The Market Has Shifted — Here’s How to Sell Smart in 2025

The red-hot seller’s market we’ve all gotten used to has cooled down. These days, we’re seeing a more balanced playing field where buyers have more leverage — and that means sellers need to be a little more strategic to get top dollar.

If you’re thinking about selling, here are some data-backed tips to help make the process smoother and more profitable.

1. Get Maximum Exposure

If you want the best price and the quickest sale, you need eyeballs on your property. The easiest way to do that? List your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). It gets your home in front of other agents, serious buyers, and all the major sites like Zillow and Redfin.

Homes listed on the MLS sold for 17.5% more on average in 2022 compared to private or “pocket” listings. That’s about $53,000 more for the typical seller — not a number to ignore.

2. Work With an Agent You Trust

Selling a home is a team sport, and your agent matters. A great local agent can help you prep, price, and promote your home the right way. We know what buyers in the area are looking for and how to market your home to stand out.

When you’re hiring an agent, interview a few. Ask about their pricing strategy, marketing plan, and communication style. You want someone who knows how to get your home in front of the right buyers — and on the MLS.

3. Time It Right

Nationally, the best time to sell is early June — homes listed in the first two weeks of June sold for 2.3% more, on average. But every market is different. In places like San Francisco, the best time is as early as February. In New York or Philly, it might be July.

If you're local here in Central Indiana, I can give you a solid read on the best time based on our market trends.

4. Highlight the Right Features

If your home has cool outdoor features like a pizza oven, outdoor TV, or even a bluestone patio — show them off! Buyers will pay more for the right features. According to Zillow, outdoor TVs alone added over $10K to sale prices in some cases.

5. Don’t Skip the Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Whether buyers are driving by or scrolling online, your home’s exterior sets the tone. Trim those bushes, clean up the walkways, pressure wash the siding, and maybe add some flowers or a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

6. Make It Pop Online

Most buyers are shopping online first, so your listing needs strong screen appeal. That means high-quality photos, a 3D tour, and an interactive floor plan if possible. Listings with these features can sell for 2% more — that’s nearly $9,000 on a typical home.

7. Depersonalize the Space

It’s hard for buyers to picture themselves in the home when it’s filled with your family photos and memorabilia. Neutralize it a bit — clean, simple, and open is the goal.

8. Stick to Neutral Paint

Thinking of freshening up the paint? Stick with neutral colors. Not everyone loves bold design choices, and a blank canvas helps buyers imagine their own style in the space.

9. Small Improvements, Big Returns

You don’t need a full remodel. Even simple updates like open shelving, window boxes, or painting a brick fireplace can boost interest and daily saves on sites like Zillow by 30–50%.

10. Price It Right From the Start

Start with tools like the Zestimate to get a ballpark number, but lean on your agent to fine-tune it. We’ll look at recent comps, local trends, and buyer behavior to price your home to sell — and avoid a stale listing.

11. Know the Local Market

Are we in a buyer’s market, seller’s market, or somewhere in between? Is inventory up or down? How quickly are homes selling in your neighborhood? These local insights help you position your home to attract the right buyers at the right price.

12. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection

Getting ahead of potential issues can save you a ton of headaches later. A pre-inspection gives you a chance to fix problems before a buyer ever sees them — or at least prepare to negotiate around them.

13. Be Flexible With Showings

Buyers don’t work on your schedule. The more flexible you are with showings, the more people will see your home — and the faster you’ll get an offer. Yes, it can be inconvenient, but it’s temporary and worth it.

14. If You’re Not Getting Activity, Adjust

No one loves a price drop, but sometimes it’s necessary. If you’re not getting showings or offers after the first couple of weeks, it might be time to revisit the price. The key is to act before your listing goes stale.

Bottom Line

Even in a shifting market, well-prepped and well-priced homes still sell — often quickly. Work with a local expert, make your home shine (online and in person), and you’ll be on your way to your next chapter in no time.

If you’re thinking of selling soon and want a personalized game plan, let’s connect. I’d love to help you map it out. 

— JRL