South Shore Home Selling FAQ for Potential Sellers

Thinking About Selling? Here Are the Questions Every Homeowner Asks (or should!)

Selling your home is a big decision, and whether you’ve lived in your house for two years or twenty, most people have the same core questions before they even think about calling an agent. These are the questions I hear most often from South Shore homeowners and how I answer them honestly.

1. Is now a good time to sell?
   For most sellers, yes. Inventory across the South Shore, from Hingham to Scituate and surrounding towns, is still low, and buyer demand remains steady. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well usually attract attention quickly, sometimes with multiple offers.
   But the right time to sell isn’t based on a calendar. It depends on your timeline, your property, and what you want next. I review local sales data with you so you can make a confident, well-timed decision based on facts, not pressure.

2. How much is my house worth?
   Online estimates are a starting point, but they’re frequently off by large margins. When we sold our home in April 2024, the online valuations were more than 15 percent below our actual sale price.
   On the South Shore, value depends on location, layout, condition, and the most recent nearby sales. When we talk pricing, I bring a full market analysis so you have accurate, data-driven recommendations, not guesswork.

3. What should I do to get my house ready?
   This is where most people start to panic, but the goal isn’t perfection, it’s presentation. Declutter and depersonalize. Fresh neutral paint helps almost every home. A deep clean goes a long way, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Fix small items you’ve been putting off. And don’t underestimate curb appeal, tidy beds, trimmed shrubs, and a clean entryway make a strong first impression. I share a more detailed, personalized prep list at our pre-listing appointment.

4. Should I get a pre-listing home inspection?
   I did, and I usually recommend it. It gives you the choice to fix issues on your own terms instead of scrambling under pressure once you’re under contract. There’s a cost, and major findings must be disclosed, but the peace of mind is often worth it. Addressing small issues beforehand can shorten a buyer’s inspection list and nothing scares buyers away faster than a report packed with dozens of minor problems.

5. How long will it take to sell?
   As of fall 2025, most well-prepared South Shore homes go under agreement within one to three weeks. The timeline varies by town, price point, and property type.
   Homes under $1M in towns like Weymouth or Norwell often move quickly. Higher-end listings in Hingham or Cohasset may take longer simply due to a smaller buyer pool.
   The biggest factor is pricing. Overpriced homes sit; strategically priced homes move.

6. What if I sell before I find my next home?
   This is one of the most common concerns right now and there are several ways to manage it. You can negotiate a flexible closing date or a rent-back to stay in your home after the sale. Some buyers use bridge loans to purchase before selling. In certain cases, contracts can include language to protect you if you haven’t found the next place yet (though that’s not always ideal). And yes, my family once lived in a two-bedroom apartment with three kids and two dogs between homes. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked.

7. How will you market my home?
   This is where strategy matters. With my background in advertising and marketing, I approach every listing like a luxury product. I think about who your buyer is, what they value, and how they consume information. Then I build a plan that answers questions before they’re asked. Your home will be marketed with professional photography, lifestyle-driven video, targeted digital campaigns, and the reach of the Sotheby’s International Realty global network. Locally, it will be shared across social media, email campaigns, and well-timed open houses designed to create real momentum.

8. What’s the difference between a seller’s market and a buyer’s market?
   A seller’s market happens when there are more buyers than homes for sale which has been the story in most South Shore towns for the past few years. A buyer’s market is the opposite: more inventory, longer days on market, and more negotiating room.
   I track absorption rates and months of inventory every week so you understand exactly which market you’re in when you list. The headlines rarely match what’s happening locally.

9. How do you communicate during the process?
   Everyone has different communication styles, and I adjust to whatever works best for you. Some clients prefer texts, others want calls, and some like weekly emails.
   I send a Monday update that includes a market snapshot, showing activity, feedback, and online engagement so you always know what’s happening. Transparency is the baseline and you’ll never have to chase me for information.

Bottom line:
Selling your home is both an emotional and financial decision. My role is to help you make smart, data-driven choices while keeping the human side of the process front and center. Timing, family, and your next chapter matter just as much as price.

If you’re starting to think about selling, whether now or sometime in the next six months, I’m happy to give you a personalized value review or simply meet for coffee and talk through options.

Erin Freeman
Real Estate Advisor, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Licensed in Massachusetts and Florida
Helping homeowners make their next move with confidence