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The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

November 19, 202511 min read

How Homeowners in West Palm Beach & North Palm Beach Can Win in Today’s Market: The Top 2 Things You Need to Know Before Selling

If you’re planning to sell your home in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, you’re not alone — but you need to start with the right mindset. The number of homeowners who win in today’s market aren’t the ones who wait or hope things magically improve. Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling that the keys to success are far more strategic: price and timing.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: not every home sells quickly, even in Florida. Mistakes in expectations are costing sellers. As Realtor.com reports, too many homes in Palm Beach County are being taken off the market because they’re mispriced or rushed — and that’s avoidable.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top 2 things that can make or break your home sale, backed by local market trends, and show you how to sell your house smart, with the help of Christian Penner, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lender, Real Estate Agent, and Real Estate Advisor at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS).


1. Price It Right from Day 1

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever in Palm Beach County

When you’re ready to sell your house, one of the biggest missteps is overconfidence on the asking price. Many sellers think they can just pick a number, market it beautifully, and buyers will come — but in today’s market, that’s risky.

In Palm Beach County, data shows that homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more room to be selective. According to reports from Palm Beach County realtors, the median number of days between listing and contract has risen — for single-family homes, it's around 46 days, with median time to sale also stretching to 88 days or more. MIAMI REALTORS®
Another local report from March 2025 shows the median time to contract is about 43 days for single-family homes, and 83 days to closing. MIAMI REALTORS®
Over in West Palm Beach, Realtor.com reports a median days on market of 91 days. Realtor

That landscape matters for pricing: you can’t just throw out a high number and expect it to fly off the market.

Common Mistakes: Why Some Homes Don’t Sell

A major reason so many listings don’t work out isn’t market failure — it’s expectation failure. Too many sellers expect their house to sell in a weekend or are holding out for dream offers. But when things don’t happen fast, they get discouraged, remove their listing, or make desperate price cuts.

According to national commentary on markets like this, the average price cut when sellers do need to reduce comes in at around 4%. In other words, many of these failed deals could have been avoided with smarter pricing from day one. (That’s especially true when you consider your equity may give you more room than you think.)

Some sellers mistakenly believe that if they list high and “leave room to negotiate,” they have flexibility — but the trick is to start in a competitive, realistic range, not above it for hope.

How to Price Smart in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach & Wellington

Here’s a step-by-step local strategy (with Christian Penner’s guidance):

  1. Talk to your agent early — Before you list, sit down with a trusted local agent (or Christian Penner in his Real Estate Agent / Advisor role). Ask: What similar homes are selling right now, in my neighborhood?

  2. Use recent comps — Collect data on recent sales in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Wellington, or nearby Palm Beach County. Compare homes by square footage, age, condition, and location.

  3. Calculate your room for flexibility — Because you’ve built equity, you may have enough buffer to start more competitively while still protecting your bottom line.

  4. Set a price range — not a wish numberWork with your agent to pick a list price that is aggressive but believable. If you price more than ~4% above market comps, you risk missing out.

  5. Plan for adjustments — Be ready to evaluate the market after 2–4 weeks. If buyer activity is weak, don’t be afraid to tweak — a small price drop can drive interest without breaking the bank.


2. Don’t Rush the Process

Why Waiting (a Little) Actually Helps in Today’s Market

Another big misstep for many sellers: expecting your house to sell in a weekend. That mind-set may have worked in the wild, pandemic-era market, but now, buyers are more intentional. They’re not just swiping through listings — they’re analyzing, comparing, negotiating.

Some sellers remember when homes sold in as little as hours, but that kind of frenzy is mostly behind us. In today’s market, a more realistic timeline is unfolding — especially in Palm Beach County, where buyers are now taking time to make thoughtful decisions.

This shift is actually creating a much healthier housing market. With more inventory, more negotiating space, and fewer emotionally driven bids, buyers and sellers can connect in more sustainable ways.

How Long It Really Takes in Palm Beach County

To put real numbers on it: in Palm Beach County, the median contract time for a single-family home is reported to be around 46 days, with time to sale nearing or exceeding 88 days. MIAMI REALTORS®+1
For condos or townhomes, the median time to contract in March 2025 was around 64 days. MIAMI REALTORS®
Meanwhile, some Palm Beach County market-watchers report the average days on market has stretched to 110 days. remax-excellence-fl.com

That means if you list today, 60 days to go from listed to sold (or even under contract) is possible, but not guaranteed. It’s wise to be prepared for a more measured, realistic timeline.

Why Patience Pays (Especially in FL)

  • More negotiating power for buyers → Because homes are staying on the market, buyers don’t feel the same urgency. That gives them room to negotiate, and smart sellers can find buyers who are serious.

  • Better, more qualified offers → When buyers take time, they often come with financing, inspections, and strong pre-approval — not just adrenaline.

  • Strategic adjustments → With time, you can make data-driven decisions: maybe adjust the price, improve staging, or re-shoot photos.

How to Stay Proactive While Staying Patient

Here’s what you can do to not let your listing stagnate — but also not force a disastrous quick sale:

  1. Talk to your agent about standout strategies — Ask Christian Penner (or your agent) how you can make sure your house sells as quickly as possible. This may include staging, professional photography, or a more aggressive launch plan.

  2. Invest in staging and presentation — A staged home with strategic pricing and great visuals makes a stronger first impression. Consider working with a stager or a photographer who knows the Palm Beach County market.

  3. Be open to feedback — After your listing goes live, ask your agent for regular updates. If showings are low, don’t wait too long to tweak things.

  4. Plan your timeline realistically — Instead of hoping for a weekend sale, set milestones: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks. At each check-in, assess progress, leads, and offers.

  5. Leverage Christian Penner’s expertise — As both a Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Advisor with America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS), Christian can help potential buyers understand financing, giving you an edge in converting strong leads. He can also advise you on pricing strategy given your equity.


Local Insight: Why This Matters for Homeowners in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach & Wellington, FL

Let’s bring this home to our specific region:

  • In West Palm Beach, Realtor.com indicates a median days-on-market of around 91 days, so your expectations need to match reality. Realtor

  • In Palm Beach County overall, MIAMI REALTORS® data shows median to contract is increasing (e.g., 46 days in recent months) and time to sale is longer than in years past. MIAMI REALTORS®+1

  • In Wellington — as a part of Palm Beach County — these broader County metrics apply: more inventory, more competition, and buyers who are deliberate.

All of this means: if you list too aggressively, or if you expect a lightning-fast sale, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you price right and plan thoughtfully, you can win in today’s market — and Christian Penner is uniquely positioned to help.


The Bottom Line: How to Position Your Home for Success

  1. Don’t let passion or nostalgia inflate your price.
    Hold firm that pricing strategy matters. Start competitively, not optimistically.

  2. Be patient — but not passive.
    Selling in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington today means embracing a timeline that’s more deliberate than in the pandemic era.

  3. Leverage expert guidance.
    – Talk to your local agent (or Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS)) about what’s working nearby and where buyer attention is focused.
    – Ask Christian for his advice on how your equity gives you room to set your list price more competitively while still protecting your financial goals.
    – Use his mortgage-broker expertise to make your listing more attractive to buyers by helping them with financing education or pre-approval.

  4. Prepare your home to shine.
    Invest in staging, photography, and thoughtful presentation. The right prep work can accelerate interest and justify a strong price.

  5. Monitor, adjust, and optimize.
    After listing, track showings, feedback, and lead quality. Be ready to pivot your pricing or marketing if things aren’t going as planned.


Frequently Asked Questions (Voice-Search Friendly)

Here are some questions that homeowners often voice-search, especially when selling in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, along with clear, optimized answers:

Q: How long does it take to sell a home in Palm Beach County in 2025?
A: It varies, but recent data shows a median of about 46 days to contract for single-family homes, and around 88+ days until closing. MIAMI REALTORS®
If you're selling in West Palm Beach, Realtor.com reports a median days-on-market of about 91 days. Realtor
So, don’t assume your house will sell in a weekend — that’s not the norm anymore.


Q: Should I price my house aggressively and negotiate later?
A: While leaving room to negotiate might feel safe, starting too high often backfires. Because buyers have more choices now, overpricing can lead to your home being ignored or eventually requiring a reduction.
A better approach is to set a competitive, realistic price from day one, based on local comps and your equity. That way, you attract serious buyers and avoid the need for steep markdowns.


Q: How much do sellers typically lower their price if their home isn’t selling?
A: Some sellers do reduce their price — even those who didn’t initially list too high. Across many markets, average price cuts are in the ballpark of 4%, according to industry commentary.
A small adjustment like that can be enough to re-engage buyers, especially when paired with strong staging and marketing.


Q: Can investing in staging and professional photos really make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Putting in the right prep work (staging, decluttering, repainting, professional photography) helps your property stand out in the sea of listings.
Buyers in Palm Beach County are comparing homes more carefully, so presentation can make or break their first impression.


Q: How do I make sure my house sells as quickly as possible?
A: Here are some concrete steps:

  1. Talk to your agent about strategic pricing.

  2. Invest in staging and quality photography.

  3. Be open to feedback — if showings are slow, revise your plan.

  4. Set realistic milestones (2, 4, 8 weeks) and review performance with your agent.

  5. Leverage the expertise of someone like Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS) — he can help frame financing for buyers, which may boost your competitive edge.


Why Christian Penner (AMS) Is Your Ideal Partner

When navigating a nuanced market like West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, having the right guidance can be the difference between a frustrating listing and a winning sale. Here’s why Christian Penner is uniquely qualified to help you:

  • As a Mortgage Broker and Mortgage Lender at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS), Christian understands financing. He can help potential buyers get pre-approved, making them more serious.

  • As a Real Estate Agent and Real Estate Advisor, he has local market insight — he knows what homes are really selling for in Palm Beach County, how long they take, and what features are most in demand.

  • He can advise you on pricing strategy, leveraging your equity to set a list price more competitively, without leaving money on the table.

  • He can help you position your home from the start, ensuring marketing, staging, photos, and timing align to fetch the best possible deal.


Final Thoughts: You Can Still Win if You Price Right

At the end of the day, the winners in today’s home-selling market are not the ones hoping for old-school bidding wars. They’re the homeowners who adapt: who price right, who plan patiently, and who lean on trusted advice from local professionals like Christian Penner, AMS.

  • Don’t let unrealistic pricing trip you up.

  • Don’t let impatience force you into a bad deal.

  • Use your equity wisely, and approach selling thoughtfully.

  • Work with someone who gets both sides — the real estate side and the mortgage side.

If you want to talk more about how to set your list price, stage your home, or map out a winning sales timeline, Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions is ready to help. With the right strategy, you can still sell quickly — and confidently — in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL.

Source: “America's Mortgage Solutions (AMS)

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Christian Penner

I have lived in North Palm Beach County Since 1976, after moving from Cleveland Ohio. I started working for a Norwest Financial, a Sales Finance Company right out of college providing personal consumer loans, Sales Financial Loans, and Mortgage Loans. I Maintained being a Top 10% Producer throughout my career with the company. I then transferred to Norwest Mortgage which later became Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Do to my success with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, I opened and Managed a Wells Fargo Branch office, in Jupiter FL until 2004. Since then I have been a Producing Branch Manager for a few different companies and Banks. Today, I am the President and Managing Member of my own mortgage brokerage – America’s Mortgage Solutions.

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The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

November 19, 202511 min read

How Homeowners in West Palm Beach & North Palm Beach Can Win in Today’s Market: The Top 2 Things You Need to Know Before Selling

If you’re planning to sell your home in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, you’re not alone — but you need to start with the right mindset. The number of homeowners who win in today’s market aren’t the ones who wait or hope things magically improve. Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling that the keys to success are far more strategic: price and timing.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: not every home sells quickly, even in Florida. Mistakes in expectations are costing sellers. As Realtor.com reports, too many homes in Palm Beach County are being taken off the market because they’re mispriced or rushed — and that’s avoidable.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top 2 things that can make or break your home sale, backed by local market trends, and show you how to sell your house smart, with the help of Christian Penner, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lender, Real Estate Agent, and Real Estate Advisor at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS).


1. Price It Right from Day 1

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever in Palm Beach County

When you’re ready to sell your house, one of the biggest missteps is overconfidence on the asking price. Many sellers think they can just pick a number, market it beautifully, and buyers will come — but in today’s market, that’s risky.

In Palm Beach County, data shows that homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more room to be selective. According to reports from Palm Beach County realtors, the median number of days between listing and contract has risen — for single-family homes, it's around 46 days, with median time to sale also stretching to 88 days or more. MIAMI REALTORS®
Another local report from March 2025 shows the median time to contract is about 43 days for single-family homes, and 83 days to closing. MIAMI REALTORS®
Over in West Palm Beach, Realtor.com reports a median days on market of 91 days. Realtor

That landscape matters for pricing: you can’t just throw out a high number and expect it to fly off the market.

Common Mistakes: Why Some Homes Don’t Sell

A major reason so many listings don’t work out isn’t market failure — it’s expectation failure. Too many sellers expect their house to sell in a weekend or are holding out for dream offers. But when things don’t happen fast, they get discouraged, remove their listing, or make desperate price cuts.

According to national commentary on markets like this, the average price cut when sellers do need to reduce comes in at around 4%. In other words, many of these failed deals could have been avoided with smarter pricing from day one. (That’s especially true when you consider your equity may give you more room than you think.)

Some sellers mistakenly believe that if they list high and “leave room to negotiate,” they have flexibility — but the trick is to start in a competitive, realistic range, not above it for hope.

How to Price Smart in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach & Wellington

Here’s a step-by-step local strategy (with Christian Penner’s guidance):

  1. Talk to your agent early — Before you list, sit down with a trusted local agent (or Christian Penner in his Real Estate Agent / Advisor role). Ask: What similar homes are selling right now, in my neighborhood?

  2. Use recent comps — Collect data on recent sales in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Wellington, or nearby Palm Beach County. Compare homes by square footage, age, condition, and location.

  3. Calculate your room for flexibility — Because you’ve built equity, you may have enough buffer to start more competitively while still protecting your bottom line.

  4. Set a price range — not a wish numberWork with your agent to pick a list price that is aggressive but believable. If you price more than ~4% above market comps, you risk missing out.

  5. Plan for adjustments — Be ready to evaluate the market after 2–4 weeks. If buyer activity is weak, don’t be afraid to tweak — a small price drop can drive interest without breaking the bank.


2. Don’t Rush the Process

Why Waiting (a Little) Actually Helps in Today’s Market

Another big misstep for many sellers: expecting your house to sell in a weekend. That mind-set may have worked in the wild, pandemic-era market, but now, buyers are more intentional. They’re not just swiping through listings — they’re analyzing, comparing, negotiating.

Some sellers remember when homes sold in as little as hours, but that kind of frenzy is mostly behind us. In today’s market, a more realistic timeline is unfolding — especially in Palm Beach County, where buyers are now taking time to make thoughtful decisions.

This shift is actually creating a much healthier housing market. With more inventory, more negotiating space, and fewer emotionally driven bids, buyers and sellers can connect in more sustainable ways.

How Long It Really Takes in Palm Beach County

To put real numbers on it: in Palm Beach County, the median contract time for a single-family home is reported to be around 46 days, with time to sale nearing or exceeding 88 days. MIAMI REALTORS®+1
For condos or townhomes, the median time to contract in March 2025 was around 64 days. MIAMI REALTORS®
Meanwhile, some Palm Beach County market-watchers report the average days on market has stretched to 110 days. remax-excellence-fl.com

That means if you list today, 60 days to go from listed to sold (or even under contract) is possible, but not guaranteed. It’s wise to be prepared for a more measured, realistic timeline.

Why Patience Pays (Especially in FL)

  • More negotiating power for buyers → Because homes are staying on the market, buyers don’t feel the same urgency. That gives them room to negotiate, and smart sellers can find buyers who are serious.

  • Better, more qualified offers → When buyers take time, they often come with financing, inspections, and strong pre-approval — not just adrenaline.

  • Strategic adjustments → With time, you can make data-driven decisions: maybe adjust the price, improve staging, or re-shoot photos.

How to Stay Proactive While Staying Patient

Here’s what you can do to not let your listing stagnate — but also not force a disastrous quick sale:

  1. Talk to your agent about standout strategies — Ask Christian Penner (or your agent) how you can make sure your house sells as quickly as possible. This may include staging, professional photography, or a more aggressive launch plan.

  2. Invest in staging and presentation — A staged home with strategic pricing and great visuals makes a stronger first impression. Consider working with a stager or a photographer who knows the Palm Beach County market.

  3. Be open to feedback — After your listing goes live, ask your agent for regular updates. If showings are low, don’t wait too long to tweak things.

  4. Plan your timeline realistically — Instead of hoping for a weekend sale, set milestones: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks. At each check-in, assess progress, leads, and offers.

  5. Leverage Christian Penner’s expertise — As both a Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Advisor with America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS), Christian can help potential buyers understand financing, giving you an edge in converting strong leads. He can also advise you on pricing strategy given your equity.


Local Insight: Why This Matters for Homeowners in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach & Wellington, FL

Let’s bring this home to our specific region:

  • In West Palm Beach, Realtor.com indicates a median days-on-market of around 91 days, so your expectations need to match reality. Realtor

  • In Palm Beach County overall, MIAMI REALTORS® data shows median to contract is increasing (e.g., 46 days in recent months) and time to sale is longer than in years past. MIAMI REALTORS®+1

  • In Wellington — as a part of Palm Beach County — these broader County metrics apply: more inventory, more competition, and buyers who are deliberate.

All of this means: if you list too aggressively, or if you expect a lightning-fast sale, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you price right and plan thoughtfully, you can win in today’s market — and Christian Penner is uniquely positioned to help.


The Bottom Line: How to Position Your Home for Success

  1. Don’t let passion or nostalgia inflate your price.
    Hold firm that pricing strategy matters. Start competitively, not optimistically.

  2. Be patient — but not passive.
    Selling in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington today means embracing a timeline that’s more deliberate than in the pandemic era.

  3. Leverage expert guidance.
    – Talk to your local agent (or Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS)) about what’s working nearby and where buyer attention is focused.
    – Ask Christian for his advice on how your equity gives you room to set your list price more competitively while still protecting your financial goals.
    – Use his mortgage-broker expertise to make your listing more attractive to buyers by helping them with financing education or pre-approval.

  4. Prepare your home to shine.
    Invest in staging, photography, and thoughtful presentation. The right prep work can accelerate interest and justify a strong price.

  5. Monitor, adjust, and optimize.
    After listing, track showings, feedback, and lead quality. Be ready to pivot your pricing or marketing if things aren’t going as planned.


Frequently Asked Questions (Voice-Search Friendly)

Here are some questions that homeowners often voice-search, especially when selling in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, along with clear, optimized answers:

Q: How long does it take to sell a home in Palm Beach County in 2025?
A: It varies, but recent data shows a median of about 46 days to contract for single-family homes, and around 88+ days until closing. MIAMI REALTORS®
If you're selling in West Palm Beach, Realtor.com reports a median days-on-market of about 91 days. Realtor
So, don’t assume your house will sell in a weekend — that’s not the norm anymore.


Q: Should I price my house aggressively and negotiate later?
A: While leaving room to negotiate might feel safe, starting too high often backfires. Because buyers have more choices now, overpricing can lead to your home being ignored or eventually requiring a reduction.
A better approach is to set a competitive, realistic price from day one, based on local comps and your equity. That way, you attract serious buyers and avoid the need for steep markdowns.


Q: How much do sellers typically lower their price if their home isn’t selling?
A: Some sellers do reduce their price — even those who didn’t initially list too high. Across many markets, average price cuts are in the ballpark of 4%, according to industry commentary.
A small adjustment like that can be enough to re-engage buyers, especially when paired with strong staging and marketing.


Q: Can investing in staging and professional photos really make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Putting in the right prep work (staging, decluttering, repainting, professional photography) helps your property stand out in the sea of listings.
Buyers in Palm Beach County are comparing homes more carefully, so presentation can make or break their first impression.


Q: How do I make sure my house sells as quickly as possible?
A: Here are some concrete steps:

  1. Talk to your agent about strategic pricing.

  2. Invest in staging and quality photography.

  3. Be open to feedback — if showings are slow, revise your plan.

  4. Set realistic milestones (2, 4, 8 weeks) and review performance with your agent.

  5. Leverage the expertise of someone like Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS) — he can help frame financing for buyers, which may boost your competitive edge.


Why Christian Penner (AMS) Is Your Ideal Partner

When navigating a nuanced market like West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL, having the right guidance can be the difference between a frustrating listing and a winning sale. Here’s why Christian Penner is uniquely qualified to help you:

  • As a Mortgage Broker and Mortgage Lender at America’s Mortgage Solutions (AMS), Christian understands financing. He can help potential buyers get pre-approved, making them more serious.

  • As a Real Estate Agent and Real Estate Advisor, he has local market insight — he knows what homes are really selling for in Palm Beach County, how long they take, and what features are most in demand.

  • He can advise you on pricing strategy, leveraging your equity to set a list price more competitively, without leaving money on the table.

  • He can help you position your home from the start, ensuring marketing, staging, photos, and timing align to fetch the best possible deal.


Final Thoughts: You Can Still Win if You Price Right

At the end of the day, the winners in today’s home-selling market are not the ones hoping for old-school bidding wars. They’re the homeowners who adapt: who price right, who plan patiently, and who lean on trusted advice from local professionals like Christian Penner, AMS.

  • Don’t let unrealistic pricing trip you up.

  • Don’t let impatience force you into a bad deal.

  • Use your equity wisely, and approach selling thoughtfully.

  • Work with someone who gets both sides — the real estate side and the mortgage side.

If you want to talk more about how to set your list price, stage your home, or map out a winning sales timeline, Christian Penner at America’s Mortgage Solutions is ready to help. With the right strategy, you can still sell quickly — and confidently — in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, or Wellington, FL.

Source: “America's Mortgage Solutions (AMS)

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Christian Penner

I have lived in North Palm Beach County Since 1976, after moving from Cleveland Ohio. I started working for a Norwest Financial, a Sales Finance Company right out of college providing personal consumer loans, Sales Financial Loans, and Mortgage Loans. I Maintained being a Top 10% Producer throughout my career with the company. I then transferred to Norwest Mortgage which later became Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Do to my success with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, I opened and Managed a Wells Fargo Branch office, in Jupiter FL until 2004. Since then I have been a Producing Branch Manager for a few different companies and Banks. Today, I am the President and Managing Member of my own mortgage brokerage – America’s Mortgage Solutions.

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