Real Estate Blog - NAR

The #1 Regret Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an Agent

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.

According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), those sellers agree pricing their home effectively was the hardest part of the process.

Top 5 Most Difficult Task for Sellers Who Didn’t Use an Agent:

1. Getting the price right
2. Preparing or fixing up the house
3. Selling within the desired time frame
4. Handling all the legal documents
5. Finding the time to manage all aspects of the sale

And that makes sense. Pricing isn’t as simple as picking a number from an online estimate or copying what your neighbor got last year. It takes real insight into:

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Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options:

• Do you sell it as-is and make it easier on yourself? No repairs. No effort.
• Or do you fix it up a bit first – so it shows well and sells for as much as possible?

In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know.

More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again

Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this year, a Realtor.com forecast says it could go up another 8.9%. That matters. As buyers gain more options, they also re-gain the ability to be selective. So, the details are starting to count again.

That’s one reason most sellers choose to make some…

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Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.

Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

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Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home

Prices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes. There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer. Let’s connect if you want to see the new builds available in and around our area.

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Why Moving to a More Affordable Area Makes Sense

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, here’s a great place to start (see visual below):

These states are well known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums, and more budget-friendly daily living expenses – but they’re not the only places to find a hidden gem. If you're open to relocating, you might discover the…

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.

That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.

Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):

And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and…

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The Top 2 Reasons To Look at Newly Built Homes

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line.

Here's why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget.

1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now

First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other hand, an existing home is one a homeowner has already lived in.

Right now, the number of existing homes for sale is still low. And, if you’re struggling…

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Why Isn’t Your Home Selling in Brookings? Here’s How to Speed Up the Process

Watching your home sit on the market with no offers coming in can be frustrating—especially when you’re ready to move on to your next chapter. You’re not alone in this. Many sellers in Brookings, South Dakota and surrounding areas are experiencing this challenge today.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house stays on the market has been increasing. This is a trend that’s becoming more common nationwide. As Realtor.com recently noted:

"During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more choices available and mortgage rates expected to fall, buyers are taking their time, which means sellers will need to be patient and flexible.”

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Sell Now? Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

Thinking about selling your house but unsure if now’s the right time? It’s a question many homeowners face, and while the financial aspects are always important, there’s another big factor to consider: your lifestyle. Sometimes, life’s changes can be the nudge you need to make a move sooner than expected.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), lifestyle changes often drive the decision to sell. As shown in the annual report, many home sellers were motivated by the desire to be closer to family or friends, outgrowing their current home, or experiencing significant milestones like marriage or the arrival of a new baby. Others made the leap to downsize or relocate for work.

If you’re feeling the need for more space, better …

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Retiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step

If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, it’s a good time to consider if your current house is still a good fit for the next chapter in your life.

Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things to think about as you decide whether or not to sell and make a move.

How Long You’ve Been in Your Home

From 1985 to 2008, the average length of time homeowners typically stayed in their homes was only six years. But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number is rising today, meaning many homeowners are living in their houses even longer (see graph below):

When you live in a home for a significant period of time, it’s natural for…

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