Planning to sell your home? Learn the top strategy mistakes sellers make and how to price and time your sale—plus insights for those listing Altamonte Springs homes for sale and luxury homes in Orlando.

The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

Here’s something you should know before you sell your house—whether you're planning to list in your neighborhood or looking to compete with other Altamonte Springs homes for sale. The homeowners who win in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting it out or stepping back. They’re the ones who adapt from the start.

A number of homeowners this year didn’t get the outcome they wanted. But it’s not because something’s wrong with the market. It’s because something wasn’t right with their expectations.

Realtor.com reports 57% more homes have been taken off the market compared to last year. That means they listed... but didn’t sell. And that includes many homes for sale in Altamonte Springs and nearby areas. But here’s the honest truth—it was mostly because of two things: price and timing.

And if the seller had come in with the right mindset on each, their sale would’ve gone differently. Here are the top 2 things you can learn from those other sellers.

1. Price It Right from Day 1

Let's start with the most common sticking point: the asking price. Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more. But that confidence doesn’t always line up with reality.

According to Redfin, only 1 in 4 (25.3%) sellers are actually getting more than their list price.

A few years ago, you could set any price and buyers would come running—even for luxury homes in Orlando, where demand was sky-high. But things are different now.

Buyers have more options than they've had in years, so they can afford to be more selective. If your price feels even a little high, it’ll get overlooked in a heartbeat.

Some homeowners end up pulling their listing instead of making a simple adjustment that could have changed everything. Which is a shame, honestly. Because a small price tweak is usually all it takes to bring buyers in and get the deal done.

According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is just 4%.

Think about that. Other sellers are listing too high and giving up rather than dropping their price 4%. If they’d just started 4% lower, they may have already sold. So before you list—whether locally or competing among other homes for sale in Altamonte Springs—talk to your agent about what’s working nearby.

And here's the kicker: if you’ve been in your home for a while, your equity gives you room to price competitively and still come out ahead.

2. Don’t Rush the Process

Another common misstep: expecting your house to sell in a weekend.

Many sellers remember when homes sold in hours—and they expect that to happen today. But in most markets, that's not the reality anymore.

It takes closer to 60 days to go from listed to sold, which is actually normal. (see the gray in the graph below):

It just feels slower because everyone is comparing it to the lightning-fast pace of 2020 and 2021.

Think of it like driving 65 mph on the highway, then exiting and going 25. It feels slow, but it’s the right speed for where you are. That’s what other sellers can’t seem to get over.

Today’s buyers are more intentional. They’re taking their time, weighing options—from starter homes to luxury homes in Orlando—and making thoughtful decisions, which is creating a much healthier housing market.

So, don’t assume your house won’t sell if it doesn’t go under contract right away. It’s normal for these things to take time.

If you want to make sure your home stands out among other Altamonte Springs homes for sale, talk to your agent about staging, photography, and strategic pricing. With the right prep, it can still sell quickly.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let the market discourage you—let it guide you. The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed. They just started with the wrong strategy.

You can still win if you price right, stay patient, and work with a local agent who knows how to position your home from the start—especially in competitive areas like homes for sale in Altamonte Springs or the luxury homes in Orlando market.

Because in today’s market, success isn’t about waiting for conditions to change. It’s about getting your expectations right from day one.