ARLINGTON, TX, December 25, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stuart Deane, brokerage owner and real estate professional, is using his recent feature interview to raise awareness around a growing issue in residential real estate: the cost of ignoring local market knowledge and proper home preparation.
In the interview, Deane shares how buyers and sellers are often misled by broad market headlines, national averages, and rushed decisions. He argues that these shortcuts lead to lost time, lost value, and unnecessary stress.
"Real estate decisions are still being made off big headlines instead of what's happening on the ground," Deane said. "That gap costs people money, even in strong markets."
Known in some circles as Stuart Deane golf, Deane draws on a career shaped by discipline, observation, and leadership. From representing Queensland in athletics and golf to owning and leading TDT Realtors, his perspective centers on preparation, timing, and clear thinking.
Local Knowledge Is Not Optional
According to the National Association of Realtors, 86% of buyers say working with an agent who understands the local market is important or very important, yet many consumers still rely on national price trends when making decisions.
Deane believes this disconnect is growing.
"A national stat doesn't tell you why one street sells faster than the next," he said. "It doesn't tell you what buyers are reacting to this month. Local knowledge does."
He points to recent industry data showing that homes priced using neighborhood-level data sell up to 17% faster than homes priced using regional averages. In competitive markets, that difference can mean thousands of dollars.
Preparation Is the Real Multiplier
Deane also emphasizes the role of high-return preparation. He notes that sellers often focus on large renovations while overlooking simple fixes that buyers notice immediately.
"Most fast sales don't come from big remodels," Deane said. "They come from clean homes, honest pricing, and removing friction."
Industry studies back this up. Zillow reports that homes with neutral paint colors and basic cosmetic updates sell for up to $6,500 more on average. The National Association of Realtors also found that properly prepared homes sell 18% faster than comparable homes without preparation.
"These aren't secret tactics," Deane said. "They're habits. And habits are repeatable."
A Call for More Informed Decisions
Deane is using the interview to encourage buyers and sellers to slow down and ask better questions. He stresses that real estate should not feel rushed or confusing.
"People should feel confident, not pressured," he said. "If someone can't explain why a price makes sense, that's a problem."
He believes consumers can protect themselves by focusing on fundamentals rather than noise.
What Buyers and Sellers Can Do Today
Deane encourages individuals to take ownership of their decisions, regardless of market conditions.
For buyers:
Walk neighborhoods at different times of day
Ask why homes on the same street sell at different prices
Track days on market, not just list prices
Pay attention to condition, not staging tricks
For sellers:
Fix small issues before listing
Price based on recent nearby sales, not peak headlines
Focus on cleanliness and lighting first
Ask how fast similar homes are selling right now
"Good decisions come from clarity," Deane said. "Clarity comes from paying attention."
Why This Matters Now
With housing affordability still under pressure and buyer confidence uneven, mistakes carry higher consequences. ATTOM Data shows that homes which sit longer than 30 days often require price reductions of 5% or more, even in balanced markets.
Deane believes better education and preparation can reduce those losses.
"This is about respect for people's time and money," he said. "No one benefits when decisions are rushed or poorly informed."
Stuart Deane encourages buyers and sellers to educate themselves on their own neighborhoods, track real activity, and prepare homes with intention before making any move.
"Start by observing," he said. "Watch what's selling. Watch what's not. That knowledge is free, and it's powerful."
Stuart Deane is a realtor and brokerage owner at TDT Realtors. He brings a disciplined, local-first approach to real estate leadership, shaped by competitive sports and years of market observation. His work focuses on preparation, clarity, and long-term decision-making.
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