05/28/2026
Just had another of my articles published and wanted to share:
What Home Sellers Are Surprised About During the Selling Process
By Christy Crouch
May 27, 2026 |10 min read
“Many home sellers are surprised when they realize the market has shifted away from the rapid-fire bidding wars of a few years ago. They are often disconcerted to find that securing a buyer today requires a patient approach to showings, an openness to negotiations like closing costs, and staying on top of routine home maintenance.”
– Christy Crouch, RE/MAX real estate agent with over three decades of experience.
In today’s market, I find most home sellers are surprised to hear the market isn’t what it was four years ago. Many want to believe we’re still in the fast-moving seller’s market where homes sold with competing offers within hours of coming on the market.
Key Housing Market Stats That Have Changed:
Days on Market
When we share the current market statistics and average days on market, they are often surprised and find it hard even to accept.
Homes in the US are currently sitting for an average of 52 days, compared to 30 days in 2022.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that 52 a quicker pace than before the Pandemic years. The average days on market from 2016 to 2020 was 64 days.
Buyers Negotiations
Home sellers are also surprised that we’re seeing buyers ask for closing costs and inspections again.
There are fewer bidding wars, and the frantic housing market has calmed to a more reasonable pace. This allows buyers to be thoughtful with their investment and take time to perform routine home inspections.
It’s also allowed buyers to gain leverage and have a say in negotiations.
I also find that many home sellers are surprised by the number of showings.
The housing market was so easy for sellers for so many years. When sellers talk to friends and family who sold during those times, all they hear is how easy it was to sell. Or perhaps they bought during that market, and sellers are surprised when they come on the market, and their home doesn’t sell overnight.
They seem to still expect we’ll have tons of showings as soon as the home is listed, and once again, we are no longer in that market.
Most buyers are shopping online first and then, in many cases, will drive by homes to see the outside, the location, and the neighborhood before ever deciding which homes they want to tour.
In the heightened seller’s market there wasn’t time for that and sellers are still adjusting to this as well.
Why Isn’t Your House Selling?
Home Sellers Are Surprised By the Condition of Their Home
Another thing I find home sellers are surprised about during the process is the condition of their home.
Strong Scents
When we have to give news that isn’t so easy, such as their home smells like animals, smoke, or particular food cooking, home sellers are really surprised in most cases. People often get accustomed to the daily scent in their home and don’t even realize it themselves.
Remember, the goal is to sell your home, so it’s essential to accept feedback on how to best show the home.
Consider asking a friend to visit and be honest about how it shows and smells. While it can be hard to accept that your home may smell, it’s best to address the issue right away with deep cleaning. You may want to do this prior to the Realtor’s first visit so that you can hear it ahead of time from someone other than the Realtor.
Afterall, it’s not so easy as a Realtor to tell sellers something like this, however absolutely necessary if they want to sell the home.
Tips for an Easy Home Sale
A Lack of Home Maintenance
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to neglect all the maintenance items after all.
When we get to the home inspection process, we definitely find that home sellers are surprised and even shocked when they receive the list of repairs the buyers are asking to be completed. In many cases, it’s truly as if they had no idea.
There are certain things that should just be regular routine maintenance, and perhaps some sellers have never truly been educated about the ongoing maintenance needs of the home.
New Homeowners Maintenance
Here are a few items that should absolutely be maintained on an ongoing basis as a homeowner
These items especially warrant attention prior to selling. I share this because oftentimes it catches sellers off guard when we tell them these things, and they wish they had known sooner.
Maintain All Exterior Wood
Don’t allow it to chip or peel before scraping and painting. This leads to wood rot, termites, and can end up costing a lot more in the end.
Pest Control
It pays to pay for quarterly bug control. Getting termites or other bug infestations can cause more issues than just the bugs themselves. For a few hundred dollars a quarter, you can save yourself thousands of dollars and headaches by maintaining and having your home consistently monitored for termites and such.
HVAC Upkeep
Change your air filters monthly to every 60 days. This will ensure your system is optimally working and keep your air cleaner as well.
Have your heating and air inspected twice a year; once for summer and once for winter. Maintenance of the systems can save you money and frustration.
Systems Check
Have someone check your electrical and plumbing systems every few years. Getting ahead of small leaky faucets can save you thousands of dollars from major leaks occurring. Electrical goes without saying it’s important to make sure it’s all property safe and working to avoid possible fire.
If you have lived in your home for a while and it hasn’t had a recent whole house inspection including well, septic, and radon then you should consider having one. This will reveal any current issues as well as inform you of upcoming potential problems and maintenance items that need attention. This is a good idea to have every 5-7 years.
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped every 5-7 years minimum. One of the worst and mostly costly repairs can be septic systems.
It pays to maintain rather than wait for things to break or go out.
Work With an Expert
Navigating today’s shifting real estate market requires more than just listing a home; it demands a strategic partner who understands current buyer expectations, local market timelines, and the vital role of pre-listing preparation.
If you want to avoid unexpected surprises and ensure a smooth, successful sale, it pays to have a top-tier professional in your corner.
Head over to FastExpert today to easily compare, read reviews, and connect with the most qualified, experienced real estate agents in your local area who can help you price, prep, and sell your home with confidence.
Christy Crouch
Realtor / Team Leader
Remax All Points
Roanoke, VA
Equal Housing Opportunity
Christy has been in the industry since 1991 and brings knowledge and experience from many different market conditions. Christy's clientele spans from first-time homebuyers to seasoned sellers, families relocating, investors, and even seniors transitioning to independent living. Her expertise also extends to development and new construction projects. Christy has been acknowledged by REMAX with the highest awards possible and continues to be a difference maker in her community by serving and giving back by donating to a foundation of her client's choosing for every home she and her team sell. She is passionate about giving back through education as well. She has co-authored and published two books and is honored to be writing for Fast Expert.
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