Every real estate transaction is different, and sellers sometimes run into things that stall or delay a sale. According to recent data, about six percent of sellers found their home was worth less than what they still owed on their mortgage, which put their selling plans on hold. It’s not common, but it happens.
The good news: 95% of sellers were able to sell their home when they wanted to.
Looking closer at the numbers, 9% of first-time sellers reported a stall in the process but stayed in their home while it sorted out. Only 4% of repeat sellers had the same experience — likely because they’d been through it before and knew what to expect.
Timing matters too. 11% of people who bought their home 11-15 years ago reported a stall or delay when they went to sell. That could come down to changes in the market, life circumstances, or just being pickier about the next move after living somewhere that long.
If you’re a seller, knowing these numbers ahead of time can help you plan for the possibility of a delay instead of being caught off guard by one. And if you do hit a stall, it’s not the end of the story — most sellers get where they’re trying to go eventually.
Statistical Source: National Association of REALTORS’ 2023 ‘Home Buyer and Seller Profile’
