Why Half of Homes Sell Below Asking and How to Prevent It
If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, you might be surprised to learn that about half of all homes now sell for less than their listed price. This isn’t a fluke, it’s part of a broader market adjustment. What was once a frenzy of overbidding and seller dominance is giving way to a more balanced environment. So how can you avoid falling into that under-asking trap? Here’s what today’s successful sellers are doing right.
During the recent boom years, many sellers could overprice their homes and still receive multiple offers above list. But that playbook no longer works reliably. Buyers now have more choices, tighter budgets, and less willingness to absorb unexpected defects or inflated pricing.
The shift is real: if your property sits too long because it’s overpriced, interest wanes, perceptions shift, and buyers begin to wonder—is there something wrong with this home?
While there are no guarantees, these strategies can dramatically raise your chances:
1. Do the Prep Work First
Before hitting the market, invest in needed repairs, fresh paint, and staging. The homes that are move-in ready and well-presented attract stronger offers. Don’t give buyers a reason to negotiate you down before offers even arrive.
2. Price with Precision, Not Emotion
Lean on your agent’s local market knowledge and comparable sales—not on wishful thinking. Aim for a realistic price that attracts attention from the start. Buyers know what things are worth and they won’t waste time with over-priced homes.
3. Keep Flexibility in Your Pocket
If your home doesn’t sell immediately, don’t panic—just be ready to adjust. Be open to negotiation on closing costs, minor repairs, or terms once days on market begin to mount. Having some flexibility can keep momentum going.
The first two weeks a home is listed are crucial. That’s when buyer interest is highest. If your price doesn’t resonate during that window, your home can become “stale,” making it harder to sell at full value. In this market, timing and perception are nearly as powerful as the home itself.
Selling above asking isn’t impossible—but it requires discipline, realistic pricing, and smart preparation. As nearly 50% of homes now land below ask, sellers who cling to outdated expectations are the most likely to see disappointing results. Instead of hoping for a bidding war, aim to list a home buyers will see as a deal worth acting on.
If you’d like help crafting the right listing strategy for your home, let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through how to price, prep, and market your property in today’s more discerning market.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.