Homeowners who succeed in today’s market aren’t the ones who wait or step back — they’re the ones who adapt from the start. Many sellers this year listed a home and then pulled it off the market because expectations didn’t match reality. The two main reasons homes fail to sell are simple: price and timing. Knowing how to handle each one from day one makes a big difference.

Eighty percent of sellers expect to get their asking price or more, but the market is not the same as it was a few years ago. Buyers have more options and are more selective, so a price that feels even a little high will be overlooked. Redfin reports that only about 25.3% of sellers end up getting over their list price.

Instead of holding firm and hoping, a small adjustment usually does the trick: the average price cut right now is only about 4%, according to HousingWire. If a seller had started 4% lower, they may well have sold instead of pulling their listing. And for many longtime owners, accumulated equity provides room to list more competitively while still protecting the bottom line. Before listing, talk with a local agent about comparable sales and the competitive price range for the neighborhood.

Expecting an instant sale—like the lightning-fast pace seen in 2020–2021—leads to frustration. Today, going from listed to sold takes closer to 60 days in many markets. That’s not failure; it’s normal. Buyers are being deliberate, weighing options, and making thoughtful decisions, which produces a healthier market overall.

If a house doesn’t get an offer the first weekend, that doesn’t mean it won’t sell. Work with an agent to stand out: good staging, professional photography, and strategic pricing all help. With the right preparation and realistic timeline, a home can still move quickly.

---

Bottom line

Listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed — they started with the wrong strategy. Price competitively from day one, be patient with the selling timeline, and work with a local agent who knows how to position the home. Do those things, and a successful sale is entirely possible.

💡 If you want to make sure your home is priced and presented to sell—fast and for the best possible price—let’s connect.