Market Update: The Longer a Home Sits on the Market, the Less It Typically Sells For
One of the most common questions sellers ask is: “Can we price a little high and see what happens?” While it sounds like a smart strategy, the data often says otherwise. The truth is: the longer a home sits on the market, the more likely it is to sell for less.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors shared by Keeping Current Matters (see below):
Homes that sell in under 4 weeks typically sell for 100% of asking price
Homes on the market 5–8 weeks average around 98% of asking
Homes sitting 9–16 weeks sell for roughly 96%
Homes listed 17+ weeks often sell for around 94% of original list price
That difference adds up quickly. On a $750,000 home, even a 4% gap can mean $30,000 less.
Why timing matters
When a home first hits the market, it gets the most attention. Buyers who’ve been watching closely see it right away, agents send it to clients, and showing activity is usually at its highest. But if the price feels too aggressive, buyers often wait. As days on market increase, showings typically slow down, and buyers start wondering why the home hasn’t sold yet. Even when nothing is wrong, a stale listing can create hesitation.
Pricing right from day one matters
Pricing strategically doesn’t mean pricing low. It means pricing based on current market conditions, recent comparable sales, buyer demand, and how your home compares to others in your neighborhood. A well priced home creates urgency. And urgency can lead to stronger offers, better terms, and a better overall result.
Bottom line
The first few weeks on the market matter most. That’s when your home gets the most exposure, and often when sellers see the strongest offers. The data is clear: homes that sell faster tend to hold more of their asking price. If you’re thinking about selling and wondering how to price your home in today’s market, having the right strategy from day one can make all the difference. The Trush? The best list price depends on your neighborhood, and what buyers are actually paying right now. That’s where I can help. Email me and let’s talk about a realistic strategy that’ll get your house sold for as much as possible (and as quickly as possible). Because overpricing may actually leave money on the table.