12/14/2025
This is so true in any market! Price based on comps, not on what you’re top number could net you, and you don’t see the agony of waiting with no showings and wonder why. The potential buyer needs to see a value, or they move on to one that is a better deal. Just ask a professional what the comps are telling them. They will explain exactly where they got that number from!
If my mom called and asked "What's my house worth?" here's exactly what I'd tell her:
"Mom, your house isn't worth what you paid plus what you spent plus what you need.
It's worth what someone will pay.
I know you paid $400k in 2019.
I know you put $80k into the kitchen and bathrooms.
I know you need $100k for your next down payment.
But the market doesn't care about any of that.
Here's what a smart Realtor would actually do for you...
They'd pull comps from the last 90 days in your neighborhood.
See six similar homes sold between $515k-$535k.
Average days on market: 42 days.
Based on that, your house is worth about $525k, maybe $530k.
If you list at $580k because that's what you need?
You'll sit for 90 days.
You'll reduce three times.
You'll sell for $510k out of desperation.
If you list at $529k like they're suggesting?
You'll get multiple offers in week one.
You'll probably sell for $540k-$545k.
You'll close in 30 days.
And you'll actually net more than if you'd overpriced it.
I know that's not the number you wanted to hear, Mom.
But would you rather they lie to you and cost you $50k?
Or tell you the truth and get you the most money possible?"
If I won't sugarcoat it for my mom, don't sugarcoat it for your clients.