8 things to know about
how to price a house

Pricing your house effectively is a step that can make or break the selling process

February 9, 2024

A careful balance of market savvy, realistic appraisal of your home’s value and strategic thinking is required to price your house effectively. Understanding the market will guide you in setting the right price for your home.

Start with an online estimate

Before diving into pricing strategies, it’s wise to begin with a baseline value of your property. Utilizing an online home value calculator is a convenient and efficient way to do this. By entering basic details about your home, such as size and location, these tools provide an estimated value. This estimate forms a foundation for your pricing strategy, giving you a rough idea of where your home stands in the market.

Price Strategy: above, below, or at market value

Choosing the right pricing strategy is crucial. Pricing below market value can lead to a bidding war, particularly effective in areas where demand exceeds supply. This strategy works well for unique properties in sought-after neighbourhoods or those with distinct features like historic details. The risk here is that a bidding war is not guaranteed, making it a gamble.

Pricing above market value is another approach. This might attract fewer buyers, but it could result in a higher sale price. The downside is the potential for the property to languish on the market, which can quickly stigmatize the listing.

Pricing at market value is often the safest bet. This approach is less risky and increases the likelihood of a quick sale at a satisfactory price. It hinges on having a solid grasp of your home’s market value, which is where a detailed comparative market analysis becomes indispensable.

Avoid overpricing

Overpricing is a common pitfall. Homes priced too high risk alienating a significant portion of potential buyers. This could result in fewer offers or none at all, and the longer a home stays on the market, the less appealing it becomes. Future price reductions are visible to buyers and can be used against sellers in negotiations.

Consider renovation value realistically

Renovations don’t always equate to added value. It’s a common misconception that any upgrade will increase a property’s worth. Some renovations may not significantly boost your home’s market value. Getting a professional opinion from a realtor, contractor, or appraiser can prevent the common mistake of overvaluing your property due to recent updates.

Logic over emotion

Selling your home is inherently emotional, but pricing should be a logical process. Many sellers have a deep attachment to their homes, which can lead to an inflated sense of value. It’s important to detach from personal feelings and focus on objective factors like market trends, the home’s condition, and comparable sales. A realtor’s advice can be invaluable in striking the right balance.

Acknowledge your home’s flaws

An honest assessment of your home’s drawbacks is necessary. Every home has imperfections, whether it’s location-based issues like noisy surroundings or physical problems such as outdated plumbing systems. Recognizing and accounting for these flaws in your pricing strategy is important.

Understand the market through Comparative Analysis

A thorough market analysis is essential for accurate pricing. This involves examining recent sales of similar properties, understanding current market conditions, and evaluating how your home compares. This analysis provides a clear picture of where your home stands in relation to others in the area, helping you price it appropriately.

Online search pricing strategies

In today’s digital age, most homebuyers begin their search online, so it’s important to price your home in a way that ensures it appears in their search results. For example, pricing just below a common search threshold can increase the visibility of your listing. Strategic pricing in alignment with common search categories can significantly impact the number of potential buyers who see your home.

Effectively pricing a house requires a deep understanding of the market, a realistic view of your home’s value, and strategic planning. By considering these eight factors, you set the stage for a successful sale that meets your financial goals and timelines. Balancing these elements can help you achieve a sale that reflects your home’s true worth while attracting the right buyers.