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If The Listing Price Ain't Compelling, Then The House Ain't Selling 😱

By
Real Estate Agent with Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 CA BRE# 01261476

Many sellers fall prey to what we call “Castle Syndrome,” believing their home is a unique gem in a sea of listings. They are not in touch with their market nor their market value and if they do not hire the right Real Estate Professional, they could be in for a disappointing experience,  leaving money on the table.

In today's dynamic and fluctuating real estate landscape, timing is everything. You typically have a narrow window—less than and average of *21 days—to command the best price for your home. Engaging actively with motivated buyers during this period is essential; otherwise, you risk waiting for the market to reset, which can extend your selling timeline significantly.

 

New buyers are often still finding their footing in the market. If your home lingers on the market too long, you could lose the attention of both savvy, seasoned buyers in the first 2-3 weeks and newer prospects who may have been excited initially but are now hesitant because you have exceeded the average days on market, begging the cliché question, "What's wrong with it?".

*While the precise timeframe can differ depending on market conditions, the core message remains unchanged: know your neighborhood's average days on market, the absorption rate and your comparables — adjust your approach accordingly. You want to be in The Flow of the market, see the diagram below. A home priced above market value that doesn't adapt quickly can miss its window to attract top-tier buyers—and their competitive offers.


Remember, the right price isn't just about numbers; it’s who you hire, their local market knowledge, and the strategy they employ to ensure your home stands out, captures interest, and fetches the premium it deserves.

 

Posted by


Thomas J. Nelson
REALTOR®, CRS, RCS-D, CDPE, e-Pro, Certified Military Home Specialist, Luxury Home Specialist, Author, Keynote Speaker and  Podcast Host 

Serving Coastal San Diego from Carlsbad to Coronado, Downtown, Balboa Park Area,
La Jolla/UCSD & Mission Bay Park Areas
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Disclaimer:  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, medical advice or financial advice.  For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice, health or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.

Comments(19)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Amen to this, Thomas: "Remember, the right price isn't just about numbers; it’s who you hire, their local market knowledge, and the strategy they employ to ensure your home stands out, captures interest, and fetches the premium it deserves."

Apr 27, 2025 08:55 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Thomas, I so agree with your blog.  It has to be price right the first time around or if if on the market for awhile, people will ask what wrong with this one.

 

Apr 27, 2025 08:59 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Thomas - some sellers fall prey to some dubious thinking.  And then there are those who pray a buyer will miraculously appear with an acceptable offer.  Reality tells us these things are pie-in-the-sky thinking.  And while such lofty thoughts may have worked for some, wiser representation typically takes a different course.  

Apr 27, 2025 08:59 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Thomas, I have even listed below fair market value, and if the right buyer isn't looking, it sits for a while.

Apr 27, 2025 09:53 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Thomas hiring an experienced agent who absolutely knows the market and market trends as well  as all the other aspects  of marketing, is critical when hiring the right agent to guide you through the selling process.

Apr 27, 2025 10:42 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hello Thomas,

My experience in real estate offered a different perspective. During that time, I worked with investors and builders who primarily determined prices based on their ROI.

While aesthetically pleasing homes with perfect staging and great marketing attract potential buyers, these investors focused on finding the best locations and sought agents who were also experienced investors themselves.

Apr 27, 2025 10:59 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Yes, as an investor of 39 years, I agree. It's all about bottom line numbers and the math of ARV. However, this post is focused on retail residential sales advice. Investor properties are a completely different blog post.

Apr 27, 2025 11:25 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Location and inky do so much 

An overpriced house will not sell regardless of the market conditions

Apr 27, 2025 12:19 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks, Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP! You've nailed it—the right price is critical for a successful sale. There are seven ingredients to selling a home—location, condition, price, terms of the sale, the real estate market, home staging, and professional photography—and I'm right there with you: price is definitely the most important! 💰🏡

Apr 27, 2025 12:29 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Great post Thomas,

You are so right and it does have to do with that experienced agent you hire!!!!

Apr 27, 2025 01:58 PM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great post. Thanks for sharing, make it a great Sunday and enjoy your weekend!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Apr 27, 2025 02:10 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Ain't compelling not selling both price and looks fo the home. Too high and pass it by. Jeff

Apr 27, 2025 02:55 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Thomas- Larry is a retired builder and he always says if a house isn't selling, it's not priced right. 

Apr 27, 2025 04:36 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP no matter how great the house it will sit on the market if the price is out of wack.

Apr 27, 2025 04:41 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

An excellent post on this topic. I love the "King of the castle" analogy. You are so right.

Apr 27, 2025 06:12 PM
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

This is a good one and oh so true.

Apr 28, 2025 10:35 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Thomas. You said it all:

Remember, the right price isn't just about numbers; it’s who you hire, their local market knowledge, and the strategy they employ to ensure your home stands out, captures interest, and fetches the premium it deserves.

We can all use the reminder so congrats on your BananaTude feature.

Apr 29, 2025 07:23 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thank you for the FEATURE Wayne Martin 

Apr 29, 2025 03:32 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Thomas:

Price is key no matter what the market is. Hiring the right agent, who knows the key local market indicators, will help you get to the right price point that is not going to chase buyers away but will encourage interest and potentially multiple offers, depending on the local market and competition.

Jeff

Apr 29, 2025 07:52 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Good to hear from you my friend and good points!

Apr 30, 2025 03:11 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I like the diagrams that make your point very well. Price objections can change rapidly with the economy, but real estate still remains local and that local knowledge is what gives agents an edge.

Apr 30, 2025 10:46 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I am always surprised that a Seller suckered into listing to high will often use the same agent that gave them bad advice in the first place Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP . It reminds me of the "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me".

May 01, 2025 07:34 AM