These days, getting your price right when you sell your home is more important than ever.
While it’s tempting to list high just to see what happens, that strategy can easily backfire and cost you more than you think.
The risk isn’t just missing out on offers — it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place.
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The Real Pitfall of Overpricing
Many homeowners remember what their neighbor’s home sold for a few years ago and want to chase that same number.
But that was a different market.
Today, there are more homes for sale. Buyers have more choices and more leverage. They don’t need to compete in bidding wars or offer over asking.
If they feel your price is too high, they’ll simply move on.
As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”
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The Good News
Even with today’s adjustments, most homeowners are still in a strong position.
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have increased by 54% in the last five years.
That means even if you price realistically — not aggressively high — you’ll likely still come out ahead.
The challenge is letting go of what a neighbor’s house sold for months or years ago. That mindset can hold you back from your next chapter.
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How Overpricing Can Stall Your Move
Here’s how it happens:
A home is listed too high. Buyers skip it. No offers come in. The property sits. Then the seller faces a tough decision — reduce the price, wait it out, or pull the listing altogether.
And once a price cut happens, many buyers assume something’s wrong with the property.
Recent data from John Burns Research & Consulting and Keeping Current Matters shows that over half of agents (54%) are seeing more homes being taken off the market — mainly because sellers didn’t get the offers they expected.
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More proof that unrealistic pricing can stall your entire move.
The survey explains it this way:
“Sellers holding onto high price expectations is the leading reason they are delisting their homes.” — JBREC & KCM Survey
Bright MLS data supports this too:
“Sellers are delisting after having their home on the market and finding they are not getting the price they hoped for.”
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When homes sit too long, buyers start wondering what’s wrong — and that’s when opportunity fades.
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The Secret to Making Your Move Happen
If you’re selling to relocate for work, need more space, or want to be closer to loved ones, you can’t afford to get stuck.
You need a pricing strategy that moves you forward — and that starts with working alongside an experienced local agent.
Homes priced correctly for today’s market and presented well are still selling quickly, often with strong interest and multiple offers.
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Pricing your home right isn’t just about getting it sold.
It’s about keeping your move — and your plans — on track.
Let’s connect and talk through what buyers are really paying for in our local market today, and how to position your home to match.
Thinking about selling? Start with a free, no-obligation home valuation based on recent sales near you, and read my Seller’s Guide to see every step from listing to closing.
