Want to Sell Your Home? Start Early: Realtor.com® Report Finds Equity Is High, But Success Requires Planning

Nearly 80% of recent sellers say they wish they had listed sooner, underscoring the value of preparation in today's market

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Many long-time homeowners are sitting on substantial equity gains, but today's shifting market means selling successfully requires more strategy and preparation than in years past. According to a new Realtor.com^® report, starting the process early — before the peak spring season — can make the difference between a smooth sale and missed opportunities.

Nearly half (45.2%) of homeowners have lived in their homes for more than 15 years, with one in four staying put for over 25 years. Among households aged 65+, about 70% moved in before 2009, and nearly half before 2000. Over that time, U.S. home prices have tripled — from $145,000 in June 2000 to $435,300 in June 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors.  For many owners, that means hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential equity. At the same time, a nationwide shortage of an estimated 4 million homes continues to reshape affordability and competition in today's market.

"Today's housing market is very different from the one many long-time owners last sold in," said Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com^®." Even though homes are taking longer to sell and buyers have more options than a few years ago, sellers who plan ahead and price strategically can still come away with meaningful financial gains. Starting early gives homeowners the best chance to find the right agent, prepare their home, and position it well for the spring selling season."

Equity Gains Are Substantial: A typical homeowner who bought in 2005 has seen their home value rise by about 90%, boosting equity by more than $200,000. Owners who purchased in the 1990s may have gained even more.

Survey Signals Need to Prepare Early: Homeowners surveyed expect it will take an average of 10 months from decision to list through closing in 2025. Baby Boomers are more optimistic at 6 months, but either way, those targeting spring 2026 should begin preparations now. Survey results also show the value of working with an agent : 36.1% of sellers reported better access to market data, and 37.1% said their agent helped set realistic pricing and timelines, leading to a smoother experience.

Seller Regrets Point to Better Planning: Nearly 80% of recent sellers wish they had listed sooner. One of the top regrets was not interviewing enough agents — underscoring the importance of selecting the right partner early.

Market Pressures Have Reshaped the Landscape

The long-term housing shortage continues to weigh on affordability. After construction plunged during the housing crash of 2006–2009, builder recovery has lagged behind household formation, leaving an estimated 4 million–home shortfall. Pandemic-era demand then collided with limited supply, sending prices soaring, while higher mortgage rates in recent years have sidelined buyers and slowed activity. As a result, more homes are on the market, but affordability challenges keep many buyers on the sidelines — creating a more competitive environment for sellers. Still, with 4.1 months of supply in June 2025, sellers remain in a stronger position than during the late 1990s, and long-time owners continue to benefit from decades of appreciation.

"Unlike in recent years, when sellers could list quickly and attract multiple offers, today's environment rewards preparation," said Hale. "By starting early — interviewing multiple agents, addressing needed repairs, and setting a clear timeline — homeowners can better take advantage of spring demand while navigating a market that is increasingly buyer-sensitive."

Methodology
Recent survey data from DKC Analytics from a poll of 1000 US adults (18+) currently interested in buying or selling their primary residence, or have done so in the last 2 years. The survey was conducted between August 7th and August 8th. Other survey results from Realtor.com Research & Insights team A&U survey, conducted in early 2025.

About Realtor.com^®
Realtor.com^® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com^® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com^® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.

Media contact: Mallory Micetich, [email protected]

SOURCE Realtor.com