🏙️ Selling in 2025? Don’t Just List It And Hope For The Best🤞

Neve Dowey
Jun 13
3 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Let’s be honest: This market isn’t for the faint of heart. Properties are sitting longer. Offers aren’t flying in the way they did a year ago. And those record-breaking sale prices? They’re starting to feel like distant memories.

If you're selling right now (or thinking about it), the question isn't "Should I list?" — it's "Who am I trusting to guide me through this?"

Because trust me, not all agents are created equal.

There are a lot of agents out there — and while most have professional headshots and polished bios, not all are putting in the work behind the scenes.

In this market, you need someone proactive. Someone who understands that marketing a listing isn't just uploading it to MLS and hoping for the best. Someone who follows up. Someone who communicates. Someone who gives a damn.

📍 Real-World Example #1: No Lockbox, No Entry

Recently, I showed a condo unit and was paged with lockbox instructions. One problem: the building had removed lockboxes weeks ago. I showed up with a client, couldn’t get in, and called/texted/emailed the listing agent — crickets.

Luckily, the tenant was home and let us in.

The kicker? The listing agent got back to me five days later asking for feedback. 🙃

How is this poor seller ever going to sell the property if buyers can’t even get in — and their agent isn’t returning calls?

📐 Real-World Example #2: 750 Sq. Ft. Listing… Says It’s 499?

It’s shocking how many listings fudge the details — or skip them altogether. I’ve come across multiple condos clearly over 700 sq. ft., but the listing says 400–499. That’s misleading to buyers and leaves a bad impression.

That small error in square footage? It’s costing the seller both time and money.

🛠️ Real-World Example #3: Renovated… but untold

I recently showed a buyer a condo that had been beautifully renovated — brand new kitchen, upgraded flooring, fresh bathrooms, the works. But the listing? Nothing mentioned.

The agent didn’t highlight any of the features and couldn’t answer basic questions my buyer had.

This wasn’t just a missed opportunity — It left the buyer doubting what else might’ve been overlooked.

📞 Real-World Example #4: Hello? Anybody There?

I’ve shown 20 properties in the last two weeks. Guess how many listing agents called me afterward for feedback?

One. Just one.

In a buyer’s market, every piece of feedback matters. If your agent isn’t gathering intel from showings, how are they adapting the strategy?

🔍 4 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent

Whether you’re buying or selling, don’t just go with the first agent who answers the phone. Interview them. Dig deep. Here are some essential questions to ask:

How many deals do you do in a year? Experience counts — especially now.
What’s your marketing strategy for my property? Are they just promoting themselves? Or actually promoting your listing?
What’s your listing plan of action? Day 1 to Day 30 — what happens, when, and why?
What’s the current market data say? A good agent will show you the numbers — and explain them clearly.

In this market, strategy is everything. The right agent will help you pivot, problem-solve, and position your home to sell — not just stick a sign on the lawn and hope.

Ask better questions. Expect better answers. And make sure your agent is as invested in your success as you are.