American Home Shield report highlights knowledge gaps, hidden costs, and emotional strain in the home-selling process
A recent survey of homeowners by American Home Shield reveals that 41% of homeowners believe selling a home is more difficult than buying, shedding light on the often underestimated challenges of the selling process.
The data points to a widespread sense of stress and uncertainty among sellers. More than half—56%—said selling their home was an overwhelming experience, while one in six admitted they didn’t fully understand the process before listing their property.
Financial surprises also played a major role. One in three homeowners said they wished they had a better understanding of the hidden costs associated with selling and closing, highlighting a persistent gap in preparedness.
Despite these challenges, many transactions moved quickly. The survey found that over three in five homeowners sold their homes in two months or less. However, speed often came at a cost—69% of sellers made improvements to their homes to prepare for the market, spending an average of $5,587 on upgrades and repairs.
The findings underscore that while the housing market may favor sellers, the process itself remains complex, costly, and emotionally demanding for many homeowners.
The full report offers additional insights into seller experiences, including which repairs made the biggest impact.
