Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your home? In today’s market, that’s rarely the reason a sale stalls. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell than a year ago — about a week longer on average — and the main issue for many sellers is price.

What's changed

Part of the slowdown comes from more choices on the market. But the bigger factor is this: average list prices have been largely flat for the past few years. That’s a major shift from the recent surge when sellers could set ambitious prices and expect strong demand. Now, buyers are more sensitive to price, and listings that feel even slightly overpriced are often passed over.

When buyers have more options, they compare carefully. If your home is priced above what similar houses actually sold for, it may receive fewer visits, weaker offers, or negative feedback — and time on market climbs. Missing the crucial early window after listing makes it much harder to get back on track.

Sellers who expect to outpace local sold prices are often left adjusting their price later and facing a longer, more frustrating sale process. On the other hand, sellers who price correctly from day one still get strong results.

If your listing isn’t getting traction, watch for these common warning signs:

1. Low number of showings.

2. No offers, or only very low offers.

3. Negative or overly critical buyer feedback.

4. Days on market well above the local average.

If any of these apply, patience alone won’t fix the problem — a price adjustment usually will.

Work with your agent to position the home for today’s market:

1. Base price on sold data, not just list prices. Use recent comparable sales to set a realistic number.

2. Prepare the home. Small repairs, a fresh touch-up, and strong presentation make a big difference in buyers’ perception.

3. Make a targeted, timely adjustment if needed. Even a modest change early on can bring serious buyers in.

4. Be flexible on terms. If you can’t move much on price, consider negotiating other elements (closing date, minor repairs, or what stays with the house).

Also remember: if you bought years ago, you’ve likely built equity. Even with a more modest sale price, many sellers are still in a strong financial position.

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Bottom line

Patience isn’t a strategy. Pricing is. If your home isn’t moving, the market is sending a message — and the right price can change everything. Price it for today’s market, and your house will sell.

💡 Want a local read on what buyers are paying right now and a pricing plan tailored to your neighborhood? Talk to one of our agents and get a strategy that works for your timeline.