For many homeowners, the idea of selling their home is filled with anxiety. According to a new report from Clever Real Estate, 88% of homeowners have fears about selling, with concerns ranging from the stress of the process to financial uncertainties.
Why Are Homeowners Hesitant to Sell?
Selling a home has always been a complex process, but today’s market conditions have made it even more stressful. The top worries cited among homeowners in the study include:
- The overall stress of selling (42%)
- High selling costs (40%)
- Affording a new home after the sale (32%)
- Not selling for a high enough price (32%)
Beyond these concerns, 85% of sellers fear being pressured into accepting a lowball offer, while 72% worry about excessive buyer concessions, and 70% fear a last-minute deal falling through.
Interest Rates and Economic Uncertainty Mounting
Many homeowners are also reluctant to give up their current mortgage rate. Among those with a mortgage, nearly half (47%) have a rate secured below 4%, making the idea of financing a new home at today’s higher rates a tough pill to swallow. In fact, 30% of homeowners say losing their low interest rate is a major reason they hesitate to sell. Freddie Mac reports that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has remained under 7% for nine consecutive weeks, coming in at 6.67% for the week ending March 20, 2025.
There are even broader economic concerns at play in decision-making. A major economic downturn (29%) is the most reported reason sellers would delay their plans, while a property tax increase (43%) would be the biggest motivator to expedite selling.
What Would Make Sellers Feel More Confident?
Despite these worries, there are a few factors that would help homeowners feel more comfortable about listing their homes:
- Securing a new home first (45%)
- Receiving an all-cash offer (44%)
- Working with a trusted agent (43%)
The Slowest Housing Markets in 2025
For homeowners in certain cities, these concerns are even more pronounced. Miami is currently the slowest market in the U.S., with homes sitting for a median of 69 days before selling. Other slow-moving markets include:
- Austin, Texas (66 days)
- Jacksonville, Florida (63 days)
- San Antonio, Texas (62 days)
- Birmingham, Alabama (57 days)
These cities also have an oversupply of homes, with approximately 3.5 months of housing inventory available, compared to the national average of just 2.8 months.
The Fastest-Selling Markets in 2025
While some cities are seeing sluggish sales, others continue to be hot markets. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the average home sold in just 13 days, making it the fastest sales market in the country. Other fast-selling markets include:
- Buffalo, New York (14 days)
- Seattle, Washington (15 days)
- San Jose, California (16 days)
- Richmond, Virginia (18 days)
Selling in 2025: A Tougher Decision Than Ever
With homes sitting longer on the market and financial uncertainties looming, many homeowners are understandably cautious about selling. For those in slower markets, patience may be required, while in fast-moving areas, sellers could still find strong demand.
Click here for more from Clever on the stresses involved with selling a home in today’s marketplace.
