Across the U.S., housing inventory began trending upward in mid-2025. Homes are spending more time on the market, and buyers have more options than in recent lower-inventory years.
For sellers, this shift means that simply listing a home is no longer enough; strategy is how you get homes sold in this environment. Here’s how to make your listing stand out.
Key Challenges in a Rising-Inventory Market
- Homes take longer to sell. Median days on market are increasing.
- Buyers are more picky. They can compare more homes, and expectations are higher.
- Overpricing becomes riskier. Properties priced too high tend to sit unsold or need price drops.
1. Stage & Prepare Your Home for Photos & Showings
Staging isn’t just decoration and fluff; it’s a tool to help buyers visualize themselves living in your space, which can speed up sales and increase offers.
What to Focus On:
- Declutter and depersonalize. Remove family photos, excess personal items, and anything that distracts.
- Optimize lighting. Let in natural light, replace dim bulbs, use lamps in darker corners.
- Clean thoroughly. A spotless home signals care and value.
- Maximize curb appeal. Landscaping, exterior paint, clean driveways, and a welcoming entryway matter.
- Use neutral décor accents. Soft throws or a few stylish pillows go far in making spaces feel inviting without straying from buyers’ tastes.
2. Price Smartly from the Start
With more competition, pricing correctly is one of the strongest levers you have. Overpricing can hurt more than slightly underpricing.
Ways to approach pricing:
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Look at what similar homes in your area recently sold for, their condition, upgrades, and how long they took to sell.
- Consider event-oriented / strategic pricing: Sometimes listing slightly below comps can create urgency and draw more buyers.
- Avoid “aspirational overpricing” unless backed by real, unique features: If the home does have something truly rare (views, quality upgrades, lot size), then you can sometimes stretch, but understand the risk of longer time on market.
- Be open to adjusting: If showings are low, consider a small price reduction rather than holding out too long.
3. Market More Creatively and Broadly
When buyers have more inventory to choose from, simply being “listed” won’t guarantee notice. You’ll need to make your listing pop in search results, online, and in person.
Effective marketing tactics:
- Professional photography + virtual tours: Homes with great photos get more clicks, more showings. Include wide shots, twilight photos, and clean staging in every room.
- Virtual or video walkthroughs: Many buyers begin searches online. A video that shows flow or highlights features can make your listing look higher-end and more accessible.
- Strong listing descriptions: Use language that emphasizes lifestyle and benefits (e.g. “morning light,” “easy commute,” “private yard”) rather than just technical specs.
- Use social media & digital ads: Targeted ads, boosted posts, reels, or stories showing the home can expand reach.
- Highlight upgrades & differentiators: If you have new appliances, energy-efficient improvements, smart home features, or something unique, make it obvious in marketing materials.
- Incentives if needed: In some markets, sellers are offering help with closing costs, allowing flexible move-in dates, or other perks to make their offer more attractive.
When inventory rises, buyers gain options—so your home needs to stand out. The key is smart preparation, the right price, and strong marketing. With expert guidance, you can still sell quickly and secure strong offers. Contact me today to get started with a strategy tailored to your home.
