As we move through summer, one trend is becoming clear across the market: inventory is up. More sellers are coming to market with realistic expectations, and buyers now have more choices than they’ve had in recent years.
For sellers, that creates opportunity, but it also raises the bar for how homes should be positioned. With more listings available, making your property stand out is essential.
In today’s market, it’s not just about listing your home. It’s about how you position it through pricing, presentation, timing, and exposure.
Why Strategy Matters in Today's Market
With more options on the table, buyers are taking their time. They’re comparing properties and making thoughtful decisions. Sellers who take the time to prepare and market their home the right way are the ones seeing the best results.
At Compass, I guide my clients through a three-phase approach to help their homes gain momentum and attention.
Private Exclusive
We start with a quiet launch to a trusted network of Compass agents and qualified buyers, without adding days on market. This allows us to gather feedback and create early interest.
Coming Soon
Next, we build anticipation with a Coming Soon listing on Compass.com before going fully live. This helps generate buzz, gives the property greater visibility in search results like Google, and allows us to fine-tune the strategy.
Fully Live
Once we go live on the MLS and across major platforms, we use everything we’ve learned to keep momentum going and adjust as needed.
What Sellers Should Focus On Right Now
Inventory may be up, but serious buyers are still out there. The key is to present your home in a way that captures immediate interest and feels memorable.
That starts with strong visual presentation. Professional photography is essential, but in today’s market, we often take it a step further—staging, styling, and even renderings can all play a role. Whether it's bringing a vacant space to life or helping buyers visualize potential upgrades, these elements give your home a competitive edge before they ever step through the door.
Pairing beautiful visuals with the right pricing and rollout plan is what drives results in a more selective market.
What Else We’re Seeing This Season
We’ve also seen a noticeable uptick in rental activity. Some homeowners who aren’t quite ready to sell are choosing to rent their properties instead. While this approach isn’t right for everyone, it’s a reminder that homeowners have more than one path forward in today’s market.
For sellers who are on the fence or want to explore their options, renting out a home can be a way to generate income while holding onto the asset. If you’re deciding between selling now or renting short term, it’s worth having a conversation about the pros and cons of each strategy.
The Bottom Line
There is real opportunity for sellers right now, but success depends on preparation, presentation, and strategic pricing. If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time to start the conversation.
Let’s talk about what’s next for your home and how we can position it to stand out in today’s market.
