When to Lower the Price of Your House: Price Reduction in Real Estate

Deciding to sell your home is a big step, and setting the right price is crucial. But what happens when your home isn’t getting the attention you hoped for? In these cases, it might be time to consider a real estate price reduction. As you prepare to sell your home in Portland or Salt Lake City, this Redfin real estate guide will help you understand when and why lowering your home’s price can be a smart move, ensuring a successful sale.

Signs it’s time for a price adjustment

Recognizing the signals that indicate a price reduction is needed can save you time and stress. Some common changes are: 

• Lack of interest: If your home has been on the market for a few weeks with minimal showings or inquiries, it’s a strong indicator that the price might be too high. Buyers often scroll past listings that seem overpriced compared to similar properties.
• No offers: Even if you’re getting showings, a complete absence of offers suggests that potential buyers are not seeing the value at the current price. They might be waiting for a price drop or looking elsewhere.
• Negative feedback on price: Sometimes, realtors or potential buyers will subtly (or not so subtly) hint that your home is overpriced. Pay close attention to this feedback, as it’s a direct reflection of market perception.
• Longer days on market (DOM): If your home’s days on market are significantly higher than comparable homes in your area, it signals to buyers that something might be an issue, often leading to lower offers or continued lack of interest.
• Market changes: The real estate market changes. Interest rate hikes, an increase in inventory, or a general slowdown in buyer activity can all influence a real estate price adjustment to remain competitive.
• New comparable listings: If several similar homes in your area have recently come on the market at a lower price point, your home may appear overpriced by comparison. Regularly review new listings in your neighborhood to stay competitive.
• Seasonal slowdowns: In some markets, certain seasons experience slower buyer activity. If your home has been on the market through a typical slow period, a price reduction can help stimulate interest as the market picks up.

Understanding the impact of overpricing in real estate

Overpricing your home can have several negative consequences that ultimately hinder your sale.

• Missed opportunities: The initial weeks on the market are critical. Overpricing can cause you to miss out on motivated buyers who are actively searching and making offers.
• Stigma of a stale listing: Homes that sit on the market for too long can develop a “stale” reputation. Buyers may assume there’s something wrong with the property, even if the only issue is the price.
• Lower final sale price: Ironically, homes that are initially overpriced often end up selling for less than if they had been priced correctly from the start. This is due to extended market time and potential price reductions that appear desperate.
• Increased carrying costs: Every extra month your home is on the market means more mortgage payments, utility bills, and maintenance costs. A timely price reduction can minimize these expenses.

How to approach a real estate price reduction

Once you’ve decided a price reduction is necessary, approach it strategically.

• Consult with your agent: Your Redfin real estate agent is your best resource. They have access to current market data, comparable sales, and buyer feedback. Work together to determine the optimal price adjustment.
• Analyze comparable sales: Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. This will give you a realistic understanding of what buyers are willing to pay.
• Consider the percentage drop: A small, incremental price drop might not be enough to grab attention. Often, a more significant reduction (e.g., 2-5% of the original price) is needed to generate new interest and signal a serious seller.
• Highlight new features or improvements: If you’ve made any updates or improvements to your home since it was first listed, now is a good time to emphasize them in your marketing materials to justify the new, more attractive price.
• Re-evaluate your marketing strategy: A price reduction is also an excellent opportunity to refresh your listing photos, update your description, or explore new marketing channels to reach a wider audience.

Frequently asked questions: Price reductions in real estate

How much should I lower my home’s price?

The ideal price reduction for real estate varies, but a 2-5% drop from the original listing price is often effective in attracting new attention. Your agent can provide data-driven recommendations based on your local market.

Will a price reduction make my home look undesirable?

Not necessarily. A strategic price reduction can show buyers that you’re responsive to the market and serious about selling. It can also bring your home into a new price bracket, attracting a fresh pool of potential buyers.

What if I’ve already made several price reductions?

If multiple price reductions haven’t worked, it’s time to re-evaluate your entire selling strategy. This might include making necessary repairs, staging the home differently, or even taking it off the market briefly to re-list with a fresh approach.

How quickly should I expect results after a price reduction?

You should typically see an increase in showings and inquiries within a week or two after a well-timed and appropriately sized price reduction. If not, another adjustment or strategy change might be needed.