Right now, 52% of homes are sitting on the market, according to Redfin.

That’s more than half and it’s leaving many homeowners wondering what went wrong.

As a local real estate expert serving Victoria, MN, Chanhassen, Minnetrista, and the Southwest Twin Cities, I can tell you this:

Homes aren’t sitting because of the market alone.They’re sitting because of strategy specifically, how they’re prepared before they ever hit the market.

If you’re thinking about selling, this is one of the most important things to understand before you list.

The Real Reason Homes Are Sitting Right Now

A lot of sellers believe:

• “We’ll clean it up and list it.”

• “If something’s dated, the buyer can handle it.”

• “I don’t want to invest and pick the wrong updates.”

  
  

I understand that thinking.

But today’s buyers especially in higher price points have very clear expectations.

They are:

• More selective

• Comparing multiple homes

• Less willing to take on projects

  
  

And when a home doesn’t meet expectations?

They hesitate.

And hesitation is what causes homes to sit.

Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever in Today’s Market

In today’s market, preparation is everything.

The best-performing homes all have three things in common:

1. They Look Better Than the Competition

Buyers are scrolling quickly. If your home doesn’t stand out immediately, it gets skipped.

2. They Feel Move-In Ready

Even small things like carpet, lighting, or paint can create doubt in a buyer’s mind.

3. They Eliminate Objections Upfront

If a buyer notices something that feels “off,” they don’t always say it… they just move on.

A Real Example: $5,800 Invested → $50,000 Return

Just this past week, I listed a beautiful home here in the Southwest Twin Cities.

It was stunning.

But I saw one potential objection right away: the carpet.

It was original. Still in “okay” shape.

But I knew the buyers for this home would be particular.

In this market, we don’t wait for buyers to find objections we eliminate them before they ever walk in.

My clients trusted the process and invested about $5,800 in new carpet.

The result?

• Sold in 4 days

• $50,000 over list price

  
  

That didn’t happen by chance.

It happened because we had a clear strategy from the beginning.

The First 7–10 Days Matter Most

When your home hits the market, there is a short window where you have:

• The most attention

• The most buyer activity

• The greatest opportunity to create urgency

If your home isn’t positioned correctly during that window, everything changes.

Instead of creating demand…you’re chasing it.

Seller Checklist: How to Eliminate Buyer Objections Before You List

Before putting your home on the market, ask yourself:

✔ What will buyers notice in the first 10 seconds?

✔ What feels dated compared to other homes in my price range?

✔ Where might a buyer hesitate?

✔ Are there small updates that would create a big impact?

✔ Does my home feel move-in ready or like a project?

These questions can be the difference between:

• Multiple offers

• Or months on the market

Homes Don’t Sit Because of the Market. They Sit Because of Strategy

This is the part most sellers don’t realize.

Two homes in the same neighborhood can have completely different outcomes.

One sits.

One sells quickly often for more.

The difference?

Preparation. Positioning. Strategy.

Thinking About Selling in Victoria, MN or the Southwest Twin Cities?

My goal is simple:

To help you protect the equity you’ve built…and maximize your return when you sell

That starts long before your home hits the market.

If you’re even thinking about selling, it’s never too soon to start planning.

👉 Let’s walk through your home together and create a strategy that puts you in the strongest position possible.