When you list your house, the goal is simple: sell it quickly and for the best price. But right now many sellers are starting too high because they haven’t adjusted to a market with more inventory. The result? Price cuts are rising — and many of them could have been avoided.

Data from Realtor.com shows that price cuts have reached their highest level since 2019, a sign that we are returning to more typical market behavior. This means that the frenetic market of a few years ago is no longer the norm, and sellers should adjust their expectations accordingly.

A good agent doesn’t guess — they use data and local trends to price your home where buyers are actually willing to pay. That means a realistic price that attracts serious buyers from day one.

Here’s what a strong pricing strategy typically includes:

1. A review of recent sold comparables (what similar homes actually closed for, not just their list price).

2. Analysis of current market trends in your neighborhood.

3. A tactical decision about whether pricing slightly below market can draw more interest and even spark competitive offers.

Sometimes pricing a touch under expectation creates urgency and brings more buyers to the table — which can lead to equal or better results than starting too high.

Starting with an inflated asking price can cost you in several ways:

1. Buyers skip it. Price-sensitive buyers may not even look at an overpriced listing.

2. It sits stale. Homes that linger create suspicion; buyers assume there’s something wrong.

3. You may net less. Late price cuts often result in lower final sales than a correctly priced listing would have achieved initially.

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear pattern: listings that sell within the first four weeks usually get full price (or better). After that window, the market attention fades and price often slides.

To avoid price drops and sell on your timeline:

1. Trust local comps, not nostalgia. What your neighbor got two years ago isn’t always relevant.

2. Listen to your agent’s market read. They see buyer behavior and recently closed prices every week.

3. Prepare your home to justify the price. Small repairs, staging, and great photos help buyers say “yes.”

4. Be ready to move fast if the right offer appears. The first weeks matter most.

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Bottom line

Listing too high and hoping for a bidding war is a risky bet in today’s market. Price it right from the start, lean on market data and a strong local agent, and you’ll maximize the chance of a quick sale at the best possible price.

🏠 Want to make sure your home sells fast and for top dollar? Let’s review the right pricing strategy for your house.