Seller Optimism Is Mysteriously High
Even with more home sellers reducing their initial asking prices, a recent survey found that they're feeling quite optimistic these days. Over 75% of them aren't expecting to lower their asking price. However, this outlook doesn't match up to the reality of those who sold a home last year, as only 42% of respondents who sold a home received their original asking price.
In addition to the 2024 stats, an April 2025 report from Redfin found that the distance between seller asking and buyer offer prices has been growing.
For those wondering why sellers are optimistic, one reason may be their location. Homeowners in northern states and popular areas have a much higher chance of getting their original sticker price, or even above it. However, cities with less attractive prospects such as San Francisco aren't expected to fare nearly as well, with almost 20% of homes at risk of selling at a loss.
Many homeowners who are planning to sell their homes during the next 18 months are planning to play it safe. Of the future sellers surveyed, nearly two-thirds (62%) said they have a backup plan in case their home doesn't sell quickly.1
How the Luxury Real Estate Market Is Shaping Up
As you're already aware, luxury properties are the domain of the wealthy. But did you know that there are two classes of these clients: wealthy and ultra-wealthy? To be classified as ultra-wealthy, assets over $30 million are required.
A recent survey of 200 agents specializing in luxury properties found that the ultra-wealthy are still buying, despite trade war and recession fears. They're also behind the rise in all-cash offers. Meanwhile, affluent but less wealthy buyers are more sensitive to interest rates and acting cautiously.
While high-end buyers aren't shying away from big-ticket purchases, their wish lists have gotten longer. They're now asking for top-end appliances like smart fridges, spa-level amenities, and indoor-outdoor features like fireplaces and even entire kitchens.
If you're considering specializing in high-end property sales, a Luxury Homes Certification is available from NAR for under $200. After completing the five required courses, you'll be ready to present yourself as an expert in this lucrative niche market.2
Boomers Staying Put, Not Selling
Even though past predictions assumed that retiring homeowners would sell their family homes, a recent study found that this won't happen any time soon. Two-thirds of homeowners aged 61 to 79 plan to stay put for at least another decade. Reasons for this include a lack of financial incentive to sell, and a preference to stay in a familiar neighborhood.
Other reasons are financial: 30% said their home is almost or completely paid off, 16% said today's home prices are too high, and 8% don't want to give up their low mortgage rate.
A study of 4,000 homeowners found that one-third of baby boomers will never sell their current residences, and an additional 30% will wait at least 10 years before considering a move. Nearly half the oldest seniors, the so-called Silent Generation (age 80 and above), said they'd never sell.
This is bad news for younger, first-time buyers who were hoping to buy soon. Nearly 90% of the homes owned by boomers are single-family homes.
A small percentage of younger owners also said they would never sell. Some 25% of Gen Xers (aged 45 to 60) and 21% of millennials/Gen Zers (aged 18 to 44) said they'll remain where they are forever.3
Hot Marketing Ideas for Summer Social Media
Looking for seasonal ideas for your Instagram, Facebook or TikTok posts? Here are some ways to heat up your Likes, ❤️s and prospect lists.
- "Hot Listings" Feature. Highlight appropriate listings with bright summer photography and captions like "This backyard is made for summer BBQs" or "Imagine sipping a cold lemonade on this patio."
- This or That: Summer Edition. Post a seasonal carousel asking your visitors and followers to vote: Pool or lake? A/C or ceiling fans? Outdoor kitchen or firepit? Tie these in with an appropriate listing when possible.
- What Your Summer Drink Says About Your Style. Create a fun quiz matching home styles to summer drinks (Margarita = modern coastal, Sweet Tea = farmhouse, Lemonade = cottagecore, etc). Or ask followers to share their own summer drink recipes.
- Summer Buyer Incentives. Promote any limited-time programs, grants, or lender incentives available for summer closings.
- Vacation-Style Living Starts Here. Highlight listings with resort-like features (pools, palm trees, spa bathrooms) and frame them as staycation-worthy year-round homes.
- Real Estate Road Trip. Map out a few listings in the same area and invite your buyer list to do a "self-guided tour loop" with your branded route suggestions and local stops. These can include ice cream shops, kayak rentals, and other retailers near listings.4
Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks
Here are some strategies for keeping all of your pets safe and less stressed:
- Make sure cats and dogs have current ID tags and/or microchips, even if they're 100% indoor pets. Panicky pets can sometimes find a way out.
- Horses and ponies can wear a halter with your information if you're not able to secure them in a barn or stable.
- Check to make sure outdoor enclosures are secure. Horses and cattle have been known to jump fences when fireworks go off.
- If a pet had a bad experience with fireworks last year, consult your veterinarian. Calming medication or keeping it in a familiar part of your home can help them cope.
- If you're expecting visitors, be sure your pets can't escape when they arrive and leave. Leaving a reminder note on your door is recommended.
- Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades, and other gatherings. The combination of loud noises and crowds of strangers can be frightening to the calmest dog.
- Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside. Curious animals may think they're edible.5
Sources: 1realestatenews.com, 2cnbc.com, 3nationalmortgageprofessional.com, 4keyrealestatesources.com, 5avma.org
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