Don’t Let Overpricing Sabotage Your Home Sale: How to Price Right in Today’s Market

Selling your home can feel like walking a tightrope—one misstep and your whole move could be delayed. And in today’s housing market, there’s one mistake that can cost you more than just time: overpricing your home.

While it’s tempting to aim high and “see what happens,” this approach often backfires. Overpricing doesn’t just scare off buyers—it can derail the move you’ve been planning for months. Let’s break down why pricing right is critical and how to do it effectively.

Why Overpricing is the Real Danger

It’s easy to get caught up in nostalgia. Maybe your neighbor sold their house three years ago for a jaw-dropping price. Naturally, you think, “Why shouldn’t I try for the same?”

Here’s the catch: that was a different market. Today, buyers are savvier and have more options. They’re not forced into bidding wars or desperate offers. They can—and will—move on if your price feels out of reach.

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, sums it up:

“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”

The upside? Even if you lower your price a little to meet market expectations, your home’s value has likely increased significantly over the last few years. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values rose by an astounding 54% over the last five years. So, a modest compromise today can still leave you ahead financially—but only if you avoid overpricing.

How Overpricing Can Stall Your Move

Here’s the scenario:

1. You list your home at an ambitious price.

2. Buyers don’t bite.

3. Days turn into weeks, and your home starts sitting on the market.

Now you’re stuck. Do you slash the price, hold firm, or withdraw the listing entirely?

Here’s the kicker: a late price cut often doesn’t fix the problem. Buyers may see it as a red flag, thinking, “Why didn’t it sell before? Something must be wrong.” This perception can make selling even harder.

Recent data backs this up. A survey by John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that 54% of agents report more homes being taken off the market than usual.

The reason? Homeowners didn’t receive offers they felt were fair. Bright MLS echoes this trend:

“…sellers are delisting after having their home on the market and finding they are not getting the price they hoped for.”

The Secret to Selling Fast Without Sacrificing Value

So, how do you avoid this trap? The answer is simple: work with the right agent and develop a smart pricing strategy.

Top-performing sellers are collaborating with experienced local agents who understand current trends and aren’t afraid to have tough conversations about price. These agents know what buyers are truly willing to pay, not just what you hope for.

When homes are priced correctly and in good condition, they still sell quickly, often attracting multiple offers. The key is matching your price to the reality of today’s market, not yesterday’s numbers.

Pricing Strategy Tips for Today’s Market

1. Do Your Homework: Look at current listings and recent sales in your area. Pay attention to what buyers are actually paying.

2. Trust the Experts: Local agents have boots-on-the-ground knowledge that online calculators can’t replicate.

3. Be Realistic, Not Greedy: Remember, your goal is to sell and move forward, not chase an unattainable number.

4. Consider Market Timing: Homes priced correctly often sell faster, which can help you coordinate your next move.

5. Stay Flexible: The market can shift, so be prepared to adjust if necessary—but don’t wait too long.

Bottom Line: Price Right, Move Smoothly

Selling a home isn’t just about the money—it’s about your life plans. Overpricing can cost you both offers and opportunities. The smart strategy is to price your home according to today’s market, work with an experienced agent, and focus on making your move happen.

Curious about what buyers in your area are really paying right now? Let’s sit down, analyze the numbers, and create a pricing plan that helps you sell fast without leaving money on the table.

After all, your next chapter shouldn’t be delayed because of a number on a listing sheet.