The Long-Timer’s Edge: Why Homeowners from 2000 and Earlier Can Win Big

I’ll be honest with you: just because you’ve lived in your house for decades doesn’t mean it automatically sells itself.

Your memories? Priceless. But buyers aren’t paying for the family barbecues or the Thanksgiving dinners you hosted. What they’re paying for is a property that looks relevant, move-in ready, and positioned to stand out in today’s crowded market.

And if you’ve been in your home since the days when dial-up internet was still a thing, here’s the real kicker—you’re sitting on a serious advantage. Equity. A lot of it.

The Data Doesn’t Lie

Recent research from Realtor.com highlights something I see on the ground every week: today’s sellers are often long-timers. Nearly half of U.S. homeowners (45.2%) have stayed in the same place for 15 years or more. One in four has been in their home for over 25 years.

For homeowners 65 and older, the numbers are even more striking: 70% moved in before 2009, and nearly half before 2000. That means a large segment of the market is sitting on homes that haven’t been brought to market in decades. Equity has grown, but presentation often hasn’t.

This creates a gap: buyers are eager, but only if the home feels current and competitive. That’s where preparation—and smart marketing—makes all the difference.

Why Fall Isn’t “Too Early”

The myth of the “spring market” still floats around like gospel. I get it: spring traditionally brings more buyers. But here’s the truth—waiting until March or April to start thinking about selling puts you behind the curve.

Fall is when the smart sellers get to work. Think of it as the preseason before the championship. You use this time to declutter, freshen up the home, and—this is key—plan your marketing strategy. That way, by the time spring demand peaks, you’re not racing against the clock. You’re ahead of it.

In my experience, the homes that launch strong in spring aren’t the ones thrown together at the last minute. They’re the ones that started preparing now.

What Longtime Owners Need to Focus On

If you’ve lived in your house for 15, 20, even 25+ years, here’s the playbook I recommend:

• Declutter without mercy. What feels like history to you feels like storage problems to a buyer. Less is more.

• Update strategically. You don’t need a full remodel. A fresh coat of paint, new fixtures, or updated landscaping can completely change a first impression.

• Leverage professional visuals. This is where Monty Lou Media Group comes in. We create photography, videos, drone shots, and reels that showcase your home in a way buyers expect today. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about storytelling. When buyers connect emotionally with a home, that’s when they compete for it.

The Napa Valley Factor

Selling in Napa and the Bay Area isn’t like selling just anywhere else. Buyers here aren’t simply purchasing a property—they’re buying a lifestyle. Vineyard views, wine-country entertaining spaces, natural light pouring into the kitchen—these details matter as much as the square footage.

That’s why I don’t just capture homes; I capture the feeling of living here. Whether it’s twilight drone footage that shows off the glow of a property against the hills, or a lifestyle video that highlights outdoor dining under string lights, the goal is to make buyers see themselves in the space. That’s what drives offers upward.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been in your home since the early 2000s—or even earlier—you’re sitting on a unique opportunity. You’ve built wealth simply by holding onto your property. But the market rewards those who prepare, not those who wait.

Start now! Use this fall to put your house in its best light, line up your strategy, and work with professionals who know how to present it as more than four walls. By spring, you won’t just be selling—you’ll be competing to win.

*Disclaimer: This article is based on insights from Realtor.com’s Fall 2025 Housing Report. I’ve added my own perspective from working directly with homeowners and real estate professionals in Napa Valley and the Bay Area.

Otavio Marques