-cash offer is something that's going to appeal to a lot of sellers because they don’t have to worry about their buyer’s financing falling through at the last second.

Bottom Line

Your Equity Could

Turn You into an All-Cash Buyer

What Is Home Equity?

“

In the simplest terms, your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.

Freddie Mac

And thanks to years of home price appreciation and mortgage payments, today’s homeowners have a tremendous amount of it.

Almost 2/3 of Americans Have Paid Off Their

or Have at Least

Mortgaged Homes with More Than 50% Equity

Mortgaged Homes with Less Than 50% Equity Owns the Home Free and Clear

Sources: Census, ATTOM Data

You May Have Enough Equity To Buy Your Next House in Cash

1 in 4

In April, 25% of transactions were all-cash buyers.

Especially if you’re looking to downsize, that could mean you’re able to buy a smaller home without taking out a mortgage at all. And that’s because of home equity.

To see how much equity you have and how it can power your next move, let’s connect.

".

. . price growth has helped the typical homeowner accumulate $128,100 in housing wealth over the past six years."

Lawrence Yun Chief Economist, NAR

A Checklist for Selling Your House

Make It Inviting

As you get ready to sell your house, add these items to your to-do list. A real estate professional will also provide other helpful tips based on your specific situation.

Check lightbulbs and replace as needed

Take down personal photos or items

Declutter throughout

Give every room a clear purpose

Clean your vents and baseboards

Vacuum, mop, or sweep floors

Fix anything that’s broken

Organize countertops, cabinets, and closets

Touch up any scuffs on the walls

Power wash outdoor surfaces

Open blinds or curtains to let the light in Show It’s Cared For Boost Curb Appeal

Wash the windows (inside and out)

Tidy up the landscaping

Freshen up your entry

Sweep patios, decks, and walkways

The #1 Regret Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an Agent

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that’s the most difficult task for homeowners who don’t use an agent. And it makes sense that pricing claims the top spot. Pricing isn’t as simple as picking a number from an online estimate or copying what your neighbor sold for last year. It takes real insight into:

• What buyers are actually willing to pay today

• What similar homes nearby are really selling for

• The condition of your house

• How in-demand your area is

Without that context, it’s easy to shoot too high, especially now that buyers can be more selective. And in today’s market, that’ll backfire.

Overpricing Isn’t a Small Mistake

Your price is part of what shapes a buyer’s first impression. And when it's too high, a chain reaction begins. If buyers think you’re asking too much, they’re going to turn the other way. And when buyers bypass your house, you'll get fewer showings.

Fewer showings lead to fewer offers. And fewer offers usually mean making a price cut to try to draw buyers back in. That’s happening more often right now, especially on homes sold without a pro.

The same NAR report shows most homes that sold without an agent (59%) had to reduce their asking price at least once.

The trouble is, price cuts don’t always fix the problem. They can attract bargain hunters rather than strong, confident buyers. That's because many buyers see a price drop as a sign there’s something wrong with the house. And that assumption can turn buyers away too.

The Part Sellers Don’t See Coming

By the time your house finally sells, you may net less than if you’d priced it correctly from the start. Again, the data backs this up. NAR shows that homes sold with an agent sell for nearly 8% more than homes sold without one:

Homes Sold With an Agent Went for Almost 20% More Than Homes Sold Without One

That’s not because agents magically add value. It’s because they have the expertise needed to get it right. The price. The prep. The presentation. And the paperwork. Nail all of that from day one, and you'll be set up to get as much money as you can out of your sale.

So, even though you thought selling without an agent meant saving money, that's not necessarily true. The facts show selling on your own can mean selling for less in the long run. And that may be enough to totally change your perspective.

Bottom Line

Today, the biggest risk of selling without an agent isn’t the paperwork or the hassle. It’s the price. And once pricing goes wrong, it’s hard to course correct.

So, if you’re thinking about selling and want to understand what your home would realistically go for in our market today, let's connect. A quick pricing conversation now can save you from bigger regrets later.

Key Reasons To Hire an Agent When You Sell

Industry Experience

We’re well-versed in the housing market and know the ins and outs of the entire process.

Pricing and Market Value

We help you understand today’s real estate values when setting the price of a listing or making an offer to purchase your next home.

Marketing and Exposure

We have effective marketing tools and networks to attract more buyers.

Expert Insights

We simply and effectively explain today’s market conditions and what they mean for you.

Contracts and Fine Print

We help with all the disclosures and documents necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.

Negotiation Experience

We act as a buffer in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction.