If Your House’s Price Is Not Compelling, It’s Not Selling

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There’s one big mistake you need to avoid when you sell your house this year: setting your price too high. It might seem like overpricing gives you room to negotiate or could really boost your profit, but the reality is, it usually backfires.

In fact, Realtor.com says almost 20% of sellers — that’s one in five — have to reduce their price to get their house sold. And you don’t want to be one of them. Here’s why starting too high can lead to trouble, and how to avoid it.

Overpricing Pushes Buyers Away

With mortgage rates and home prices where they are right now, buyers are already stretching their budgets to make a move. So, when they see a house that’s priced too high, they’re not thinking, “I can negotiate.” They’re more likely to think, “next” and skip over your house entirely. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers . . .”

And if they skip over your listing, you’ll miss out on the chance to get them through the door. That’s the last thing you want because fewer showings mean fewer chances to receive an offer.

The Longer Your House Sits, the More Skeptical Buyers Will Get

Here’s the other issue. An overpriced house tends to sit on the market longer. And the longer a house lingers, the more buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Is there a problem with the house itself? Are you difficult to work with? Even if the only issue is the price, that extra time creates doubt. As U.S. News says:

“. . . setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate . . . A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.”

At that point, you’ll have no choice but to lower your price to drum up interest. But that price reduction comes with its own downside: buyers may see it as another red flag, that there’s an issue with the house.

The Key To Finding the Right Price for Your House

So, what’s the secret to avoiding all these headaches? It’s simple. Work with a local real estate agent who knows the market inside and out, and who’s going to be honest with you about how you should price your house.

You don’t want to partner with someone who just agrees to whatever number you throw out there. That’s not an expert who’s going to get you the best results.

You want an agent who recommends a price based on their expertise. The right agent will use real-time data from your local market to help you land on a price that makes sense — one that grabs attention, attracts buyers, and still helps you walk away with a great return. Someone who has been there and done that – and done it well. That’s the agent you want to work with.

Bottom Line

Remember, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling. Instead of shooting too high and scaring off buyers, work with a local agent who knows how to price it right.

Let’s team up and make sure your house hits the market with the right price, gets noticed, and gets sold.

 


For prospective home sellers in Massachusetts, the Stivaletta Properties Team, led by Adam Stivaletta, offers a premier real estate experience. With over 14 years of industry expertise and more than 400 homes sold, Adam and his team bring a proven track record of success to every transaction. Their client-first approach focuses on personalized service, transparent communication, and expert market insights, ensuring that buyers are fully informed and supported throughout the home-buying journey. Whether you’re navigating a competitive market or searching for your dream home, the Stivaletta Properties Team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with confidence and ease.

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About the Author
Adam Stivaletta
ABOUT: When it comes to real estate Adam brings the full package to the table. Known for his extensive experience in the field and fierce work ethic, the biggest characteristic that sets Adam apart and the reason people choose him to sell or buy their house is his ability to advise, guide, and deliver! He will strive to understand your needs and fulfill them with unmatched loyalty and execution. Adam has built a reputation as one of the most highly effective and versatile agents in the field. He is client driven and results focused 100% of the way.

CREDIBILITY: Adam sells on average over 30 homes a year serving both buyers and sellers and in recent times has been recognized as one of the top 1.5% of agents in the United States by Real Trends, has ranked #9 in New England for listings sold at Keller Williams along with various other categories, has been the recipient of National Awards every year since his rookie year, and has been featured in USA Today.