How to Price Your Home Right in 2025 (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

Why Pricing Strategy Matters More Than Ever

In today’s market, buyers are better informed than ever. They’re comparing homes online, tracking price reductions, and spotting overpricing instantly. Setting the right price from the start can mean the difference between a quick, full-price sale and weeks of sitting on the market.

The Dangers of Overpricing

It’s tempting to “test the market,” but overpricing often backfires. Homes that sit too long lose momentum and may ultimately sell for less than if they were priced correctly from the start.
Buyers also assume there’s “something wrong” with a home that lingers too long.

Finding the Sweet Spot

1. Look Beyond Zillow Estimates – Automated tools can miss local nuances and things that the human eye can see. It could be, for instance, that your home is not as updated as others around you that recently sold. Their higher price estimates are influencing yours...and not in the most accurate way. It can give a false sense of value.

2. Analyze Comparable Sales (Comps) – A skilled agent compares your home to recent, similar sales, then adjusts for condition, location, and upgrades.

3. Watch Active Listings – Competing homes show what buyers are seeing right now.

4. Price Strategically for Exposure – A well-placed price point can position your listing in the most-searched online brackets.

Real Story: A Pricing Win in Canby

A recent client of mine in Canby wanted to list slightly above market, but we decided to price strategically instead, based on local comps and current buyer activity. The result? A weekend full of showings, multiple offers, and a final price above asking.

Pricing isn’t about guessing high, it’s about understanding buyer psychology and the local market. And to be honest, in a market that is more balanced (where sellers and buyers have more equal footing), it's better to price slightly under that market that at or above it. I tell sellers all the time that if you're not feeling a little bit uncomfortable with the the price (as in, it feels too low), your price is likely on the high side.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Every neighborhood in the North Willamette Valley behaves a little differently. A trusted local agent understands micro-markets—like how a Canby cul-de-sac compares to a similar home in Oregon City or Wilsonville—and can help you price with precision.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell this year, smart pricing is your foundation. Combine that with professional marketing, and you’ll be positioned for a smooth, successful sale. I can help you navigate all the ins and outs of whatever market your selling in. Let's connect with a quick phone call, and we can see if I am the best fit for you.