Expectations of Home Sellers Regarding Future Sales, Disputed by Previous Sellers
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In the world of real estate, the home-selling process can often be a complex and stressful endeavour. A recent survey by Clever Offers has shed light on how reality TV shows and social media may be contributing to unrealistic expectations among future home sellers.
The survey found that a significant number of potential sellers, 72% to 81%, expect to get their asking price or higher. This optimism is largely influenced by media stories and social comparisons, even though actual market conditions often do not support such outcomes.
Real estate agents report needing to gently adjust seller expectations, as many sellers emotionally invest in their homes, enhancing them through repairs and design, and naturally hope for top dollar. However, market conditions in 2025 have been cooling in some areas with increased home inventory and slower buyer activity, making quick sales above asking price less common than portrayed in the media.
Social media and TV shows often highlight dream homes and bidding wars but do not typically reflect the nuances of timing, location, staging, or fluctuating buyer demand that affect actual sales. These portrayals can lead to disappointment or delayed sales without proper communication and education from real estate professionals.
Experts emphasize the importance of realistic expectations and advise sellers to be flexible on price and understand current market economics, such as mortgage rates and buyer affordability. Some reality TV personalities and shows are now trying to educate buyers and sellers on real estate realities alongside the aspirational content, helping balance perception with practical knowledge.
In conclusion, the impact of reality TV and social media is largely in inflating seller hopes about speed and price. This can lead to disappointment or delayed sales without proper communication and education from real estate professionals. Sellers are encouraged to lean on data, not emotions, when pricing and selling their homes, focusing on local comps and letting potential buyers guide the price. By understanding the market and managing their expectations, sellers can navigate the home-selling process more smoothly and successfully.
[1] Clever Offers Survey, 2025 [2] National Association of Realtors, 2025 Market Report [3] National Association of Realtors, 2025 Economic Forecast [4] The Wall Street Journal, 2025 [5] Forbes, 2025
- While enhancing their homes through decor and garden revamps, sellers should focus on local comps and market conditions, as inflated expectations due to real-estate-related TV shows and social media can lead to disappointment or delayed sales.
- In light of the cooling market conditions in 2025, where increased home inventory and slower buyer activity make quick sales above asking price less common, it is crucial for sellers to invest in understanding current market economics and mortgage rates.
- Real-estate professionals are trying to bridge the gap between the aspirational and informative content presented in the media, by educating buyers and sellers about real estate realities in their lifestyle and home-and-garden investment decisions.
