The 2025 real estate market has made one thing clear: buyers crave convenience. Recent data from Bright MLS shows that over half of prospective buyers—56% to be exact—are prioritizing homes in move-in-ready condition. This trend is reshaping seller strategies, making it crucial to align with what today’s buyers value most.

If selling your home is on the horizon this year, here’s how you can meet buyer expectations and maximize your success.

Why Move-In-Ready Homes Have the Edge

The current housing market is marked by rising inventory, high property prices, and elevated mortgage rates, prompting buyers to prioritize ease and predictability. A move-in-ready home ticks all the right boxes:

• No immediate repairs or renovations: Buyers want to avoid the stress of post-purchase projects.

• Controlled expenses: Fewer repair surprises mean buyers can stick to their budgets.

• A smooth transition: Moving is easier when there’s nothing to fix or change right away.

This approach saves time and money, giving buyers confidence in their investment.

Buyers Are Ready to Compromise—But Not on Everything

While buyers prefer move-in-ready properties, they’re willing to make sacrifices elsewhere. According to Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, buyers are more likely to compromise on size and location than on the condition of the home.

Here’s how those trade-offs play out:

• Smaller spaces: Nearly 75% of buyers are open to downsizing if it keeps the home within budget or in a preferred area.

• Location flexibility: About 64% are willing to move outside their ideal neighborhood for an affordable, move-in-ready home.

• Stretching the budget: More than a third (38.8%) of buyers are prepared to pay more for a home that checks all their boxes, especially for move-in-ready convenience.

How Sellers Can Attract Buyers in 2025

Catering to the move-in-ready trend doesn’t require a full-scale renovation. Small but strategic updates can significantly increase your home’s appeal:

1. Handle Necessary Repairs
   Address obvious issues like a dripping faucet, loose doorknobs, or cracked tiles. These simple fixes can dramatically enhance your home’s perceived value.

2. Focus on Affordable Cosmetic Updates
   Fresh paint, new light fixtures, and updated hardware in kitchens or bathrooms are affordable ways to make your home feel modern and inviting.

3. Stage Your Home for a Lasting Impression
   Effective staging highlights your home’s best features. Declutter, rearrange furniture to optimize space, and create a neutral palette that allows buyers to imagine themselves in the home.

4. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
   Energy-efficient features are a growing priority, with 32% of buyers seeking homes with modern upgrades. Simple additions like a smart thermostat or improved insulation can set your property apart.

What If Your Home Isn’t Move-In Ready?

Don’t worry if your home needs some work. Many buyers are still willing to invest in properties with potential—especially if you highlight standout features like location, structural integrity, or unique design elements. Showcase these strengths to make your home memorable, even if it requires a little TLC.

The Bottom Line

Whether your home is perfectly move-in-ready or still a work in progress, understanding buyer preferences in 2025 can help you attract the right offers. Buyers are seeking a combination of convenience, value, and long-term potential, so presenting your home in the best possible light is key to a successful sale.

Ready to take the next step? Preparing your home for today’s market can make all the difference. Don’t wait—start planning now to make your property stand out in the competitive 2025 market. For tailored advice and local expertise, reach out today!