Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move

In today’s housing market, getting your price right is everything. While it can be tempting to list high “just to see what happens,” that strategy can easily backfire costing you not only valuable time but potentially the move you were counting on.

The Real Cost of Overpricing

Many homeowners look at what their neighbor’s home sold for a few years ago and assume their property should command the same number. The truth is, that was a completely different market.

Today, buyers have more choices. Inventory is up, competition is down, and bidding wars are far less common. Instead of scrambling to offer over list price, many buyers now have the leverage to negotiate and they’ll move on quickly from a home that’s clearly overpriced.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, notes:

“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”

But here’s the upside: according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have increased roughly 54% over the past five years. That means even if you price a little below what you hoped for, you’re still very likely walking away with significant equity and profit.

When Overpricing Delays Your Next Chapter

Here’s the typical scenario:

A home is listed too high. Showings are slow. Weeks pass with little to no activity. Eventually, the seller has to choose between reducing the price, sitting tight, or pulling the home off the market entirely.

The problem? A late price drop can raise red flags for buyers. Many will assume something’s wrong with the property, even when that’s not the case.

A recent survey by John Burns Research & Consulting and Keeping Current Matters found that over half of agents (54%) say more homes are being delisted right now, and the number one reason is that sellers didn’t receive the offers they were expecting.

Photo credits to Keeping Current Matters

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

Photo credits to Keeping Current Matters

Bright MLS data echoes that trend:

When your home sits on the market too long, it can cost you far more than a price adjustment, it can cost you your next opportunity entirely.

The Secret to a Successful Sale

Whether you’re moving for work, upsizing for a growing family, or downsizing to simplify life, you need a pricing strategy that aligns with today’s realities, not last year’s headlines.

That’s where partnering with a local, experienced agent makes all the difference. At The Romeo Santos Group, we specialize in pricing strategies that balance market data, buyer behavior, and timing to help you achieve your goals, and move forward confidently.

When priced correctly and presented well, homes in the Annapolis area are still selling fast, often with multiple offers from serious buyers.

Bottom Line

Pricing your home right isn’t about leaving money on the table, it’s about getting you to the closing table.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s discuss where the market really stands and how to position your home for success.

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