Home Buyer • Strategy & Market Observations • January 30, 2025

Buying a Home? 3 Reasons To Buy Before Spring

by Dave Jensen

Winter? Later Summer? When should we be buying a home? Simple. Whenever you can! (and as often as you can). Owning real estate is the single most reliable path to family and generational wealth. But completing that first step takes planning, and a knowledgeable guide. Buying a home is easier said than done.

Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”

But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.

What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.

1. Less Competition from Other Buyers

The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):

Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:

“A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”

2. More Negotiating Power

With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out:

“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”

Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.

3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise

Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below):

This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.

On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.

To dive a little deeper, here’s an interesting article I published awhile back that explains why Time in the Market is more important than trying to time the market

Something to consider when buying a home.

Bottom Line

While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.

If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.

Credit Info • January 18, 2025

The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home

by Dave Jensen

Your credit score is a big part of buying a property. We all know that. BUT, there are many ways to manage imperfect credit scores. Plus, great credit scores can do more for you than you may think. Use your great score to your advantage. Not only is the approval easier, but lenders may give you better terms at their expense to land you as a repeat client. Know how to use this leverage.

Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.

The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect Credit

According to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good idea of what credit score lenders actually require.

That means two-thirds of buyers don’t actually know what lenders are looking for – and most overestimate the minimum credit score needed.

Check out this article for insights into how different credit scores can affect the cost of your purchase How expensive is a low credit score when getting a mortgage?

The Reality: Perfect Isn’t Necessary

But the truth is, you don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner. To see the average score, by loan type, for recent homebuyers check out the graph below:

There is no set cut-off score across the board. As FICO explains:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single “cutoff score” used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .”

So, even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you may still be able to get a home loan. Just know that, even though you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, your score can have an impact on your loan options and the terms you’re able to get.

Work with a trusted lender who can walk you through what you’d qualify for.

Simple Tips To Improve Your Credit Score

If you want to open up your options a bit more after talking to a lender, here are a few tips from Experian and Freddie Mac that can help give your score a boost:

1. Pay Your Bills on Time

This includes everything from credit cards to utilities and other monthly payments. A track record of on-time payments shows lenders you’re responsible and reliable.

2. Pay Down Outstanding Debt

Reducing your overall debt not only improves your credit utilization ratio (how much credit you’re using compared to your total limit) but also makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders. That makes them more likely to approve a loan with better terms.

3. Hold Off on Applying for New Credit

While opening new credit accounts might seem like a quick way to boost your score, too many applications in a short period can have the opposite effect. Focus on improving your existing accounts instead.

Bottom Line

Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify for a home loan. The best way to know where you stand? Work with a trusted lender to explore your options.

Selling Tips • Strategy & Market Observations • January 15, 2025

As of Jan2025, How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You

by Dave Jensen

Your home can be your bank, and if used well, can help propel your wealth. How much home equity do you have now?

Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize.

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity.

According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average homeowner with a mortgage has $319,000 in home equity.

Why Have Homeowners Gained So Much Equity?

The rise in home equity over the years can be credited to two key factors:

1. Significant Home Price Growth

Home prices have climbed dramatically in recent years. In fact, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), over the past five years, home prices nationwide have risen by 57.4% (see map below):

This appreciation means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it.

2. Longer Tenure in Homes

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows people are staying in their homes for a decade (see graph below):

This increased tenure means homeowners benefit even more from home values growing over time. That’s because the longer someone has lived in their house, the more that home’s value has grown, which directly increases equity.

And if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for 10 years or more, know this – according to NAR:

“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”

The Benefits of Having Home Equity

What does that mean for you? It means your house might be your biggest financial asset — and it could open up some exciting opportunities for your future. Let’s break it down.

Moving to Your Next Home –This article outlines how to plan the move – on making that move seamless.

When you understand and monitor how much home equity you have, you can plan your family’s future and find comfort in that stability.

Your equity could help you cover the down payment for your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house all cash.

Financing Home Improvements – Here’s another article that discusses more about your home as a powerful investment tool (one of many you should be using

Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, adding a home office, or tackling other projects? Your equity can provide the funds to make those improvements happen, increasing your home’s value and making it more enjoyable to live in too.

Getting a Business Going

If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, your equity could be the kickstart you need. Whether it’s for startup costs, equipment, or marketing, leveraging your home’s value can help bring your entrepreneurial goals to life.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your home equity is a powerful resource. If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve built or how you can use it to meet your goals, let’s connect and explore the possibilities.

Home Buyer • December 10, 2024

Why Owning a Home Helps Build Wealth in the Long Run

by Dave Jensen

Owning a home helps you build wealth. Stability is hard to beat when it comes to peace of mind. Add to that the reality that owning property is a clear path to build wealth and every person, every family should do everything in their power to buy a home now. Living in a rental, you always are thinking of where you may need to move to next. You just subconsciously know this is not YOUR home. And you’re helping your landlord build wealth, not you or your family.

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership.

Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. That’s because over time, home values usually grow – and that means a homeowner’s net worth does too. Here’s a look at how that can really add up over the years.

If you think you don’t have the money to buy a property, talk with a professional. You may not need as much as you think. If the deal is arranged well, your out of pocket can be very low. Here’s a quick read article that talks about 1 of the ways to come up with the money needed: The Down Payment Assistance You Didn’t Know About

Home Price Growth over Time

The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show how much prices have grown over the last five years. Since home prices vary by area, the map is broken out regionally to really showcase larger market trends:

You can see that nationally, home prices increased by over 57% in just five years.

Some regions are slightly above or below that average, but overall, home prices saw a big uptick in a short time. And if you zoom out even more, the benefit of homeownership — and the drastic gains homeowners made over the years — become even more clear (see map below):

The second map shows that, over a roughly 30-year span, home prices appreciated by an average of more than 320% nationally.

So the typical homeowner who bought a house about 30 years ago saw their home triple in value during that time. And that’s a major reason so many homeowners who bought their homes years ago are still happy with their decision today.

Bottom Line

There’s no denying today’s market is complex. But if you’re ready and able to buy right now, let’s connect to talk about how we can still make your move happen. That way you can take advantage of the long-term advantages that come with homeownership, like your ability to build wealth as your home value rises.

Selling Tips • December 9, 2024

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

by Dave Jensen

Selling a house is easy right? Yes! As long as you’re not worried about making a mistake.

According to NAR, the median price of a house sold in the USA in October’24 was $407k. Small mistakes can really add up! A small pricing or negotiating or documentation or deadline error can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Be prepared before you step into the world of selling a house on your own. You can absolutely sell your home on your own, just be sure you’re informed and prepared.

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.

That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.

Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):

And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling a house, your home, is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and creating a solid strategy to attract buyers. And going it alone often means you may take on more than you bargained for.

Let’s look at two big reasons why working with a pro can make all the difference.

1. Getting the Price Right

One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house is to know the right. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good – you need to hit the bullseye. Price your home too high, and buyers may overlook your listing. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table or even raise red flags about the condition of your home.

Real estate agents are experts in finding the right price for today’s market trends. As Zillow explains:

“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”

With their knowledge of the local market, buyer behavior, and what homes like yours are selling for, an agent will help you make sure you set a price that’s competitive and that’ll draw in buyers. And it’s that perfectly strategic price that’ll set the stage for selling at top dollar.

2. Understanding and Managing the Paperwork

Another part of the process is dealing with a growing stack of paperwork, from disclosure forms to contracts. Each document needs to be completed accurately, and there are legal requirements to follow that can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.

This is another area where an agent’s expertise really shines. They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track. Your agent will guide you through the paperwork step by step, making sure it’s done right the first time and you understand what you’re signing. With their help, you can avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes that can lead to delays, legal complications, and more.

Here’s one last thought for now…consider what the buyer will accept in the deal. and what theyy won’t accept. Check out this quick read about preparing your home for the market to get that top dollar and smooth close….How to Prepare Your Home for the Market

Bottom Line

Selling a house, selling your home, is a big decision, and having a trusted real estate agent on your side can make all the difference.

Let’s connect so you have a pro to help with everything from pricing your home to managing the details. That way we can take the guesswork out of the process and help you sell with confidence.

Selling Tips • November 19, 2024

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

by Dave Jensen

Selling Your House can be stressful. There are a lot of things to plan and if any get missed, the result can be costly.

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like.

To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of your equity.

Equity is the current market value of your home minus what you still owe on your loan. And thanks to the rapid appreciation we saw over the past few years, your equity has gotten a big boost. Just how much are we talking about? See for yourself. As Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”

Here’s why this can be such a game-changer when you sell. You can use that equity to put down a larger amount on your next home, which means financing less at today’s mortgage rate. And in some cases, you may even be able to buy your next home in cash, avoiding mortgage rates altogether.

The bottom line? Your equity could be the key to making your next move possible. Selling your house opens up a lot of possibilities. Talk with a professional to get informed. It’s best to have the full picture so you can decide what’s best for you.

Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?

If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how low the supply of homes for sale got over the past few years. It felt nearly impossible to find a home to buy because there were so few available.

But finding a home in today’s market isn’t as challenging. That’s because the number of homes for sale is growing, giving you more options to choose from. Data from Realtor.com shows just how much inventory has increased – it’s up almost 30% year-over-year (see graph below):

And even though inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, this is the highest it’s been in quite a while. That means you have more options for your move, but your house should still stand out to buyers at the same time. That’s a sweet spot for you.

One item always considered is where do you end up? This quick read article goes over a part of the planning process. Another helpful bit of info to help complete the overall plan.

Know before you sell! Where Will You Go After You Sell?

It’s important to note, though, that this balance varies by local market. Some places may have more homes for sale than others, so working with a local real estate agent is the best way to see what inventory trends look like in your area.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, hopefully these concerns haven’t kept you up at night. With this information, you should realize you don’t have to let the what-if’s delay your move anymore.

Let’s connect so you have the data and the local perspective you need to move forward. Selling your house can be a great strategic move. It does not have to be stressful.

Home Buyer • Strategy & Market Observations • November 13, 2024

More Homes, Slower Price Growth

by Dave Jensen

The pendulum is swinging in your favor. Buying a home during the 0ctober to February period favors buyers and this year, we are getting back to a normal amount of homes listed on the market.

Many folks were waiting for the “right time to sell” or the “right time to buy”. If you’ve had any thoughts of moving, now is the time to get a professional Realtor to build that plan for you so you KNOW if now is the right time. The data makes the path clear.

There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy. Let’s look at two reasons why.

You Have More Options To Choose From

An article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year:

“There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023, marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019.”

And while the number of homes on the market still isn’t quite back to where it was in the years leading up to the pandemic, this is definitely an improvement (see graph below):

With more homes available for sale now, you have more options to choose from. As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“Though still lower than pre-pandemic, burgeoning home supply means buyers have more options . . .”

That means you have a better chance of finding a house that meets your needs. It also means the buying process doesn’t have to feel quite as rushed, because more options on the market means you’ll likely face less competition from other buyers.

Home Price Growth Is Slowing

When there aren’t many homes for sale, buyers have to compete more fiercely for the ones that are available. That’s what happened a few years ago, and it’s what drove prices up so quickly.

But now, the increasing number of homes on the market is causing home price growth to slow down (see graph below):

In certain markets, the number of available homes has not only bounced back to normal, but has even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. In those areas, home price growth has slowed or stalled completely. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

“Generally speaking, housing markets where active inventory has returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels have seen home price growth soften or even decline outright from their 2022 peak.”

Slower or stalled price growth could give you a better chance of finding something within your budget. As Dr. Anju Vajja, Deputy Director at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), says:

“For the third consecutive month U.S. house prices showed little movement . . . relatively flat house prices may improve housing affordability.”

But remember, inventory levels and home prices are going to vary by market.

So, having a real estate agent who knows the local area can be a big advantage. They can help you understand the trends in your community, which can make a real difference in finding a home that fits your needs and budget.

Timing the market rarely works. If you’ve been thinking it’s time to go, it’s simply time to go. Let’s work out that solution and execute on that plan so you can get to the next important thing in your life.

When your lifestyle and needs change, don’t stall. Check out this article on timing the market versus time in the market

Bottom Line

More housing options – and the slower home price growth they bring – can help you find and buy a home that works for your lifestyle and budget. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to talk about the growing number of choices you have right now.

Selling Tips • October 25, 2024

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

by Dave Jensen

It comes down to working with a pro who knows the current state of this commodity market, nationally and the local market of your property.

In one season, it can take a month to sell your house. In a seasonally slow time of the market cycle, it can take several months to sell your house. Price. Condition of your home. Condition of the surrounding area. The prevailing economy is always an important part of the decision and analysis.

Be ready to have a serious conversation with a real estate professional to learn the reality of the market. We can want that super high price and to sell real fast, but the reality is this is a commodity and deserves objective, data heavy, clinical analysis. This is often a very emotional decision, so please find that trusted market expert to guide you so you do not make an emotional, and expensive mistake. You need a professional real estate expert who will tell you how things are.

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect.

While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends.

Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through during that conversation.

More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been going up this year. That means there are more options for buyers, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a home. But as a seller, it also means homes are staying on the market a bit longer now that buyers have more options to choose from (see graph below):

One of the big reasons homes sold so fast in recent years is because there were so few of them for sale. And now that there are more houses on the market, it makes sense that they aren’t selling at quite the same pace. Right now, according to Realtor.com, it takes 55 days from the time a house is listed for it to be officially sold and closed on.

But keep this in mind. While homes might not be selling as quickly as they did last year at this time, they’re still selling faster than they did in more normal years in the housing market, before the pandemic.

If you look back at 2017-2019 in the graph above, you’ll see that it was typical for a house to take 60 days or more to sell. So, today’s process is still faster than the norm.

That’s because, even with more homes for sale, there are still more buyers than homes for sale. So, homes that show well and are priced right are selling fast. As NerdWallet explains:

“Overall, though, demand still outpaces supply. This is hardly a mellow market: Good homes sell quickly . . .”

Understand this commodity market, work with your trusted resource, and accept that you will not likely get more than it’s worth. Read this quick article on why Pricing Your House Right Always Matters.

Your Agent Can Help Your Home Stand Out

If you’re looking for ways to make your move happen as quickly as possible, partnering with a great local agent is the key. Your real estate agent will help you with everything from setting the right price to staging your home so it looks its best. They’ll even create a marketing plan that grabs buyers’ attention and will give you key insights about what’s happening in your specific area, so you can plan accordingly and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

So, while homes might be on the market a little longer than before, they’re still selling faster than the norm. If you have the right agent and the right strategy in place, your house may even sell faster than you’d expect.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell your house, knowing how long it might take is a big part of planning your next steps. Let’s connect so you’ll be able to price, market, and sell your home with confidence.

Strategy & Market Observations • October 16, 2024

Recessions! What Happens to Housing during Recessions?

by Dave Jensen

Here’s an article from a few years ago that deserves attention, repeatedly. Recessions, economic downturns are not always bad. But we have to be prepared to act when that time comes.

The market swells and contracts. Regardless of the state of the market, there are folks closing deals every day. Recessions? While that makes most people groan, it’s possible there are things you can do to take advantage of downturn. There’s opportunity in every market condition. A recession is a techical term that many only view as negative. For some, it’s the opportunity they’d been waiting for.

Since the 2008 housing bubble burst, the word recession strikes a stronger emotional chord than it ever did before. And while there’s some debate around whether we’re officially in a recession right now, the good news is experts say a recession today would likely be mild and the economy would rebound quickly.

To add to that sentiment, housing is typically one of the first sectors to rebound during a slowdown. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains:

“Housing is traditionally one of the first sectors to slow as the economy shifts but is also one of the first to rebound.”

Part of that rebound is tied to what has historically happened to mortgage rates during recessions. Here’s a look back at rates during previous economic slowdowns to help put your mind at ease.

Mortgage Rates Typically Fall During Recessions

Historical data helps paint the picture of how a recession could impact the cost of financing a home. Looking at recessions in this country going all the way back to 1980, the graph below shows each time the economy slowed down mortgage rates decreased.

Fortune explains mortgage rates typically fall during an economic slowdown:

“Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. And in many cases, they continued to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”

While history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from and find comfort in the trends of what’s happened in the past. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you can make the best decision by working with a trusted real estate professional. That way you have expert advice on what a recession could mean for the housing market.

Bottom Line

History shows you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to the housing market. If you have questions about what’s happening today, let’s connect so you have expert advice and insights you can trust.

If you have a sec, here’s another article that may give you more insights. It gives an overview look at how the economy affects mortgage rates. A quick 2 to 3min read. Gives some quick.

Reach out to me today. Send a text or complete the “Contact Me” form here. The more info you have, and the more folks I help, the better!

Selling Tips • October 14, 2024

Is Your House Priced Too High?

by Dave Jensen

Have you accidentally listed your home for sale at a price that’s too high? It happens often. If you’ve been trying to sell your property and it’s taking a long time, it’s possible your home is priced too high. Make sure you’re evaluating the market well… the seasonality, the overall market, the prevailing economy in your area, the neighborhood factors, and make sure you are completing an objective study of your home.

When you notice any imperfections, acknowledge those. The would be buyer is definitely noticing those. And they will sometimes tell you. That’s just the market giving you constructive feedback. Sometimes homeowners list their home after an emotional analysis, rather than a strategic analysis, and the result can be the home is priced too high.

Be realistic so you can get your place sold and you can get on to the next chapter in your life.

Read this other article too (about a 4min read) for more insights – price your home right.

Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible. And chances are, you’re no different.

But did you know one of the biggest things that could jeopardize your success is the asking price for your home? Pricing your house correctly is one of the most crucial steps in the selling process.

So, how do you know if you’re missing the mark? Here are four signs your high asking price might be turning potential buyers away—and why leaning on your real estate agent is the best way to course correct.

1. You’re Not Getting Many Showings or Offers

One of the most obvious signs your house may be overpriced is a lack of showings. If it’s been on the market for several weeks and only a few buyers have come to see it—or worse, you haven’t gotten any offers—it could be a clear indication the price isn’t matching up with what buyers expect. Because buyers who have been looking for a while can easily spot (and write off) a home that seems overpriced.

Your real estate agent will coach you through this, so lean on their experience for what you may want to try to bring more buyers in, including considering a price cut.

2. Buyers Have Consistent Negative Feedback after Showings

And if after the showings you do have, comments from the potential buyers aren’t great, you may need to course correct. Feedback from showings is an important part of understanding how buyers see your house. If they consistently say it’s overpriced compared to other homes they’ve seen, it’s time to reconsider your pricing strategy to be sure you’re not priced too high.

Your agent will gather and analyze this feedback for you, so you can look at how your house stacks up in the market. They can also suggest specific improvements or staging changes to better justify your asking price, or recommend one that aligns with today’s buyer expectations. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Based on all the data gathered, agents may make adjustments to the initial price recommendation. This could involve adjusting for market conditions, property uniqueness, or other factors that may impact the property’s value.”

3. It’s Been on the Market for Too Long

And that lack of interest is ultimately going to lead to it sitting on the market without any serious bites. The longer it lingers, the more likely it is to raise red flags for buyers, who may wonder if something is wrong with it. Especially in today’s market with growing inventory, a long listing period means your house is stale – and that makes it even harder to sell.

Your real estate agent will be able to give you perspective on how quickly other homes in your area are selling and walk you through what’s working for other sellers. That way you can decide together if there’s something you want to do differently. As a Bankrate article says:

“Check with your agent about the average number of days homes spend on the market in your area. If your listing has been up significantly longer than average, that may be a sign to reduce the price.”

4. Your Neighbor’s House Sold Without an Issue

And here’s the last one to watch out for. If similar homes in your area are selling faster than yours, it’s a clear sign that something is off. This could be due to things like a lack of upgrades, outdated features, or a less desirable location. Or, it may be priced too high.

Your agent will keep you up to date on your competition and what changes, if any, you need to make your home more competitive. They’ll offer advice on small updates that could increase your home’s appeal or how to adjust your strategy to reflect the reality of the market today.

Bottom Line

Pricing a home correctly is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of the market and buyer psychology. And when the price isn’t drawing in buyers, it’s a good bet your place is priced too high. There’s no better resource than your agent on what you may want to do next.

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