Sellers need to understand the type of listing they have when putting their home on the market. This can mean the difference between a quick sale and a long, drawn-out process that affects both the property’s value and the seller’s patience. Real estate expert Maria Wells breaks down homes into three main types: Opportunity Properties, Deals, and Everything Else. Each of these comes with its own expectations for how buyers view a property and how long it might stay on the market.
Opportunity Properties are the listings every seller aims for. These homes are priced right, look good, and are ready for a buyer to move in. Sellers who manage to position their property as an Opportunity Property often see faster sales and, sometimes, multiple offers. The reason is simple: buyers appreciate a home that’s priced fairly and well-kept. To make a home fit into this category, sellers should make sure the home is clean, decluttered, and in good shape. Small updates like fresh, neutral paint or new cabinet hardware can go a long way without a huge cost.
Pricing matters for an Opportunity Property. Setting a realistic price from the start draws interest and can lead to offers sooner. Overpricing can cause a home to sit on the market too long, turning what could have been a quick sale into a listing that grows stale. Sellers should work closely with a real estate agent who understands local market trends to choose the right price.
The next category, Deals, includes homes that have been on the market for over 30 days and may not be in the best condition. Sellers might list these homes below market value to attract buyers who are looking for a bargain. While it can be discouraging for a seller to end up in this category, it’s not a lost cause. A review of the current price or small, targeted updates can bring a fresh look to the property. This type of listing appeals to buyers who don’t mind putting in work to get a better price. Sellers who find themselves in this position should be ready to adjust their approach, which might include a price reduction or some minor improvements to boost interest.
Then there is the Everything Else category, what Wells calls “career listings.” These are homes that stay on the market far too long, sometimes going through several price drops or even different agents without a serious offer. A home that sits in this category can start to get a bad reputation among buyers. They may question why it hasn’t sold and worry that there’s something wrong with it. Even if a buyer shows interest, they may come in with a low offer, seeing the long listing period as a red flag.
To avoid this situation, sellers should take action quickly if their home isn’t getting attention. This could mean taking a hard look at the price or making changes to how the home is presented. A real estate professional with a strong grasp of local trends can provide helpful input on what changes might work. Sometimes, this means lowering the price, improving staging, or fixing up issues that have been noted by potential buyers. The goal is to keep the home from becoming stale and overlooked in a crowded market.
Curb appeal is another key part of how a home is viewed. The outside of the home makes the first impression, and it sets the stage for what a buyer expects when they walk through the door. Making sure the lawn is neat, shrubs are trimmed, and any minor issues like peeling paint are fixed can make a home more inviting. Simple changes like adding mulch or planting flowers can also make a big difference in how the property looks from the street.
Inside the home, decluttering and deep cleaning can make a space feel more open and well-maintained. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home, which is easier to do if the space is tidy and free of personal items. Sellers should remove family photos and personal touches, and aim for a clean, neutral look in each room.
Minor repairs can also change how a home is viewed. Fixing things like leaky faucets, broken tiles, or non-working appliances can reassure buyers that the home has been taken care of. While big renovations aren’t needed, small fixes can make the home look more move-in ready.
Sellers who focus on making their home an Opportunity Property will often see better results. Homes that are priced fairly and presented well attract more interest and tend to sell faster. Buyers are drawn to homes that don’t need a lot of immediate work and that are set at a reasonable price. Homes that don’t meet these standards may end up in the Deals or Everything Else categories, where they risk sitting on the market longer.
Understanding these types of listings and knowing what steps to take can help sellers make smart choices. By focusing on pricing, presentation, and simple updates, sellers can make sure their home catches buyers’ attention and stands out in the market.
