According to the latest January 2025 Housing Market Update from Realtor.com (published December 28, 2024), median national listing prices are up by 8.7% year-over-year. Despite a moderate cooldown from the skyrocketing growth of the early 2020s, this still represents a strong seller’s market in many regions. However, the home selling process itself has evolved significantly since the peak pandemic years—shaped by continued technological advances, new buyer expectations, and shifting mortgage dynamics.
Below, we’ll explore how property sellers can navigate today’s realities and close deals effectively in 2025.
Appraisals Continue to Adapt
In the thick of the pandemic, many appraisers moved toward “desktop” or “drive-by” appraisals to limit contact. Though COVID-19 health concerns have largely subsided, data-driven and remote-friendly appraisal methods have stuck around, for several reasons:
• Efficiency: According to a November 2024 survey by the Appraisal Institute, 52% of appraisers report regularly using remote valuation tools and automated valuation models (AVMs) for at least part of the process.
• Safety & Convenience: Drive-by or external inspections reduce scheduling conflicts, allowing appraisers to factor in local market comps, property records, and high-resolution exterior photography in lieu of a full interior walkthrough.
• Curb Appeal Impact: While interior condition still matters, a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 77% of appraisers consider exterior upkeep (landscaping, paint, roofing) “critical” or “very important” in the valuation process—even when using remote methods.
Tip: Tidy up your home’s exterior and address noticeable repairs before scheduling an appraisal to help optimize your estimated value.
Virtual & Drive-Up Transactions Are Here to Stay
Back in 2021, Zoom signings and drive-through closings emerged as quick fixes to pandemic-era restrictions. By January 2025, these conveniences have become standard in many states:
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Over 40 states now allow fully digital notarizations, according to a December 2024 update from the Mortgage Bankers Association. This means sellers can complete closing paperwork entirely online, often via a secure video platform.
• Drive-Up Closings
Title companies in states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona have reported steady demand for curbside signings. Sellers (and buyers) simply drive to the title office, sign documents in their vehicles, and pass them to the notary—often reducing total closing time to under 30 minutes.
Why It Matters: If you travel frequently or prefer a contactless transaction, these hybrid solutions can simplify your sale. Discuss remote or curbside options with your agent or title company early.
Mortgage Processing Times Remain Longer than Pre-Pandemic
While interest rates have stabilized in the 5% to 5.5% range for a conventional 30-year fixed (based on the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey from December 2024), the path to loan approval isn’t as quick as it was five years ago:
1. Regulatory Checks
New underwriting guidelines introduced by federal agencies in 2023 to curb risky lending practices require extra documentation and verifications.
2. High Demand in Certain Markets
Suburban and mid-sized city markets still see buyer competition, as remote workers seek homes with more space. This influx of loan applications strains lender capacity.
3. Technology Transition
While AI-based underwriting speeds up many steps, it can still trigger additional “manual reviews” for anomalies in an application, slightly extending the timeline.
The ICE Mortgage Technology Origination Report (Q4 2024) shows average closing times at 42 days, compared to around 30 days in 2019.
Sellers should budget extra days—or even a week or two—into their closing timeline to accommodate potential loan processing delays on the buyer’s side.
Listing Quality: More Important Than Ever
In the digital-first era, your online property listing functions as your home’s crucial “first impression.” Even after COVID-19 restrictions eased, virtual tours and high-quality media remain top priorities:
• Interactive Tours & Drone Footage
A Zillow Research study (published October 2024) found that 68% of buyers won’t consider scheduling an in-person viewing if a listing lacks a virtual or 3D tour.
• Detailed Descriptions
Buyers today expect thorough info on recent renovations, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart-home features. Eye-catching property facts—like solar panel savings or EV-charging capabilities—can drive more showings.
• Professional Photography
Homes with professionally taken photos or drone shots spent an average of 16 fewer days on the market, according to the NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Tip: Collaborate with an agent or marketing team to incorporate high-res images, videos, or VR tours. The goal: let remote buyers explore your home’s strengths without stepping inside.
Today’s Seller’s Market — But with Nuance
Yes, 2025 is still considered a seller’s market in many regions. Realtor.com’s December 2024 data confirms a national median listing price of $424,000, up from $390,000 in late 2022. However, it’s important to recognize that:
• Regional Variations
Some coastal markets have cooled, with smaller price gains or even brief plateaus. Meanwhile, mid-size markets in the Sun Belt and Mountain West see double-digit year-over-year appreciation.
• Balancing Act
Even though demand is high, today’s buyers are price-conscious. Overpricing can lead to extended days on market or price reductions, as recent surges in living costs (and higher mortgage rates than in 2021) limit buyer budgets.
Strategy: Work with a local real estate expert to set a competitive listing price—one that reflects your home’s true market value while leveraging strong demand.
With these strategies and an informed approach, you can make the most of a market that—while still competitive—offers plenty of potential for a profitable sale.
Need More Insights on Selling, Buying, or Renting?
Follow us on social media or contact our team at 208.properties to get real-time market advice. We’re here to guide you from listing prep and marketing to navigating unique 2025 closing procedures—making your home sale journey as seamless and successful as possible.
Sources & References
• National Association of Realtors (NAR)
• Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey
• Mortgage Bankers Association
• ICE Mortgage Technology Origination Report
(Disclaimer: Real estate market conditions can vary widely by region. Always consult with a local agent or financial advisor for the most accurate, up-to-date guidance.)
