Realtor.com® Survey Finds 81% of Potential Sellers Think They Will Get Their Asking Price or More This Year

Core Insights - 70% of potential sellers believe it is a good time to sell their homes, driven by optimism about home values and buyer offers meeting asking prices [1][2] - 55% of potential sellers who have been considering selling for over a year feel "locked in" due to high mortgage rates [8] Seller Motivations - 79% of potential sellers are motivated by necessity, with 46% seeking a different community, 34% needing more space, and 25% looking to downsize [2][10] - 61% of potential sellers have been contemplating selling for more than a year, with 46% of them considering it for one to two years [7][8] Seller Confidence - 81% of potential sellers expect to receive their asking price or more, and 75% believe their home will sell within the average time frame or quicker [3] - 96% of potential sellers have taken steps to prepare for a sale, with 71% checking their home's value and 61% researching neighborhood prices [4][6] Home Improvements - 38% of potential sellers have made home improvements, with 70% focusing on light renovations such as repainting and updating fixtures [5] - 65% of those who renovated addressed potential inspection issues, while 59% undertook major renovations like kitchen or bathroom remodels [5] Listing Process - 60% of potential sellers have initiated the listing process, with 36% contacting a real estate agent and 27% completing a home inspection [6] - 22% have already listed their home for sale [6] Regional Differences - Seller attitudes vary by region, with 80% of potential sellers in the Northeast believing it is a good time to sell, compared to lower percentages in the West (72%), South (69%), and Midwest (65%) [10] - The Northeast is identified as the most undersupplied region, contributing to heightened seller optimism [10] Interest Rate Impact - 78% of potential sellers anticipate that interest rates will remain the same or increase in the next year, influencing their likelihood to sell [9] - 66% of potential sellers plan to buy another home after selling, with half feeling "locked in" by current mortgage rates [8]