A few years ago, almost anything listed sold fast. Inventory was at record lows and buyers raced for whatever hit the market. Today things are different: listings are up nearly 20% from this time last year in many areas, and in some places supply is back to levels not seen since 2017–2019. For sellers, that change has one clear implication:

Your house has to stand out from day one.

Inventory growth isn’t only new homes being listed — it’s a mix of new listings and active listings that are simply staying on the market longer. Recent data show much of the increase comes from homes that are lingering unsold. In short: there are more houses for buyers to choose from, and many of them have been sitting for a while.

That means buyers can be pickier — and sellers who rely on old playbooks (price high, hope for a bidding war) are the ones seeing their listings go stale.

The difference between a quick sale and crickets usually comes down to one idea: make it easy for a buyer to say “yes.” Concretely, that means:

1. Price it for today’s market, not last year’s comps or what the neighbor got three years ago.

2. Fix the obvious issues before listing — buyers notice leaks, damaged floors and scuffed paint.

3. Stage and photograph professionally so your listing stands out in feeds and search results.

4. Be flexible and realistic in negotiations — sometimes a small concession closes the deal.

5. Make showings easy (good availability and a tidy house matter).

6. Market it well: strong listing copy, accurate floorplans, and visibility on major platforms.

When sellers do those things, houses still sell quickly — even in higher-inventory markets. When they don’t, listings tend to sit and then require price cuts or a relaunch.

Research and agent experience repeatedly point to the same culprits:

1. Overpricing from the start.

2. Skipping necessary repairs or upgrades.

3. Poor listing photos or weak marketing.

4. Refusal to negotiate on reasonable offers.

5. Limited showing windows that turn buyers away.

These factors mattered less in the frenzy years, when buyers would overlook flaws. In today’s market, they matter a lot.

Selling quickly isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. A skilled local agent will:

1. Analyze the latest comps to recommend a competitive price.

2. Advise which repairs and updates will actually pay off in your market.

3. Build a marketing plan that gets attention in the crucial first two weeks.

4. Coordinate professional photos, staging, and showings.

5. Negotiate so you get the best net result without unnecessary stalls.

Data show sellers who list with agents sell faster and with fewer headaches than those who go it alone — and that edge is magnified when inventory is higher.

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Bottom line

More homes for sale doesn’t mean your home can’t sell — it means you need a sharper plan. Price it right, present it well, and work with an agent who knows your neighborhood. Do that, and your house won’t be one of the listings that sits.

✅ Want to know where your house stands compared with local inventory and what a quick-sale plan would look like? Let’s connect and put together a strategy that gets your home sold.