With budgets already stretched thin along with higher interest rates, today’s buyers are more selective than ever regarding homes they’re willing to purchase. They don’t want to get stuck with a home they’ll need to sink even more money into after closing. In fact, according to a recent report from Zillow, buyers are willing to pay up to 4% more (an average of $13,000 for the average American home) for a move-in-ready listing that doesn’t need renovations or repairs. 

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When buyers walk into your home, the first impression happens faster than most sellers realize — often within the first eight seconds. Before buyers consciously evaluate square footage, finishes, or price, they’re already forming an emotional reaction to the space. That initial feeling can strongly influence how long they stay, how positively they view the home, and ultimately how confident they feel making an offer.

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In line with many other living expenses, home insurance has been rising over the last several years. According to the Consumer Federation of America, the average annual home insurance premium for a typical homeowner increased by an average of $648 across the country from 2021 to 2024. Home insurance in Missouri increased by an average of 12% during that time span, while Illinois home insurance increased by a whopping 50%.

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