Real Estate Professional Stuart Deane Advocates for Local Market Knowledge and Preparation

Stuart Deane, a brokerage owner and real estate professional, is highlighting the financial risks consumers face when making residential real estate decisions based on broad market headlines rather than local knowledge. In a recent interview, Deane explained how this disconnect leads to lost time, diminished value, and unnecessary stress for both buyers and sellers. He argues that real estate decisions are too often influenced by national averages and rushed timelines, which fail to capture the nuances of specific neighborhoods.

Deane points to data from the National Association of Realtors showing that 86% of buyers consider an agent's understanding of the local market important, yet many still reference national price trends. This reliance on generalized information can be costly. Industry data indicates that homes priced using neighborhood-level data sell up to 17% faster than those priced with regional averages, a difference that can translate to thousands of dollars in competitive markets. "A national stat doesn't tell you why one street sells faster than the next," Deane said. "It doesn't tell you what buyers are reacting to this month. Local knowledge does."

Beyond pricing, Deane stresses the critical role of preparation, noting that sellers frequently prioritize major renovations over simple, high-impact fixes. He references industry studies, including one from Zillow, which found that homes with neutral paint colors and basic cosmetic updates sell for an average of $6,500 more. The National Association of Realtors also reports that properly prepared homes sell 18% faster than comparable unprepared properties. "Most fast sales don't come from big remodels," Deane said. "They come from clean homes, honest pricing, and removing friction. These aren't secret tactics. They're habits. And habits are repeatable."

With housing affordability under pressure and buyer confidence uneven, the consequences of missteps are significant. Data from ATTOM Data shows homes lingering on the market beyond 30 days often require price reductions of 5% or more, even in balanced conditions. Deane believes better consumer education and deliberate preparation can mitigate such losses. "This is about respect for people's time and money," he said. "No one benefits when decisions are rushed or poorly informed."

To foster more informed decisions, Deane offers specific, actionable advice. For buyers, he recommends walking neighborhoods at different times, understanding why homes on the same street sell at varying prices, tracking days on market, and focusing on a property's condition over staging techniques. For sellers, his guidance includes fixing minor issues before listing, pricing based on recent nearby sales rather than peak headlines, prioritizing cleanliness and lighting, and analyzing how quickly comparable homes are currently selling. "Good decisions come from clarity," Deane concluded. "Clarity comes from paying attention. Start by observing. Watch what's selling. Watch what's not. That knowledge is free, and it's powerful."