Pricing Strategy 101: How To Sell Your Home Faster and Smarter

Why Overpricing Your Home Could Cost You Your Next Move

These days, getting your price right when you sell your house is more important than ever. While it might be tempting to “list high and see what happens,” that strategy can backfire fast—and it can do more than cost you offers. It can derail your entire move.

The Real Pitfall of Overpricing

A lot of homeowners remember what their neighbor’s house sold for a few years ago and want to chase that same sky-high number. The problem is, that was a different market.

Today, there are more homes for sale, and buyers have more options. They no longer need to jump into bidding wars or offer well over asking just to compete. Now, they can take their time and make offers at—or even below—list price.

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.”

The good news? You still have one big advantage as a seller. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have climbed 54% over the past five years. So even if you have to adjust your asking price a bit, chances are you’ll still walk away with strong equity gains.

The challenge is mindset. Too many sellers are still anchored to yesterday’s market, and that can be a costly mistake.

Overpricing Can Stall Your Whole Move

Here’s how it happens:

A seller lists their home too high. Buyers stay away. The listing sits. Then comes the tough choice—drop the price, hold out, or take the home off the market entirely.

And once that price cut hits? Buyers may start to assume something’s wrong with the property. That’s why more sellers are pulling listings rather than lowering prices.

In a recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), 54% of agents said they’re seeing more homes being taken off the market than usual. The number one reason? Unrealistic pricing expectations.

As the report explains:

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

And Bright MLS adds:

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

Overpricing doesn’t just slow your sale—it can stop your plans altogether. If buyers don’t come through the door, you can’t move on to what’s next.

The Secret to Making Your Move Happen

If your sale is tied to a big life change—like relocating for a new job, needing more space for a growing family, or wanting to be closer to loved ones—you can’t afford to get stuck.

That’s why a smart pricing strategy matters.

The sellers winning right now are the ones working with experienced local agents who know the market and aren’t afraid to give honest advice. They’re pricing competitively, drawing in buyers, and in many cases, selling quickly—sometimes with multiple offers.

Bottom Line

Pricing your house for today’s market isn’t just about selling fast—it’s about protecting your next move.

If you want to make sure your home doesn’t sit or stall, talk to a local agent about what buyers in your area are really paying right now—and how to price your home to match.