Best Practices for Renting or Selling in 2025
Whether you’re preparing to rent out a property or list it for sale, presenting your home in the best possible light.
Here at Houses & Then Some Rentals & Realty, we’re always tuned into what’s working right now in the Upstate market. If you’re thinking of renting or selling in 2025, here are a few updated best practices to help your property stand out and secure top dollar.
1. Create Flexible Living Spaces
Today’s renters and buyers want homes that can adapt to their lifestyles. It’s smart to highlight any areas of your home that can function as an office, gym, or creative space. Even a small nook or guest room can be staged with a desk or workspace setup to spark imagination. Renters especially want to know they can live—and work—comfortably without needing to leave home.
2. Don’t Overlook the Outdoors
In 2025, outdoor living is more than a trend—it’s an expectation. Whether it’s a patio, a fenced yard, a small balcony, or even just a patch of green, outdoor spaces are getting more attention from buyers and renters alike.
If renting or selling, make your home clean. No exceptions. Power wash patios, driveways, and siding if needed. Cut and trim grass and freshen up flower beds with new mulch. This is sweat equity and it can go a long way to attract a tenant or buyer. And hire a professional cleaner to take care of the inside, make sure you get the windows and the baseboards, etc.
If selling, add some cozy outdoor furniture, and include potted plants or string lights for a welcoming feel. You’re not just selling a property—you’re selling a lifestyle. Hire a professional photographer and stage your property even if it’s with virtual staging. It’s money well spent.
3. Know the Numbers—and Price Strategically
Mortgage rates are coming down in 2025 (so far). They are almost back to the 30 year average of 6.06%, 15-year rates can be a point or two lower. Of course all of this depends on your buyer’s credit score and down payment.
Affordability is still top-of-mind for many buyers. Inventory is growing slightly as we start out the selling season. Buyers and sellers seem to be encouraged with this trend. Prices seem to be inching up too.
In March 2025, the median sale price of a home in Greenville, SC was $399,530, and homes were selling after 41 days on the market. This is compared to 51 days last year. 1243 homes were sold in Greenville, SC in March 2025, up from 986 last year. (Per Zillow)
Don’t forget renters are consumers too! They expect a clean, well-maintained property if they are going to pay top dollar. Rent rates have flattened some but are still high for most working families. So when renters are shopping they want to see clean, safe and functional housing that is available at a competitive rate.
The average rent rate in Greenville, SC is $1,699 per month (per Zillow), which remains more affordable than national averages. That makes the Upstate an attractive area for both renters and investors—but pricing and presentation still make the difference.
If you’re unsure where your property stands, we’re happy to help you run updated comps or a rent analysis based on current demand. Right now, we serve six counties in the Upstate of South Carolina, and we’re looking forward to even greater reach.
4. Keep It Clean, Simple, and Updated
Neutral paint, clean floors, and uncluttered surfaces still go a long way. Focus on function and flow, and let natural light shine wherever possible. Consider a pre-listing inspection or walk through, to catch any maintenance issues that could scare away a buyer or lead to delays with renters.
Pro tip from Robert Dayton, “Homes that feel move-in ready almost always perform better than homes that need a little work. Every home needs to be safe, clean, and functional at the very least”.
Thinking about renting or selling in 2025? We can help you maximize your return and move forward with confidence. Give us a call at 864-395-6538, shoot us a message at property.htsi@gmail.com, or swing by—we’re here to help. Thank you for choosing Houses & Then Some Rentals & Realty.
