We recently asked our community—both clients and real estate professionals—to weigh in on what truly influences buying and selling decisions. The responses offer a glimpse into common mindsets, regrets, and priorities shaping the market today. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, these insights reflect the kinds of real-world dynamics that matter most.

WHAT DO HOME BUYERS PRIORITIZE?

• Ideal location – 92%  
• Ideal home – 8%  

Insight:

The overwhelming majority of respondents prioritized location over the home itself—a strong signal of how crucial the right setting is in the buying decision. This reinforces the long-standing real estate saying: location, location, location. In South Florida especially, factors like proximity to the beach, schools, lifestyle amenities, and even flood zones often outweigh features like finishes, layouts, or updates.

For sellers, this highlights the value of promoting what surrounds the property just as much as the property itself—think neighborhood appeal, walkability, and lifestyle potential. For buyers, it’s a reminder to get clear on your preferred location early on, as it’s often the one factor that can’t be changed.

While most respondents leaned heavily toward location, a small percentage still chose the home itself—reminding us that some buyers do prioritize finishes, floor plans, or the potential to customize. Either way, the poll offers a helpful window into what’s driving buyer decisions in today’s market.

WHAT DO SELLERS REGRET MOST? 

Sellers say:

• Pricing – 60%
• Showing condition – 40%  
• Timing – 0%  

Agents say:

• Pricing – 36%  
• Showing condition – 36%  
• Timing – 27%

Insight: 
Both sellers and agents agree: pricing is the most common source of regret. Sellers often wrestle with whether they priced too high and missed early interest—or too low and left money on the table. Showing condition also ranked high, reinforcing how important presentation is in today’s competitive market.

Interestingly, none of the sellers in our poll chose timing as their top regret, while a few agents did. One agent pointed out that an overpriced home tends to sit on the market longer, gaining a reputation as stale or undesirable—ultimately making it harder to sell, even with a price adjustment later on.

Another agent insight? Sellers often underestimate how much showing condition matters. Even something as subtle as overly personal décor, visual clutter, or an off-putting energy can discourage buyers from making an offer—especially when there are comparable options available. Sometimes it’s not about what's wrong with the home, but how it feels compared to others.

For future sellers, the takeaway is clear: pricing and presentation are more than strategy—they're the first impression your property makes. Working with an experienced agent can help avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for a faster, more successful sale.

Header image courtesy of Lourdes Garcia. 1780 Chucunantah Rd Miami FL, 33133. View property here.