The #1 Mistake Sellers Make in the $500K+ Market

by James Duncan

 

⚠️ The Fatal Flaw: Wishful Thinking Over Market Reality

If you want to tank your home sale before the For Sale sign even hits the lawn, here’s how: overprice it.

Sounds dramatic? It is. And it’s also wildly common in the $500K+ market.


💭 The “But My Home Is Special” Trap

We get it. Your home is special. You picked the tile, planted every hydrangea bush, and have a playlist for your hot tub.

But buyers? They’re not here for your memories. They’re here to evaluate your home like it’s a stock—and if the numbers don’t make sense, they’re out.

Let’s look at a classic scenario:

  • Seller wants $750K.

  • Comps support $685K.

  • Home hits the market.

  • Buyers sniff out the overpricing and move on.

  • 30 days later: first price drop.

  • 30 more days: second drop.

  • Final sale: $660K. With tears.


🧠 Market Smart = Sell Fast

Here’s what the data tells us (and what ego sometimes forgets):

📊 Homes priced accurately generate more traffic, more offers, and sell faster.
📉 Overpriced homes go stale, lose leverage, and eventually sell for less than if they were priced right in the first place.


🔧 Your Fix-It Formula

To avoid turning your listing into a market cautionary tale:

  1. Hire a Local Expert – Northeast Ohio is unique. You need someone who knows how to price for your neighborhood, not just your square footage.

  2. Use Tiered Pricing Strategy – Price brackets matter in search filters. Be strategic.

  3. Showcase True Value – Got lake views? Proximity to trails? Smart upgrades? Let’s make sure buyers see that value, not just your hardwoods.

  4. Create Urgency – The best way to avoid the dreaded price drop? Nail the launch. Your listing should feel like an event—not a clearance sale.


🎯 Bottom Line

Sellers who follow the data win. Sellers who “just want to try a higher number” lose time, money, and sanity.

Price it right. Market it smart. Let the buyers come to you with confidence—not skepticism.

GET MORE INFORMATION

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James Duncan

Agent | License ID: 449204

+1(330) 606-9212

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