Feb 19, 2025

Overpriced Home: What Every Seller Should Know

Last week, I was sitting with clients who were getting ready to list their home. Like many sellers, they had a specific number in mind based on what they’d seen other homes listed for in their neighborhood. But here’s the thing about pricing your home: the market always dictates the value, regardless of what we might want it to be.

The Situation: Understanding Market Value

When it comes to selling your home, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is setting the right price. While it’s tempting to price high and “leave room for negotiation,” this strategy often backfires in ways that many sellers don’t expect.

The truth is, you can price your house at any number you want, but you’ll only get offers when you’re within striking distance of the true market value. Market value isn’t just a number we pull out of thin air – it’s determined by what buyers are actually willing to pay based on recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and your home’s specific features.

Key Points to Consider

The Impact of Overpricing

When you overprice your home, you’ll experience one of two scenarios:

  1. No visits at all: When you’re way overpriced, buyers and their agents will simply skip your property entirely. They can easily compare prices online and won’t waste time viewing a home that’s clearly above market value.
  2. Visits but no offers: If you’re just slightly overpriced, you might get showings, but that’s where the interest ends. Buyers might tour your home but won’t make offers because they don’t feel the value matches the asking price.

The Psychology of Pricing

Here’s something interesting I’ve noticed in my years of selling homes: when a home is significantly overpriced, buyers often won’t even make an offer. They don’t want to risk insulting the seller with what they consider a fair market price, especially when that price might be substantially below the asking price.

Professional Insight: Setting the Right Price

To determine the right price for your home, we need to look at several key factors:

  1. Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood
  2. Current market conditions and inventory levels
  3. Your home’s unique features and condition
  4. Any recent improvements or upgrades
  5. Current competition in your price range

Remember, the goal isn’t just to price your home – it’s to price it strategically to attract serious buyers who are ready to make fair offers.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Overpricing doesn’t just mean fewer showings – it can actually cost you money in the long run. Homes that sit on the market for too long often end up selling for less than they would have if priced correctly from the start. Buyers begin to wonder what’s wrong with the property, and that extended market time can become a negotiating point.

Next Steps for Success

If you’re thinking about selling your home, here’s what I recommend:

  1. Start by getting a professional market evaluation
  2. Look at actual sold prices, not just listing prices
  3. Be objective about your home’s condition and features
  4. Consider the current market trends in your area
  5. Be prepared to adjust your price if the market feedback indicates it’s necessary

Remember, pricing your home isn’t about what you want to get – it’s about what the market is willing to pay. As I always tell my clients: “Don’t stress, just assess.” Let the market guide your pricing strategy, and you’ll be much more likely to achieve a successful sale.

If you have questions about pricing your home in the Quebec market, don’t be shy to reach out. I’m here to help you understand your home’s true market value and develop a pricing strategy that works.


🏠 Ready to Price Your Home Right?

At Peter Thompson Real Estate, we specialize in helping Quebec homeowners achieve successful sales through strategic pricing and expert market knowledge. Our comprehensive approach includes:


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