The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price

According to Keeping Current Matters, one of the biggest factors impacting how fast—and for how much—your home sells is your asking price. In today’s housing market, many sellers are still aiming high without realizing the market has shifted. As inventory increases and buyers have more options, pricing strategy is more important than ever.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that price cuts this February hit the highest level for that month since 2019. That signals a return to a more typical market, where pricing your home right from the beginning is key. While the days of wild bidding wars might be behind us, homes that are positioned well still attract serious attention and solid offers.

If you're thinking about selling, it’s important to understand that today’s market is different than it was just a couple of years ago. Listing your home too high—hoping for that one big offer—can actually work against you. The longer a home sits unsold, the more likely buyers are to assume something’s wrong, leading to fewer showings, less interest, and ultimately, lower offers.

Pricing Right from the Start: Why It Matters

Homes that are priced accurately tend to sell faster and closer to (or even above) asking price. This is especially true in the first few weeks on the market. That initial window is your best chance to capture buyer attention while interest is high and the listing is fresh.

When a home is priced competitively—based on current data, neighborhood comps, and market conditions—it can generate more excitement, multiple offers, and even a sense of urgency among buyers. That’s the ideal scenario for any seller.

Why Starting Too High Can Cost You

It’s tempting to test the waters with a higher price, thinking you can always lower it later. But here’s the reality: homes that start high often stay on the market longer, which can signal to buyers that there’s room to negotiate—or worse, that something is wrong with the home. That’s when sellers are forced to make price reductions, which can lead to offers that fall below what they might have received if the home was priced right to begin with.

Buyers today are savvy. They’re watching market trends, tracking new listings, and comparing homes online. If your home appears overpriced compared to similar ones, they may not even schedule a showing. First impressions count—and price is part of that.

The Data Tells the Story

National Association of Realtors data shows that homes that sell within the first month are far more likely to go for full asking price. After that first month, the average sale price typically begins to decline. It’s a clear reminder that timing and pricing go hand in hand.

The Takeaway for Sellers

To sell quickly and for top dollar, your home needs to be priced to match today’s market—not yesterday’s headlines. A well-priced home attracts attention, generates buzz, and creates opportunities for multiple offers. Avoid the price-cut cycle by starting with a smart, strategic number from day one.

If you’re thinking about selling and want to make sure your pricing hits the mark, now’s a great time to start the conversation. A successful sale begins with the right plan—and it all starts with the right price.


source: www.keepingcurrentmatters.com