Overpricing your house in the belief that you can reduce the price back later is a strategy that can backfire badly.
For example, by the time you reduce your price, you may miss out on a surge of interest in properties like yours. Also, if prices are lowered, buyers may wonder if there’s something wrong with the property that kept other buyers away. So to keep from selling your property at below market value and from wasting valuable time, don’t fall into the overpricing trap.
- You will lose the excitement that a new listing generates:
Real estate agents are working with buyers who have seen what is currently on the market and are waiting for something new to be listed. Therefore, the most activity will take place in the first 30 days of a listing. Your home will probably receive its highest and best offers during this time. After that initial period, the only people to look at your home will be new buyers in the marketplace.
Activity vs. Timing
This chart illustrates the level of excitement and interest in a new listing over time.
It also demonstrates the importance of pricing correctly. When a property is first listed, it generates a very high level of interest from prospective buyers, which reduces dramatically over time. It is important to be priced correctly from the beginning, during the peak of this curve.
- You will lose the most qualified prospects:
Buyers won’t be able to “make an offer” because they probably won’t see your property. They will view the properties that are priced within their purchase power range, knowing that they cannot afford anything above their price range.
