Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Stall Your Move
When it’s time to sell your home, pricing it correctly from the start is more important than ever. While it might be tempting to list high and “see what happens,” that strategy can easily backfire in today’s market — and could ultimately cost you the move you’ve been planning.
Why Overpricing Can Hurt Your Sale
Many sellers look to what their neighbor’s home sold for a few years ago and aim for a similar number. But that was a different market.
Today, inventory is up, and buyers have more options. Gone are the days of heated bidding wars and offers well over asking price. Now, buyers can take their time — and they won’t hesitate to move on if a home seems overpriced.
As Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant explains:
“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”
The good news? Even with some price adjustments, most homeowners are still in a strong position. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have increased by over 50% in the past five years. That means you may still earn an excellent return, even if you price competitively today.
When a High Price Slows You Down
Overpricing often leads to homes sitting on the market longer than expected. When listings stagnate, sellers face tough choices: reduce the price, wait it out, or pull the home off the market.
Recent data from John Burns Research & Consulting and Keeping Current Matters found that over half of agents (54%) have seen more homes withdrawn from the market than usual — largely because sellers didn’t receive offers they considered fair.
Bright MLS data supports this trend, noting:
“Sellers are delisting after having their home on the market and finding they are not getting the price they hoped for.”
Simply put, pricing too high can prevent your home from selling — and delay the move you were counting on.
The Key to a Successful Sale
Whether you’re relocating for work, upsizing, downsizing, or moving closer to family, the right pricing strategy is essential. Partnering with an experienced Benson & Mangold agent means working with a team that understands the nuances of the Eastern Shore market and knows how to position your home for success.
Homes priced correctly and presented well are still selling quickly — in some cases, with multiple offers.
Bottom Line
Pricing your home for today’s market isn’t just about getting it sold; it’s about ensuring your next move happens smoothly.
Let’s talk about what buyers are paying right now on Maryland’s Eastern Shore — and create a pricing plan that helps you move forward with confidence.
