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Top 10 Seller Fears Every Agent Should Know How to Address
The decision to sell a home is rarely just about dollars and cents — and in 2025, the fear factor is more real than ever.
According to new data from Clever Real Estate, 91% of homeowners admit they’re delaying selling due to at least one major concern. From sky-high mortgage rates to the sheer headache of packing, sellers are putting off moves — even if they want (or need) to make a change.
If you’re a listing agent trying to bring hesitant clients off the fence, priority number one is understanding exactly what is holding your sellers back.
Read on for the top 10 possible reasons.
#1. Mortgage Rate Paralysis
This one’s no surprise. Over 60% of homeowners with mortgages have rates below 4%, thanks to the unicorn years of 2020 and 2021.
Compare that to today’s rates hovering closer to 6.75%, and the math just doesn’t math.
Why swap a low monthly payment for a much higher one? For many sellers, the fear of trading a dream rate for a budget-busting one is enough to slam the brakes — even if they’re ready for more space, less space, or a fresh start.
#2. Fear of Lowball Offers
Nobody wants to leave money on the table—especially in markets where buyers have leverage again.
More than 8 in 10 (85%) sellers in Clever’s survey worry about getting offers well below the asking price.
This fear doesn’t just stem from unrealistic pricing expectations (though that’s often part of the equation). It’s also a reflection of the broader uncertainty sellers feel about their home’s true value in a market that’s cooled since the peak frenzy.
#3. Sticker Shock on Moving Costs
Moving isn’t cheap—and sellers know it. From hiring movers to unexpected expenses like cleaning, storage, and temporary housing, 63% of homeowners cited moving costs as a major factor in delaying their sale.
When budgets are already tight, every dollar counts. For some homeowners, the idea of spending thousands just to relocate, on top of everything else, makes staying put the easier choice.
And that doesn’t even take into account the cost in time. The process of moving typically goes beyond a weekend, meaning home sellers are often looking at requesting time off (with or without pay) to get everything done in one go.
#4. The Emotional Toll of Selling
Selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s personal. Nearly half (45%) of the homeowners surveyed say they feel
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