Selling a home can be stressful and maybe even scary, but it’s hitting high levels of anxiety across the U.S. in 2025.
Overwhelmingly, an 88% share of homeowners said they have fears about selling, according to Clever Real Estate.
See why so many homeowners are hesitant to put their property up for sale.
Check your home buying options. Start hereWhat’s stressing out home sellers?
Because of the significant financial and emotional weights, home buying and selling can be a daunting experience.
While already owning a house is typically an advantageous position, the current high-priced, low-inventory market that’s becoming normalized inhibits sellers as well.
A survey of 1,000 homeowners by Clever Real Estate showed about an 88% share have fears with potentially selling their house. Among 11 choices, the stress of selling led the list with 42% of responses. The cost of selling came next with 40%, while not being able to afford a different home and not selling for enough tied for third with 32%.
“Of course, it’s natural for homeowners to anticipate what might happen when their properties finally hit the market,” said Nick Pisano, data writer at Clever. “Although some might imagine big profits, many spend their time dwelling on potential problems.”
Whether founded or unfounded, multiple factors play into these fears. Among those reluctant home sellers, 85% are worried about feeling pressured to accept a low-ball offer. A 72% dwell on higher-than-expected repair or staging costs, while 72% have anxiety over insistent buyer concessions.
Here is the full picture of home seller concerns:
| Overall concern | Very concerned | Somewhat concerned | |
| Feel pressured to accept a low-ball offer | 85% | 54% | 31% |
| Spending more-than-expected on repairs and staging | 72% | 26% | 46% |
| Insistent buyer concessions | 72% | 21% | 51% |
| Last-minute buyer back-out | 70% | 21% | 49% |
| Less happiness after moving | 64% | 17% | 47% |
| Home will have bad inspection | 60% | 19% | 41% |
| Home will sell 10%+ below asking | 54% | 19% | 35% |
| Home prices surge after selling | 54% | 15% | 39% |
| Appraisal comes in below expectations | 54% | 14% | 40% |
| Home will sell 5% below asking | 53% | 14% | 39% |
Building home seller confidence
Potentially making a hurried or bad decision could paralyze many would-be sellers from listing their property.
While 13% of survey respondents said nothing would make them feel good about selling their house, others just need the right thing to navigate the process for peace of mind.
Having your next home purchase already lined up led the way at 45%, closely trailed by guaranteed or all-cash offers (44%) and guidance from a trusted agent (43%). Since fears can stem from a lack of understanding or knowledge, working with an expert and asking questions can go a long way.
The table below shows the list of what homeowners need to feel confident about selling:
| Next home purchase lined up | 45% |
| Guaranteed/all-cash offer | 44% |
| Guidance from trusted agent | 43% |
| Upfront understanding of all selling costs | 37% |
| Home sale prepping assistance | 36% |
| Understanding tax/financial implications of selling | 29% |
| Pre-approval on next mortgage | 23% |
The bottom line
Whether you’re ready to sell your home or just starting to think about it, it can be just as much of an emotional decision as a financial one.
Though it can be a challenging or stressful process, figuring out what you need to feel confident can quell your fears and help you list your house with reduced worry.
If you’re ready to sell your home, reach out to a local real estate professional and get started.
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