Would you pay for a home inspection before listing your property?

Insight
Nearly half of respondents in our poll said they’d pay for a home inspection before listing, aiming to avoid surprises and smooth out the closing process. A smaller group saw inspections as strictly the buyer’s responsibility, while some weren’t sure.

In open-ended responses, a notable share of sellers said they’d rather skip the inspection and address issues case by case—either fixing them directly or offering a credit. This reinforces a key divide in seller mindsets: proactive planning vs. reactive problem-solving. But the trend is clear—more sellers today are open to controlling the narrative upfront to avoid last-minute disruptions.

What Most People Miss
A pre-listing inspection isn’t just about uncovering repairs—it’s about shaping buyer perception and building trust from the start. While some sellers prefer to address issues as they come up—or offer credits instead—this reactive approach can backfire.

When buyers discover issues themselves, even small ones, they tend to see them as red flags. That uncertainty often leads to more aggressive negotiations or second thoughts. By identifying problems early and disclosing them upfront, sellers create a sense of fairness that can defuse tension and streamline the sale.

In today’s market, managing how your home is perceived can be just as important as managing the property itself.

When is the best time to sell a home?

Insight
A majority of respondents (55%) believe the best time to sell a home is simply when you're ready—emphasizing personal timing over seasonal trends. Spring, particularly May and early June, has historically offered higher sale prices and faster transactions in Southeast Florida. Winter also brings a unique advantage via snowbird buyers, who often pay cash and move quickly.

However, what our poll reveals is that readiness beats seasonality: every seller’s situation is different (and so is every buyer’s), and a well-prepared listing—priced and presented right—can succeed in any season. The same holds true for buyers: while peak search activity tends to cluster in certain months, most buyers begin looking the moment they feel ready. Online search habits kick in immediately, regardless of season—supporting the idea that while seasonal surges may bring more noise, real transactions can happen anytime. 

It’s also important to remember that buying a home isn’t an impulse—it’s a process that can take months, even a year. That means buyers start looking as soon as they feel ready, regardless of the calendar. While seasonal trends may shape volume, serious buyers are always in the market—making preparation and pricing more critical than timing.

What Most People Miss
Even though “when you’re ready” feels like a personal decision, that doesn’t mean market conditions should be ignored. Readiness isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. A seller who’s aligned with current trends (inventory levels, buyer demand, interest rates) can turn personal timing into market opportunity. The smartest sellers don’t wait for a perfect season—they prepare to make any season the right one.

Header image courtesy of Adam Elmer and Marie Mangouta. 407 N Riverside Drive #303, Pompano Beach FL. View property here.

_{Poll conducted across Fortune Christie’s social media platforms in 2025. Responses include buyers, sellers, and agents.}