Selling in 2025? How to Stand Out in a Changing Market

Mar 18

The San Marcos real estate market is shifting, and if you're thinking about selling this year, strategy is everything. With homes sitting longer, more inventory on the market, and buyers having more choices, sellers need to be proactive to attract the right offers.

If you're selling in 2025, here’s how to price, market, and negotiate effectively in this changing market.

1. Price Smart from the Start

Right now, the final sales price of homes in San Marcos is averaging 88.5% of the original list price—meaning sellers are discounting over 10% before closing. Instead of sitting on the market for months paying holding costs and waiting to make price cuts, a competitive price upfront can save time, money, and stress.

Here’s why:

Home values have been declining. The median home price has dropped year-over-year for 14 straight months, until this month, where it remained flat. Waiting could mean selling for even less later.
Homes are taking longer to sell. The median time on market is 96 days—that’s three months of extra taxes, maintenance, and utility costs before closing.
Buyers are shopping competitively. With more inventory available, buyers are touring multiple homes in the same price range on the same day. If yours stands out as the best value, it will get the offer.

Strategic Approach: Instead of automatically expecting to drop your price during negotiations, consider using that 10% as a seller incentive upfront—offering a rate buy-down, closing cost assistance, or strategic repairs to make your home more appealing from day one.

2. Make Your Home Irresistible

With more homes on the market, buyers have options. The properties that sell faster and for better prices have one thing in common: they look and feel move-in ready.

High-ROI Improvements: Small upgrades make a big impact. In this market, the best return on investment comes from replacing entry doors, upgrading garage doors, and updating kitchens.
First Impressions Matter: Fresh paint, decluttering, and landscaping boost curb appeal and make your home stand out in listing photos—especially when buyers are scrolling online.
More Competition Means Higher Standards: We’re in a balanced market (not quite a buyer’s market yet), but with inventory at 4.7 months, homes aren’t flying off the block. Sellers need to put in the effort to attract buyers.

3. Marketing Matters More Than Ever

Professional Photos & Virtual Tours: 95% of buyers start their home search online—and dim, grainy photos won’t cut it. High-quality visuals are essential for making a strong first impression.
Targeted Digital Marketing: Your home isn’t competing with just the house next door—it’s competing with every home in a buyer’s price range. Marketing that highlights your home’s unique selling points (walkability, nearby trails, hosting-friendly kitchen, top-rated schools) attracts the right buyers.

4. Be Ready to Negotiate & Stay Flexible

Buyers are looking for value in this market, and the strongest offers aren’t always about price alone.

Seller Concessions Can Seal the Deal: Consider offering a rate buy-down, closing cost credits, or repairs to make your home more attractive.
Sellers Can Make the First Move: If a buyer is showing interest but hasn’t submitted an offer, why wait? Sellers can present offers too. Sometimes all it takes is the right nudge to get a deal started.
Know Your Non-Negotiables: Are you more focused on selling quickly, maximizing price, securing the best net proceeds, or getting flexible move-out terms? Understanding your priorities upfront helps in negotiations.

The Bottom Line for Sellers in 2025

Spring and summer typically bring more buyers, but with lower-than-expected new listings, the market remains in balance. Many homeowners locked in ultra-low mortgage rates and aren’t rushing to sell, which could keep inventory from spiking too high.

Strategy is everything. A great agent (like me!) can help you navigate pricing, marketing, and negotiation to get the best possible outcome. Whether you’re selling now or considering it in the next few months, let’s create a plan that works for you.

Thinking about selling? Let’s chat about your home’s value and the best strategy to get it sold!