Pricing too high is the #1 mistake sellers make. Here's how to find the right number from day one.
The first two weeks on the market are everything. Homes priced correctly from day one attract the most attention, the most showings, and the strongest offers. Price too high and you lose that momentum — and buyers start wondering what's wrong with the property.
Start with a comparative market analysis. Look at similar homes sold in your neighborhood in the last 90 days. Pay attention to price per square foot, not just total price. A 2,000 sqft home that sold for $600K tells you more than a listing price ever will.
Consider your competition. If three similar homes are sitting unsold at $750K, pricing at $725K could mean the difference between an offer this week or six months of waiting.
Renovations don't always mean dollar-for-dollar returns. A new kitchen may add perceived value but rarely adds its full cost to the sale price. Price for the market, not for what you spent.
Finally, trust the data over emotion. Every seller thinks their home is worth more — that's natural. But buyers don't pay for memories. Work with an agent who will give you honest numbers, not just tell you what you want to hear.
Sarah Mitchel
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