Realtor.com® Survey Reveals Seller Optimism with 81% Expecting Their Asking Price This Year

Growing Seller Optimism Amidst Housing Market

In a recent survey conducted by Realtor.com®, a significant 81% of potential home sellers expressed confidence in their ability to sell their property at their asking price or even higher this year. As spring approaches, traditionally considered the best time for real estate transactions, this optimism signals a promising outlook for the housing market.

Current Market Landscape

According to the survey findings released on April 14, 2025, approximately 70% of potential sellers view the current moment as favorable for selling their homes. This positive sentiment stems from expectations that home values will continue to rise, coupled with a belief that buyer offers will align with their asking prices. Laura Eddy, Vice President of Research and Insights at Realtor.com®, highlighted this optimism, stating, "Spring is historically the best time to sell, and this year, sellers are entering the season with high expectations."

Despite this buoyant outlook, many sellers—especially those who have contemplated selling for over a year—are feeling somewhat constrained by prevailing mortgage rates. Approximately 55% of these long-term thinkers feel 'locked in' due to financial considerations, which complicate their ability to transition into new properties.

Reasons Behind Selling Decisions

The survey revealed that 79% of potential sellers are motivated by necessity. Common reasons for this decision include family dynamics, job relocations, or simply the need for more or less space. Specifically, 34% require additional space, while 25% are looking to downsize. Notably, 46% of sellers are looking to relocate to different communities altogether, indicating a significant shift in buyer preferences and needs.

Preparations for Sale

The enthusiasm among sellers is also reflected in the steps they are taking to ensure a successful home sale. An impressive 96% have initiated some preparatory actions, primarily focusing on research. In fact, 71% of respondents have checked their home's value, and 61% have investigated neighborhood pricing trends.

Among those planning to sell, two-thirds (66%) are undertaking home improvements to boost their property's appeal. These improvements range from minor renovations—such as repainting and replacing fixtures—to more substantial projects that include complete kitchen and bathroom overhauls. Approximately 65% of sellers are making these upgrades to address potential issues flagged during home inspections.

Furthermore, 60% of sellers have made significant progress in the listing process. Common initial steps consist of contacting real estate agents (36%), getting the home inspected (27%), and actively listing the property (22%).

Impact of Mortgage Rates on Seller Sentiment

The survey also revealed the concerning influence of rising mortgage rates on sellers’ decisions. About 61% of potential sellers have been contemplating selling for over a year. The prevailing high interest rates are central to their hesitation, particularly since around two-thirds of these potential sellers plan to buy a new home following their sale. Those without mortgages feeling 'locked in' account for 50% of respondents.

Interestingly, the survey found that many sellers' likelihood to list their homes correlates with their expectations of interest rates. For example, 78% anticipate that mortgage rates will either remain stable or increase within the next year,
which influences 43% to favor selling now rather than waiting and risking a future increase.

Regional Perspectives on Seller Attitudes

Seller attitudes vary across different regions, reflecting local housing trends. For instance, sellers in the Northeast are much more likely (80%) to view this as a good time to sell compared to their counterparts in other regions. In contrast, only 65% of potential sellers in the Midwest share this optimism. Data indicates that areas with constrained housing inventory, like the Northeast, foster greater seller enthusiasm.

In conclusion, as we navigate this promising selling season, potential sellers are exhibiting a blend of optimism and caution, driven by market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial considerations. As the landscape evolves, working with real estate professionals will be essential to navigate these changes successfully.