The Real Key to Selling Your Home in Today’s Market

Not long ago, homes were selling at lightning speed—often above asking price, with multiple offers to choose from. But today’s housing market tells a different story.

Inventory has increased, buyers have become more selective, and many homes are lingering on the market longer than expected. For sellers, this shift means one thing: you can’t rely on the market alone to get top dollar.

So what’s the secret to standing out and making a successful sale? It all starts with pricing your home correctly from the beginning.

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever

Many homeowners still believe they can get full asking price or more—but that expectation often clashes with reality.

According to a Realtor.com survey, 81% of sellers expect to get at least their list price. But in contrast, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 44% of recent home sales closed below asking, and a third of sellers had to reduce their price before the sale happened.

📉 Data from Redfin also shows a growing gap between list prices and actual sales prices. The message is clear: buyers are not automatically willing to pay what sellers hope for.

What Happens If You Overprice Your Home?

Some sellers believe setting a high price gives them negotiation room. But that strategy can backfire.

Overpriced homes tend to sit on the market longer—and buyers may assume something is wrong with the property. This often leads to fewer showings, reduced interest, and eventually, price cuts just to attract new attention.

🏠 As Realtor.com puts it:

“By getting the right price early on, you can increase the odds buyers will be interested... reducing the odds you’ll need to lower the listing price.”

Simply put, the longer a home sits, the harder it becomes to sell.

You Can Still Win – If You Price It Right

Here’s the good news: pricing your home strategically doesn’t mean losing money.

Home values have increased significantly over the past five years—up over 57%, according to national trends. That means even if you price slightly below your dream number, chances are you’ll still walk away with a healthy profit.

A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you:
✔️ Analyze recent sales in your area
✔️ Understand current buyer behavior
✔️ Position your home competitively

With the right pricing strategy and expert guidance, your home is more likely to grab buyer attention and generate strong offers.

Final Thoughts

The housing market may have cooled off, but that doesn’t mean your chance to sell is gone. The game has simply changed.

✅ Today’s sellers need to price their homes based on current market data, not outdated expectations.
✅ A trusted local agent can help you find that sweet spot—attracting serious buyers without leaving money on the table.

As Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, says:

“The best properties, well priced, are selling quickly in most of the country.”

Bottom Line:
Price your home smartly, and you'll sell confidently—even in a shifting market.