In today’s evolving housing market, pricing your home accurately from the beginning is more crucial than ever. Sellers who aim too high in hopes of testing the market may find themselves missing out on genuine opportunities, not just in terms of offers, but in the ability to make the move they’ve been planning.

A Balanced Market Means Buyers Have Options

It’s natural to recall what nearby homes sold for in recent years, especially when those prices were historically high. But today’s market is different. With a greater number of homes available, buyers now have more options and leverage. Unlike the competitive bidding wars of the past, today’s buyers can often afford to be more selective, submitting offers at or even below list price.

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, underscores this shift:

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

But there’s plenty of reason to remain optimistic. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have risen an impressive 54% over the past five years. That means even if you price slightly below your initial expectations to attract more interest, you're likely still walking away with strong gains.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Overpricing

Choosing a price that’s too high can have unintended consequences. Homes that sit on the market too long without generating interest can lead to tough decisions—whether to lower the price, keep waiting, or take the listing off the market entirely.

Unfortunately, price reductions made too late can signal to buyers that something might be wrong with the property. This perception can slow down interest even further. In fact, a recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that 54% of real estate agents are seeing more homes being delisted than usual. The top reason? Unrealistic price expectations from sellers.

As the survey notes:

“Sellers holding onto high price expectations is the leading reason they are delisting their homes.”

Bright MLS data supports this, explaining:

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

This highlights just how important it is to price your home correctly from the start—not just to sell, but to prevent your entire move from being delayed.

The Key to a Smooth and Profitable Sale

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, searching for more living space, or moving closer to loved ones, the goal is to keep your plans on track. Working with a skilled local real estate agent who understands your market is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Agents who are in tune with current trends can offer honest guidance and help you price your home competitively. And when a home is priced right and in good condition, it can still sell quickly—often with multiple offers.

Bottom Line

Setting the right price in today’s market is about more than just making a sale—it’s about making sure your next chapter begins without unnecessary delays. Speak with an experienced local agent who can help you navigate buyer expectations and price your home to sell.

For expert advice and personalized support, reach out to Mike Panza and the team at Panza Home Group. They’re ready to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more about contacting Mike here: https://panzarealestate.com/team/mike-panza