Here’s something you should know before you sell your house in today’s market. The homeowners who win aren’t the ones waiting it out or stepping back. They’re the ones who adapt from the start.

A number of homeowners last year and so far in 2026 didn’t get the outcome they wanted, whether they didn’t sell or sold but didn’t get the price they wanted. But it’s not because something’s wrong with the market. It’s because something wasn’t right with their expectations.

And if the seller had come in with the right mindset on each, their home sale would’ve gone differently. Here are the top two things you can learn from those other sellers:

1. Price It Right from Day 1

Let’s start with the most common sticking point: the asking price. Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more. But that confidence doesn’t always line up with reality.

And here’s where the mismatch is coming from. A few short years ago, you could set any price and buyers would come running, no matter what the price tag said. Odds are, you’d still sell for over asking. But things are different now.

Buyers have more options than they’ve had in years, so they can afford to be more selective. I like to say that at the beginning of 2022 when the market was at it’s peak and we experienced the highest average prices in history, that there were 25 – 35 buyers for every home.  But now, there are 25 – 35 homes for every buyer!  If your price feels even a little high to them, it’ll get overlooked in a heartbeat.  

And for the homeowners who had that happen, some end up pulling their listings off the market instead of making a simple adjustment that could have changed everything. Which is a shame. Because a small price tweak is usually all it takes to bring buyers in and get the deal done.

If you’ve been in your home for a while, your equity gives you room to set your list price more competitively and still come out way ahead. 

Thinking about selling in today’s market? A smart pricing and preparation strategy can make all the difference.


Let’s talk about what that looks like for your home  

2. Don’t Rush the Process

Another common misstep: expecting your house to sell in a weekend. Many sellers right now remember when homes sold quickly - not in weeks or days, but literally in hours – and they expect that to happen today. But in most markets, that’s not the reality anymore.

It takes closer to 60 days to go from listed to sold, which is actually normal in a balanced market. It just feels slower because they’re comparing it to the lightning-fast pace of 2020, 2021 and the beginning of 2022.  

Think of it like driving 100 km/h on the highway, then exiting and going 50 km/h. It feels like you’re crawling, but it’s actually the right speed for where you are. That’s what some sellers can’t seem to get over. But you can get ahead of that, by knowing what to expect.

Today’s buyers are more intentional. They’re taking their time, weighing their options, and making thoughtful decisions, which is creating a much healthier housing market.

So, if you’re planning to sell, don’t expect it to happen instantly. And don’t assume your house won’t sell if it doesn’t go under contract in the first weekend. It’s normal for these things to take time.

If you want to make sure your house sells as quickly as possible, it’s important to talk to your agent about ways to stand out.  My team implements my custom Home Selling System, which includes things like staging, photography, and strategic pricing. With the right advice, the right price, and the right prep work, your home can sell fast and for top dollar.

 

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let the market discourage you, let it guide you. The listings that didn’t sell last year weren’t doomed. They just started with the wrong strategy.

You can still win if you price right, are patient, and work with a knowledgeable agent (like someone from The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team) who knows how to position your home from the start. Because in today’s market, success isn’t about waiting for conditions to change. It’s about getting your expectations right from day one.

 

If you’re considering selling and want a strategy that fits today’s market, not last year’s, I’d be happy to help.

Contact me to discuss your next steps.  


 

Thanks For Reading Today’s BLOG!

If you would like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here.

Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com

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If you or anyone you know is considering making a move in the next little while, give me a call or pass on my number ... 905-683-7800 (Office) or 905-426-7484 (Direct).


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