If you’re a homeowner in Southeast Minnesota and you’ve even thought about selling, you’re not alone — and you’re probably asking the same questions I’m hearing daily from local sellers.

The market has shifted from the frenzy of the past few years, and today’s sellers are being more thoughtful, more strategic, and more cautious (in a good way).

Here are the top three questions local homeowners are asking right now — and why they matter.

1. “What is my home actually worth in today’s market?”

This is always the first question — and for good reason.

Homeowners know that values have changed, but what they really want to understand is:

• What homes like mine are selling for right now

• How pricing has shifted in Harmony, Fountain, Mabel, Preston, and surrounding communities

• Whether pricing higher to “test the market” still works (sometimes yes, sometimes no)

Online estimates don’t account for local details — things like lot location, updates, layout, or even which street the home is on. In smaller communities, those factors matter a lot.

The right pricing strategy can mean the difference between strong early interest… or sitting on the market longer than expected.

2. “How long will it take to sell?”

Local sellers aren’t just asking if their home will sell — they want to know how long the process will take, start to finish.

Common follow-up questions I hear:

• “Will it sell in the first week, or will it take longer?”

• “What’s normal for our town right now?”

• “Does the season matter?”

The truth is, timing varies by price point, condition, and location — even within the same town. Some homes are still moving quickly, while others need the right prep and strategy to stand out.

Understanding realistic timelines helps sellers plan their next move with confidence.

3. “What should we do before listing to get the best result?”

Today’s sellers are smart — they don’t want to over-improve, but they also don’t want to leave money on the table.

They’re asking:

• “What’s worth fixing — and what isn’t?”

• “Do we need to stage?”

• “What will buyers in our area actually care about?”

In our local market, simple things often make the biggest impact:

• Decluttering and freshening up

• Minor repairs buyers notice right away

• Highlighting lifestyle features (yards, garages, trails, parks, schools)

A clear, local prep plan helps homes show better, sell faster, and often net more — without unnecessary stress.

Thinking about selling but not ready to commit?

You don’t have to be “ready” to start the conversation.

If you’re curious about value, timing, or what selling could look like specifically for your home, I’m always happy to talk things through — no pressure, no obligation.

Your hometown expert. Rooted in community.

Kelsey Bergey, Broker Owner
?? 507.251.0281
?? kelseybergey@remax.net
??? semnproperties.com
?? RE/MAX Select Properties
?? 25 W. Center St. Harmony, MN
?? MN Real Estate Broker Licensed