Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
As the housing market shifts and changes, being a flexible home seller can go a long way. Sometimes, even if you think the listing price is appropriate, buyers may disagree. With listing price growth stagnant around the country as inventory rises, how do you know you’re listing your home at a fair value?
There are numerous things that affect your home’s sale that you cannot control, such as your house type, lot location, and even how the local market is behaving.
If people are visiting your home during open houses or tours but offer lowball offers, it could mean your home is priced slightly above market value. However, if you haven’t received any interest or offers, it’s possible that buyers think your home is overpriced. Buyers may be finding better value elsewhere in the market if your home has been listed for longer than the local average.
Reducing your listing price doesn’t mean you’re defeated! Before you lower your price, be sure you’ve done everything possible to position your sale for success.
While the national housing market has been favoring buyers recently, your local market may be different. A buyer’s market is typically defined as high inventory, longer listing times, and stagnant price growth. On the inverse, a seller’s market typically has a lower supply of inventory and higher home prices. Bidding wars help drive competition as buyer demand outpaces supply.
Speak with your Real Estate Agent about local market activity to develop a plan of action for your home listing.
If your personal tours and open houses aren’t driving offers, it may be time to stage your home. Through cleaning, decluttering, and arranging your furniture, you’ll be able to showcase your home’s best assets and impress potential buyers.
Curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers see when they visit your home. Doing little tasks can lead to a big first impression. Repainting your front door, washing your windows, and lighting a clear path to your front door can make a difference without breaking the bank.
Your home’s listing pages are essential for online visibility and reaching potential buyers. Be sure your listing photos are high quality images with bright lighting that showcase the things you love about your house. Your listing description should highlight its best features and note any recent upgrades.
Real Estate Agents have their own network of contacts, including other clients, agents, and other realty agencies that may bring in other buyers. Agents may list your property on a multiple listing service, which is a private database used by other local agencies to bring more exposure to listings. Additionally, be sure your property is available on other websites, such as Realtor.com or Zillow.
As of late August 2025, inventory levels have reached their highest level since May 2020, according to the National Association of Realtors. Inventory levels reflect this as well, with listed houses remaining on the market for an average of 28 days. This is 4 days longer than August 2024, where homes sold in 24 days on average.
In response to rising inventory, some sellers have started to cut their listing prices. Zillow research reveals that 27% of sellers dropped prices in July, which is reportedly the highest measurement since Zillow began tracking it in 2018. Redfin agrees, noting that last season was the largest summer discount in home prices since 2020.
If you decide to reduce your home’s price, experts agree it’s best to do so within the first few weeks of the listing being live. Bankrate says that the most activity on a property happens within the first 21 days on the market. In general, how long you should wait is also dependent on your local market’s behaviors, including comparable prices and the average length of time a home stays on the market.
Just like when you hire a plumber to fix your sink, your Real Estate Agent provides expert solutions and care when buying or selling your home. Are you ready to bring the same personalized service to your home financing needs?
Homestead Funding offers exceptional customer service and a convenient mortgage process. Whatever your financing needs, our goal is to exceed your expectations.
“This website uses cookies to ensure the best user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie policy.
Read More
.jpg)
