Insider Discussion – Sellers – It’s time To Get Real
Insider Discussion – Sellers – It’s time To Get Real
Thinking about selling your home? Let’s get real—the days of name-your-price and no-concessions are over.
The market has shifted. Inventory is up nearly 40% from last year, which means buyers have way more options. Overpricing your home? That just leads to more days on market—and usually a lower final price. To compete, your home needs to shine: fresh paint, flooring, updated mechanicals, and a roof in good shape. And yes—buyers are asking for concessions again. Closing costs, repairs, inspection items… that’s all part of a normalized market. Cutting corners or refusing to negotiate will cost you in the long run.
I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.
Let’s Get Real – Home Selling Tips in Fort Wayne’s 2025 Housing Market
For the last five years, Fort Wayne homeowners have enjoyed a red-hot seller’s market. Homes sold quickly, bidding wars were common, and sellers often got away with minimal updates.
But the summer 2025 real estate market tells a different story. Inventory is up nearly 40% compared to last year, and that shift means sellers can no longer assume buyers will accept anything. To sell your home quickly and for the best price, you’ll need a new approach.
Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever
With so many more homes on the market, buyers have options. If your home is priced above recent comparable sales, it will sit—and the longer it sits, the lower your final sale price is likely to be. Testing the market at a high number is risky in today’s environment.
Pro Tip: Work closely with your agent to analyze recent sales, not just active listings, and choose a price that positions your home competitively.
Presentation Sells Homes
Today’s buyers want move-in ready. That means:
- Fresh paint and flooring
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms if outdated
- Well-maintained mechanicals (furnace, water heater, AC)
- A roof in good condition
Deferred maintenance is one of the fastest ways to lose buyer interest. When buyers have more choices, they simply move on to a property that feels turnkey.
Expect Concessions Again
In a normalized market, concessions are part of the deal. Sellers should be prepared for:
- Buyer requests for closing cost assistance (sometimes $7,000–$9,000)
- Repairs after inspections
- Negotiations on items that were once brushed aside in hotter markets
Refusing to negotiate often leads to more days on market, which costs you money in the end.
The Bottom Line for Sellers in 2025
This isn’t a bad market—it’s a balanced one. Sellers who price strategically, present their homes well, and negotiate fairly will still see excellent results. The days of “take it or leave it” pricing are over. Success now comes from preparation and smart planning.
Michael J Archbold
Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro
RE/MAX Results
8101 Coldwater Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
c. 260-579-1516
e. Mike@MikeArchbold.com
w. www.MikeArchbold.com
Oh, by the way… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?
Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.
Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.
The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.
“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“
We’re Here To Help
Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.
Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.
Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Sellers – It’s time To Get Real …
… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.
The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.
