The prep steps that matter when homes are still taking about a month to close
If your biggest question is what to handle before you list, my answer is to focus first on anything that slows buyer confidence or delays showings. In Commerce Township, MI, the typical sale timeline was 33 days last month, so preparation still matters even in a seller's market.
Looking at the latest numbers, the clearest signal was pace. A typical sold home took 33 days last month, and homes that were still active had been sitting for 44 days. That tells me readiness is not optional. The faster path usually belongs to the seller who removes obvious hesitation before the home hits the market. The practical impact is straightforward. Recently, active homes were typically priced at $525,000, while newly listed homes came out at $534,999. At the same time, pending homes were typically priced at $421,700. I recommend walking through your house with one question in mind does this home justify competing with the higher asking prices already on the market, or will buyers see it closer to the homes that are moving into contract at lower price points? One short list works best. Handle visible repairs first. Clear out rooms that make the house feel smaller or harder to maintain. If you are downsizing, start the sorting process before photography so the home reads cleanly from the first showing forward. Some metrics were not reported for this period. Even so, Commerce Township, MI gives us enough to build a practical listing plan. Recent offers landed at 98.3% of asking, and supply remained at 2.08 months. My read is that preparation should support pricing discipline, not replace it. Do the work that protects first impressions. Then launch at a number supported by recent closings rather than by wishful comparison.
About Ed Brittingham
Ed Brittingham is a licensed Real Estate Professional affiliated with REMAX Eclipse, specializing in the Commerce Township market. With a focus on strategic marketing and deep local knowledge, Ed Brittingham provides clients with expert guidance in navigating complex real estate transactions. View full profile →