How to Price Your Home to Sell (Without Leaving Money on the Table)
Daniel ParkNo. 73
Updated
Key takeaways
- The first two weeks bring the most attention, so price right from the start.
- Base your price on recent sales, pending sales and your competition, not on what you need to net.
- Pricing just under a search threshold, like $750,000, can bring more buyers.
- If showings are strong but offers don’t come, the price is usually the issue.
Price is the single biggest factor in how fast your home sells and for how much. Here’s how to get it right.
Start with a CMA
A comparative market analysis compares your home with similar sales and listings nearby. Read What Is a CMA? to see how it works.
Think like a buyer searching online
Buyers search in price bands. A home listed at $755,000 misses buyers searching up to $750,000. Pricing at $749,900 can put you in front of more people.
Common pricing mistakes
- Pricing high to leave room to negotiate.
- Using the tax assessment or an online estimate as the price.
- Adding the full cost of upgrades to the value.
- Ignoring the competition currently on the market.
Read the market’s feedback
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Lots of showings and multiple offers | Priced well, or a little low |
| Showings but no offers | Price or condition concerns |
| Few showings | Price is out of line with the competition |
Daniel’s tip: In a market with more listings, an early, modest adjustment usually beats a long wait and a bigger cut later.
See your estimated net proceeds at different prices.
Frequently asked questions
Should I price low to start a bidding war?
It can work in a hot market but it’s risky when buyers have more options. Discuss it carefully.
How do I make my home stand out at its price?
Presentation matters. See Home Staging Tips That Pay Off.
Filed under Selling Your Home
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