We have officially entered the 2026 spring housing market, and for many homeowners, there is a sense of optimism in the air.

According to the latest Spring Seller Survey from Realtor.com, sellers are heading into the season with high expectations. 

But as we transition into a more nuanced market, there is a gap between what sellers expect and what the national data actually shows. So, let's pull back the curtain on the national "Expectation vs. Reality" and look at how our local market compares.

Pricing: What Sellers Expect vs. Reality

Nationally, seller price expectations are running high. The survey found that 83% of those planning to sell in the next 12 months expect to receive at least their full asking price, if not more:

• 46% of sellers expect to receive their asking price

• 37% expect to exceed it

• only 12% anticipate settling for less than their list price

That optimism isn't entirely unfounded, especially in tight markets. But it does require getting the price right from the start. Homes that are overpriced tend to sit longer, which invites skepticism from buyers and often leads to price reductions down the road—a cycle that's much harder to recover from than simply pricing accurately on day one.

Days on Market: Timing Expectations vs. Reality

Three-quarters of potential sellers nationally expect to be under contract within four months, and 27% expect their home to sell within just one to two months. 

So, what is the reality? The national median days on market is currently 57 days according to the Realtor.com March 2026 Monthly Housing Report, so most sellers' timelines are within range.

A Few More Things Worth Knowing

Beyond price and timing, the 2026 survey surfaces a few other trends that are shaping the seller experience this spring:

Concessions are becoming more common. The share of sellers who expect to make concessions has risen to 39% in 2026, up from 30% in 2025. That 9-point jump is a signal that sellers are becoming more realistic about the give-and-take of today's market, even if their headline price expectations remain high. Concessions might include covering a portion of closing costs, including a home warranty, or agreeing to repairs after inspection.

Preparation pays off. Among sellers who feel most confident about their outcome, the most common actions taken were researching comparable prices (54%), making small fixes and decluttering (50%), and identifying needed home improvements (44%). Sellers who invest a little time upfront tend to get better results.

The bottom line? Seller optimism this spring is largely well-placed, but the sellers who convert that confidence into successful closings will be the ones who ground their expectations in local data, price strategically from the start, and are prepared for a bit of negotiation. 

Spring is historically the strongest window of the year to sell. With the right preparation, you can make the most of it.

Joseph Ranola | Bridge and Boro Team at Real Broker 75 Five-Star Google Reviews | Serving Staten Island & Brooklyn

Follow on Instagram: @ranolarealestate