When Pricing Matters: A Real Estate Lesson in Trusting Experience

Every real estate journey teaches us something new, but some experiences stand out as powerful reminders of why experience and local market knowledge matter so much. Recently, I worked with a homeowner who was certain they knew the best price for their property—despite my 13 years of experience and the data I provided.

We reached a compromise: we’d try their price for the first week. If no offers came in, we’d make a price correction right away. It sounded fair, and I always want my clients to feel heard and empowered in the process.

That first week, the home saw a flurry of activity—26 showings! But the feedback came in loud and clear: buyers felt the price was too high and the home needed more work than they’d expect at that price point. Still, not a single offer landed on the table.

After that initial week, we dropped the price by $50,000—exactly what I’d originally suggested. What happened next was a testament to the power of accurate pricing: within just three days, we had multiple offers, some even above the new asking price. In the end, the home sold for what we had originally hoped for.

This experience reinforced something I’ve observed over the past few years: buyers have become conditioned to expect that they’ll need to offer above asking price in a competitive market. If they don’t see the value, they don’t bother negotiating—they simply move on to the next property. Listing too high doesn’t invite negotiation; it often just means missing out on eager, qualified buyers.

When you work with a Realtor who brings more than just a snapshot of the current market—someone who understands negotiation, buyer psychology, and the subtle shifts in trends—you’re getting more than a sales partner. You’re getting an advocate who knows how to position your home for the best possible outcome.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s have a conversation about your goals and how we can achieve them together. Trust the process, trust the data, and most importantly, trust your agent’s experience!