Today, getting your price right is more critical than ever when selling your house. While listing high just to see what happens felt safe a few years ago, that strategy can now easily backfire and leave you stuck. The real risk isn’t just missing out on offers—it’s missing out on the move you need to make.
The Pitfall of Chasing Yesterday’s Prices
Many homeowners base their asking price on a neighbor’s sale from months or even years ago. The crucial problem? That was a different market.
- More Options for Buyers: Today, there are more homes for sale, giving buyers choices. They don’t have to enter bidding wars offering way over asking price.
- Buyer Leverage: As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains, “Buyers will have more leverage in many… markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.” Buyers are willing to move on if your price is too high.
 The Silver Lining: You’re Already Ahead
Despite the need to adjust, you still have a massive advantage. Over the last five years, home values have risen by a staggering 54% (FHFA data). This means that even if you compromise slightly on your asking price today, you’ll still likely see a substantial return. Don’t get fixated on a neighbor’s outdated price—that’s a costly mistake.
High Prices Stall Your Sale and Your Future
What happens when you list too high? Buyers stay away. The house sits. No offers come in.
Facing a stagnant listing, the tough decision comes down to a price cut, holding out, or delisting entirely. Unfortunately, a late price reduction is often seen by buyers as a red flag indicating an issue with the house.
Data confirms this seller struggle:
- A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that over half of agents (54%) are seeing more homes taken off the market than usual.
- The top reason? Sellers didn’t receive offers they felt were “fair.” As the survey notes, “Sellers holding onto high price expectations is the leading reason they are delisting their homes.”
Pricing too high does more than just turn buyers away; it puts your whole move at risk. If your home doesn’t get viewed or receive offers, you can’t sell it.
The Secret to Making Your Move Happen
Whether you’re relocating for a job, need space for a growing family, or must be closer to aging relatives, you can’t afford a stalled sale.
You need a pricing strategy that gets you moving forward. This starts by partnering with the right agent.
The successful sellers today are working with experienced local agents who understand the current market and aren’t afraid to have an honest conversation about price. It pays off: homes priced right and in good condition are still selling quickly, often with multiple offers.
Pricing your home for today’s reality isn’t just about selling; it’s about guaranteeing your move doesn’t stop before it begins.
Let’s discuss what buyers are genuinely paying in our area right now and how to price your home to match.