Patience Won’t Sell Your Home—The Right Price Will

Some sellers think they just need to wait for the perfect buyer to show up. But in today’s market, that’s not usually the issue. The real problem is often price.

Homes Are Sitting Longer

On average, homes are taking longer to sell than they did a year ago. Realtor.com reports that in August, the typical home sat on the market for 60 days—about a week longer than last year. With more homes for buyers to choose from, the competition is higher. But even more important, buyers are sensitive to price.

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever

Many homeowners are still stuck in the mindset of the last big price boom. Back then, you could list almost anywhere and attract multiple offers. Today, that’s not the case.

For the past couple of years, average list prices have leveled out. That’s a big change compared to normal markets where prices used to rise year after year. It’s also very different from the rapid climb during 2021 and 2022.

Now? Buyers won’t pay more just because you want them to. They’ve got choices, and they’ll simply move on to the next house if yours feels overpriced.

4 Signs Your Price May Be Too High

Bankrate highlights a few red flags that could mean you’ve priced above the market:

• Few showings or no serious interest
• No offers, or only lowball ones
• Negative feedback from buyers who do tour your home
• Your home has been sitting longer than the average in your area

If this sounds familiar, the answer usually isn’t “just wait it out.” A price adjustment is often what makes the difference.

The Fix: Price for Today, Not Yesterday

Talk with your real estate agent about what’s happening locally. Even a small price correction can spark new interest and bring buyers through the door.

And remember—if you’ve owned your home for a while, you’ve likely built up a lot of equity. That means you’re still coming out ahead, even if you don’t get the sky-high number you originally hoped for.

Bottom Line

Patience doesn’t sell houses. Smart pricing does.

If your listing isn’t moving, the market is sending you a message. Price it right, and the buyers will follow.