The Truth About Selling Your Home for “Market Value”

By Rebecca Durfey

Rebecca Durfey brings over 20 years of experience in real estate transactions within Maricopa County. Despite managing multiple clients simultaneously, her primary focus is to provide a personalized experience that makes you feel like her sole priority. Rebecca and her team are dedicated to efficiently achieving the desired outcomes for each client they serve.

Have you seen those ads that promise to get you full market value for your home? You’re not alone. A lot of people have been asking if the guarantee to get a top dollar payment for a property no matter what happens is a reality. But, the truth is that “full market value” doesn’t always mean what you expect. Today, we’ll talk about what the full market value means and the current trend of the housing market.

What does “full market value” really mean? When these ads say they’ll get you full market value, they’re using clever wording. Full market value means the price the market is willing to pay for your home. This could be more or less than your asking price. In other words, it’s not about what you expect to get, but what buyers are willing to offer.

For example, if you list your home for $500,000 but buyers think it’s worth $475,000, then $475,000 is full market value. This is why these guarantees can be misleading.

What’s the market like right now? As of early 2025, we’re in a bit of a buyer’s market. This means buyers have the upper hand because there are more homes than there are buyers. If you’re selling, it’s crucial to make sure your home stands out and is priced right. The key here is pricing your home at a competitive price that appeals to buyers. If it’s too high, you may not get the attention you need.

How do you sell your home in this market? To sell in a buyer’s market, your home needs to shine. First, make sure it looks its best. You want it to be the “prettiest girl at the dance,” as my analyst likes to say. Next, price it right. Even if you aim for the top of your price range, make sure it aligns with what buyers are willing to pay. If you get these things right, you have a better chance of attracting serious buyers.

What about buyers? If you’re looking to buy, now might be your best chance. In a market like this, your negotiating power is strong. Homes are out there, and you have more room to negotiate. Don’t wait around for rates to drop. If you’re ready, it’s a good time to act.

If you’re selling or buying, you need someone who knows how to navigate this tricky market. You need someone who will communicate with you, advocate for your interests, and educate you throughout the process. This is what I do for my clients–I’m committed to giving you my very best, no matter what the market looks like. If you are interested in learning how I help my clients, you can call or text me to 623-297-4536 at or email me at rebeccadurfey@kw.com.