Sellers, Be Careful: Overpricing Could Cost You Big in Today’s Market
As a real estate agent, I’ve seen it time and time again—homeowners clinging to pandemic-era price expectations, setting themselves up for frustration in today’s shifting market.
Back in the COVID-19 housing boom, bidding wars and skyrocketing values were the norm. Many sellers who bought during that time are now expecting similar results. But market conditions have changed. Buyer demand has softened, and price cuts are becoming more common. In fact, April saw a record-high share of listings with price reductions nationwide, according to Realtor.com.
Despite this, over 80% of homeowners surveyed still believe they’ll get asking price or more. But homes that are overpriced simply sit—and the longer they sit, the harder they are to sell.
You Still Stand to Win—Just Be Realistic
The good news? Even if you don’t hit your dream number, most sellers still have strong equity gains and can walk away with a solid profit. As Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said, “Even after setting a more grounded price, they are likely to walk away from a sale with good money in their pocket.”
Cosmetic Fixes Aren’t a Free Pass to Overprice
One common mistake I see is sellers overestimating the value of minor upgrades. Fresh paint and light fixtures may help your home show better, but they won’t push your price $20K higher. On HGTV, when you landscape and paint, you just added $20,000 to your list, right? But that’s not the way our market is.
Updates help your home sell faster—not necessarily for more. Buyers are looking for real value, like premium locations, or renovated kitchens—not just surface-level improvements.
Price It Right from the Start—or Fall Behind
Overpricing from day one is like starting a marathon 20 miles behind everyone else. Your home lingers, buyers lose interest, and you’re forced to reduce the price later—often multiple times. At that point, your listing can go “stale,” and buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it.
Homes now spend an average of 50 days on the market—four days longer than last year, and the longest April average since 2020. As my colleague Brian Stephens of eXp Realty says, “If you overprice your home, it’s going to sit… and then you’re going to be chasing the price down.”
And it’s not just agents saying this. Even on forums like Reddit, frustrated sellers are sharing stories of regret after listing too high and getting zero offers for months.
Work With Someone Who Tells You the Truth
I always give my clients honest, data-driven pricing advice, no b.s.—even if it’s not what they hoped to hear. In fact, I’ve walked away from listings when sellers refused to adjust their expectations. A successful sale requires trust and a shared goal: to get the home sold for the best possible price in today’s market.
If you’re ready to sell, let’s talk strategy. I’ll help you price right, prepare smart, and move forward with confidence.
Thinking of Selling? Let’s Make a Plan That Works in Today’s Market
Before you list your home, make sure you’re informed, strategic, and confident. Download my free Seller’s Guide to learn what it takes to sell successfully in this market—or reach out directly and let’s discuss a pricing and marketing strategy tailored to your home and goals.
Let’s get your home sold—smart, smooth, and stress-free.
— Liz Walker, RE/MAX
Liz Walker Real Estate 