How to Win Big in a Seller’s Market: 5 Real Estate Agent Tips  

There’s good news for homeowners in Ohio! Are you looking to sell your home and capitalize on a seller’s market? It’s time to do so in the Buckeye State!

A seller’s market offers a unique opportunity to sell your home for more money — but success isn’t guaranteed. Knowing exactly how to prepare and market your property is critical. This guide will walk you through actionable tips from real estate experts to help you attract buyers and maximize your sale price.

Key Takeaways

• Price Strategically from the Start
  • Avoid overpricing—competitively priced homes attract more offers and often sell above asking.
  • Use a real estate agent to evaluate comparable sales (comps) and stay aligned with local market trends.
• Enhance Curb Appeal to Attract Buyers Instantly
  • First impressions matter: Maintain landscaping, update exterior elements, and create a welcoming entry.
  • Keep décor neutral and outdoor spaces clean, well-lit, and inviting to broaden appeal.
• Use Targeted, Professional Marketing
  • Invest in professional photography and virtual tours.
  • Leverage social media ads, email campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses.
  • Stage your home and highlight unique features to create an emotional appeal.
• Time Your Listing for Maximum Exposure
  • • Aim to list during spring or early summer when buyer activity peaks in Ohio.
  • Monitor local trends and avoid listing during slow periods like holidays or winter.
• Negotiate Like a Pro with Expert Support
  • Partner with a skilled agent who can manage multiple offers, counter strategically, and advocate for you effectively.
  • An experienced negotiator maximizes price, protects your interests, and ensures a smooth transaction.

Understanding a Seller’s Market

First, what exactly is a seller’s market? Simply put, it occurs when the demand for homes exceeds the supply, often leading to higher property prices and reduced time on the market.

How can you identify a seller’s market? Here are some data points to look for:

• Low Inventory: In a seller’s market, the number of homes for sale is significantly lower than the number of buyers. For example, Ohio currently has a three-month housing supply, creating favorable conditions for sellers.
• High Sale-to-List Price Ratio: A high percentage of homes selling at or above asking price signals strong demand. According to Redfin, the current sale-to-list price ratio is 98%.
• Short Days on Market (DOM): When homes sell within a few weeks or even days of listing, you’ve entered a seller’s market. For example, in Columbus, 77% of homes were sold within 30 days, according to data published by Rocket.

If these metrics apply to your local area, now may be the perfect time to sell!

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Home Sale Success

In the next section, we’ll share some actionable tips designed to help you take advantage of the seller’s market in Ohio and achieve your home-selling goals. Whether you’re a first-time seller or experienced in real estate, these insights are tailored to boost your success.

1. Set the right asking price.

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is setting their asking price too high. While it might seem tempting to maximize your return, overpriced homes tend to sit longer on the market, making buyers wary. A reasonably priced home often attracts multiple offers, which can drive up the final selling price.

Instead, work with a real estate expert to analyze comparable properties (also known as “comps”) in your neighborhood and price competitively. Effective agents stay up-to-date with sales trends, as market shifts can occur quickly in areas like Cincinnati.

2. Boost your home’s curb appeal.

First impressions matter now more than ever. Most buyers decide whether they’re interested in your home within seconds of seeing it. Your property’s curb appeal can set the tone for the entire transaction.

Here’s how to make your home more inviting:

• Landscape Maintenance: Trim shrubs, lay down fresh mulch, and add a splash of color with seasonal flowers.
• Exterior Updates: A fresh coat of paint on the front door, updated house numbers, and spotless windows can do wonders.
• Neutral Exterior Decor: Keep the style simple to appeal to a broader audience.
• Outdoor Lighting: Illuminate pathways and entryways to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Scented Touches: Place potted herbs or scented candles near the front door for a pleasant aroma.
• Tidy Up: Remove clutter, toys, or personal items from the front yard.
• Spruce Up Your Porch: Make sure your porch is clean and inviting with comfortable furniture and fresh plants.

These simple steps can make a big difference in creating an inviting exterior that will draw in potential buyers.

3. Leverage strategic marketing techniques.

It’s not enough to list your property; you must ensure it gets seen by the right buyers. Your marketing approach can make or break your sale.

Real estate agents recommend these tried-and-true strategies that work even in a tough housing market:

• Professional Photography: Eye-catching listing photos grab attention, while virtual home tours open up possibilities for long-distance buyers.
• Social Media Ads: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow targeting of buyers in specific zip codes, like those moving into booming neighborhoods in Ohio.
• Highlight Unique Features: Does your home have a remodeled kitchen or a spacious backyard? Showcase these standout qualities!
• Stage Your Home: Set the scene for potential buyers with furniture and decorations that make your home more inviting.
• Hold an Open House: Invite interested parties to take a look in person and envision themselves living in the space.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with nearby businesses to promote your listing, such as offering a discount at a popular restaurant for those who attend your open house.
• Utilize Email Marketing: Reach out to past clients and their contacts through email marketing to spread the word about your listing.
• Host a Virtual Event: In today’s digital age, hosting a virtual event can attract buyers from all over the world.

4. Time your listing for maximum impact.

Experts suggest listing your home at the right time of year to draw the maximum attention from buyers.

• Spring and early summer are traditionally the best seasons to list in Ohio because the weather is favorable, and families want to move while school is out.
• Monitor local market trends in cities like Columbus and the surrounding areas to time your listing effectively.

Avoid listing during major holidays or winter months if possible, as these periods often see reduced buyer activity.

5. Negotiate like a pro.

Creating a competitive listing is only half the battle. Once offers start rolling in, skilled negotiation is critical to ensure you get the best price and terms.

Navigating the negotiation process can be one of the most challenging aspects of selling your home, but partnering with an agent with exceptional negotiation skills can make all the difference.

A skilled agent knows how to advocate for your best interests, effectively manage competing offers, and strategically counteroffer to secure the best possible deal for you. They understand market trends, buyer behavior, and pricing dynamics, allowing them to craft persuasive arguments that work in your favor. Additionally, an experienced negotiator can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

With the right agent by your side, you’re not just selling a house—you’re maximizing your investment.

Cities Experiencing a Seller’s Market in Ohio

Wondering which Ohio cities are currently thriving? Here are regions where the market is better for real estate agents and sellers alike:

• Columbus: Known for its family-friendly allure and strong job growth, Columbus continues to attract newcomers. As of Q1 2025, the median home price is $275,000, with a 3.2% year-over-year increase. Homes sell in an average of 29 days, and 45% of listings sell above the asking price.
• Cincinnati: Cincinnati not only offers rich cultural attractions but also boasts a competitive housing market. The median sale price is $253,500, reflecting a 5.6% year-over-year increase. Inventory remains tight, with 26.9% of homes selling above their list price.
• Dayton: The median home price in April 2025 was $200,000, an 8% increase year-over-year. Homes are selling faster, with an average of 39 days on the market, but down 54.7% from the previous year.
• Cleveland: The median listing price in April 2025 was $144,900, up 7.4% year-over-year. Homes sold for approximately 99.25% of their asking price, with an average of 42 days on the market.

Check housing trends in your local area to see how you can capitalize on a seller’s market.

Take Control of Your Sale

Navigating a seller’s market requires strategic planning, market knowledge, and expert execution. Whether you’re selling your property or advising a prospective client, these tips will position you for success.

If you’re ready to learn even more real estate strategies or want to enhance your skills as a real estate professional, Hondros College is here to help. From foundational courses to advanced training, we’re committed to empowering real estate professionals in Ohio.

Sources:

“Cincinnati, OH Housing Market: What to Expect in 2025?” Houzeo. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.houzeo.com/housing-market/ohio/cincinnati.

“Columbus Real Estate Market Overview & Forecast (2025 & 2026).” The Luxury Playbook, April 26, 2025. https://theluxuryplaybook.com/columbus-real-estate-market/.

Dayton, Ohio Housing Market Report March 2025 – Rocket Homes. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/oh/dayton.

Douglas, Stephan. “Understanding the 2025 Columbus Real Estate Market Trends.” DouglasAndAssociatesRealty.com, May 8, 2025. https://www.douglasandassociatesrealty.com/blog/understanding-the-2025-columbus-real-estate-market-trends/.

“March 2025 – Great Cleveland Market Update!” 21 Mike Team. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://21mike.com/real-estate/market-update/march-2025-great-cleveland-market-update.