09/02/2026
Unpopular opinion: I will not list a home for sale if the price is too high.
And believe me, this is so controversial that Iāve been cussed out and had the door slammed in my face.
For close to 20 years, Iāve been a Realtor here in Yorktown/Williamsburg.
Iāve seen a thing or two over the years - Iāve experienced helping people buy and sell homes in every type of market.
But one thing Iāve learned with nearly 20 years of experience is that in a complex market, pricing strategy matters more than ever.
Now hear me out: Iām not against pricing a home on the higher side of market value when it makes sense. I always want my sellers to get the strongest number they can. Thatās my job!
However, there is a big difference between pricing strategically and pricing so high that the home sits for months without even a single showing. I will never list *that* high just for the sake of āgetting the listing.ā
As an agent, I want to provide maximum value to my clients. I pride myself in always giving my sellers my honest opinion, even if itās not exactly what they hoped to hear. Some people may not love hearing their true market value, but Iād rather be upfront and help them understand where the market really is based on the homework Iāve done than have them get frustrated later when the home doesnāt move, sits on the market with no showings, and simply loses momentum. Oh, and donāt even get me started on homes not appraising - thatās a whole other story to unpack!
And while Iām being honest, let me tell you this: Iāve lost a few listings over the years because of this stance, and Iām completely okay with that. I would rather lose a listing by being honest than take one at a price I didnāt truly believe in. I put a lot of my own marketing dollars behind each listing I sign. Great marketing is powerful, but it canāt always overcome a pricing problem.
So, if you remember anything from this post, I want you to know this: Iāll always push for the strongest price possible, but I wonāt recommend a number that I truly believe will work against the seller just to get the listing. Thatās not fair to the seller, and itās not setting myself up for success either.
I donāt want to just throw a sign up in the yard and cross my fingers for good luck. I want my sellers to know Iām fully committed to them in every way possible - from the listing price all the way to the negotiating table.
- Ashley
(757) 869-6134
