The Biggest Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their Homes
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
One of the most common mistakes I see sellers make is overpricing their homes. It’s understandable—you want the best return on your investment! But in a market like Halifax, overpricing can actually hurt your chances.
In Halifax, homes priced too high tend to sit longer on the market, eventually requiring price reductions. Buyers are smart, and they know when a home is overpriced. In fact, Halifax homes that are priced correctly often sell faster and for closer to asking price.
Consider this: According to recent data, the average time on market for homes in Halifax is around 27 days, but overpriced homes can take twice as long. This delay can reduce buyer interest, as stale listings often raise red flags.
When you price your home correctly, you’re not just attracting more buyers, but you’re also speeding up the sale process. In Halifax, the market is competitive, and buyers are savvy. Overpricing often leads to price reductions later, and even then, the house might sell for less than it would have if priced right from the start.
Another key factor is appraisals. Even if a buyer offers more than your asking price, the home still has to appraise for that value. If it doesn’t, the deal could fall through, leaving you back at square one. Pricing correctly helps avoid these headaches.
Also, keep in mind that overpricing can scare off potential buyers before they even step through the door. In today’s digital world, buyers are searching online, and many filter their searches by price. If your home is priced too high, it won’t even appear in their results, limiting your exposure.
Bottom line: Pricing your home at market value attracts more interest, helps you sell faster, and reduces the risk of complications during the sale. It's a win-win!
So, what should you do? Work with a real estate professional who knows the market. When you price your home competitively from the start, you attract more interest and could even create a bidding war! It’s about strategy, not guesswork.