This or That: Selling Your Home Edition
This month, I’ve put together a little game for you - This or That. The challenge isn’t just to pick your answer, but to think about why it might be the better course of action. After you’ve worked through each scenario, keep reading for the explanation and see how many you got right!
This or That: Underpricing or Overpricing Your Home?
Underpricing is often used in hot markets, because a lower asking price can attract multiple buyers and spark a bidding war. Sometimes, this strategy leads to selling above market value, thanks to the extra demand.
Overpricing, on the other hand, tends to deter buyers. Homes that sit on the market for too long often lose their appeal, and that shifts negotiation power into the buyer’s hands.
✅ The better choice: Underpricing.
While it feels counterintuitive, the competition it creates can often work in your favour.
This or That: Selling in the Spring or Selling in the Fall?
Spring is traditionally the busiest time in real estate. More homes are listed, more buyers are looking, and historically, homes in the U.S. sell for an average of 1.6% more than other months.
Fall, however, comes with its own advantages: fewer homes on the market, motivated buyers eager to move before winter, and real estate agents who may have more time to dedicate to your sale.
✅ The better choice: Both have benefits.
Spring brings competition and higher average prices, while fall offers serious buyers and more personalized service.
This or That: Professional Staging, Cleaning & Photography or DIY?
Hiring professionals takes time, coordination, and investment—but usually leads to polished, market-ready results. Great photos, clean spaces, and thoughtful staging can make a huge difference in buyer interest.
Doing it yourself can save money but may risk missing details that matter to buyers. Photos, in particular, are critical—since most buyers form their first impression online.
✅ The better choice: A mix.
Consult your agent or a neutral third party to decide where to spend (professional photos are almost always worth it!) and where you can DIY. One tip: tech tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can even help you map out staging and décor ideas based on your room dimensions and current furniture.
This or That: Getting an Inspection Before or After Listing?
Pre-listing inspections give you a clear picture of your home’s condition. You can choose to fix issues before listing or disclose them upfront, which helps avoid surprises and gives you more control in negotiations.
Post-listing inspections save money initially but hand negotiating power over to the buyer, who may use findings to push for a lower price.
✅ The better choice: Inspect before listing.
It puts you in the driver’s seat and helps you set realistic expectations.
This or That: Renovate to Increase Your Home’s Value?
This one depends on the type and scope of renovations. Strategic updates—like kitchen and bathroom refreshes, modern lighting, or fresh paint—often deliver strong returns. Major overhauls, however, don’t always recoup their costs.
✅ The better choice: Targeted renovations.
Before making big changes, get professional advice on which upgrades will add the most value in your local market.
Play Along With the PDF Worksheet!
Want to make this interactive? I’ve created a downloadable worksheet where you can play the game, write down your answers, and compare them to the explanations here. It’s a fun way to test your real estate knowledge (and maybe spark some new ideas for your own home journey).
Download your “This or That: Real Estate Edition” worksheet here.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home comes with dozens of decisions—and each one can impact the outcome. Whether it’s choosing when to sell, how to present your home, or what to invest in before listing, the right strategy makes all the difference.
Not sure which “This or That” works best for your situation? Let’s talk through the options together and create a plan that helps you get the best results.