'The Game Is Over': Sellers Are Facing Reality on Pricing and Backing Off Unrealistic Demands
After a year of stubbornly holding prices high in a changed market, home sellers are finally pricing realistically and meeting buyer expectations, resulting in lower initial asking prices, faster contract signings, and fewer frustrated delistings. Sellers who price competitively from the start—sometimes even slightly below market—are winning by attracting more offers and avoiding the stigma of extended time on market, while those using strategies like rate buydowns or strategic price drops are seeing better results than simply listing high and hoping for offers.