When selling your home, pricing is everything. Many sellers start with a number in mind based on what their neighbors are asking. But here’s the truth—the market decides the value, not the seller.
It’s tempting to price high and “leave room for negotiation,” but that strategy often backfires. If a home sits too long on the market, buyers start to wonder: “What’s wrong with it?” The longer it lingers, the harder it is to sell at a good price.
So, how do you avoid this mistake? By understanding what determines market value.
Several key factors influence how much buyers are willing to pay:
✔️ Recent home sales in your neighborhood (not just listing prices!)
✔️ Current market conditions—are homes selling fast or sitting for months?
✔️ Your home’s condition compared to similar properties
✔️ Any upgrades or renovations that add value
✔️ The competition—other homes on the market at similar price points
Understanding these factors helps position your home at the right price—one that attracts serious buyers and maximizes your final sale price.
Overpricing your home leads to two common problems:
If your price is too high, buyers will scroll right past your listing. Today’s buyers do their homework, and if your price is unrealistic, they won’t waste their time.
If you’re slightly overpriced, you may get showings—but no one will bite. Buyers compare value across listings, and if yours seems overpriced, they’ll choose a better deal elsewhere.
Here’s something surprising: Buyers often won’t make a low offer on an overpriced home.
Why? They don’t want to insult the seller. Instead of negotiating, they’ll move on to another home that’s priced right.
And the longer your home sits unsold, the more skeptical buyers become. They start thinking:
This can force you into bigger price reductions than if you had priced correctly from the start.
The best way to get the most money for your home is to price it competitively from day one. Here’s how:
Base your price on real data—not wishful thinking. Look at recent sales, not just asking prices.
Your home might be beautiful, but buyers compare it to others in the same price range. Make sure the price reflects reality.
Markets shift. If homes are selling quickly, you may have room to push the price higher. If sales are slowing down, a competitive price is key.
If your home isn’t getting offers, listen to the market. It might be time for a small adjustment to attract buyers.
📍 Related: Canada has the Most Overvalued Housing Market in World
A common myth is that starting high and lowering the price later is a smart strategy. But in reality:
🚨 Homes that sit on the market for too long sell for LESS.
🚨 Buyers use long market times as a negotiation tool.
🚨 Each price reduction signals desperation to buyers.
The best way to maximize your profit is to price your home right from the start.
At Peter Thompson Real Estate, we help homeowners in Quebec sell fast and for top dollar with smart pricing strategies and expert market insights.
💬 Want to know your home’s true value? Let’s chat! Contact us today.
📞 Call Peter Thompson: (438) 500-8344
📩 Email: peter@peterthompson.ca
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Peter graduated from Lasalle College in hospitality and spent 13 years managing the infamous Chateau du Lac, where he built a reputation for leadership and forming genuine, trusting relationships.
Peter’s real estate career is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and tireless effort. He takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey. He regularly provides timeline market insights on his local service areas of Saint-Lazare, Hudson, Vaudreuil, and Rigaud, but has expanded to service clients across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and West Island regions.
Outside of work, Peter’s world revolves around his wife and two young boys, who inspire him every day. A die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan, Peter never misses a chance to cheer on the Habs or crack a dad joke to keep everyone smiling.
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