If you ask homeowners who sold without an agent what they regret most, one answer rises above the rest. They wish they had priced their home better.
According to the latest data, sellers who chose to go at it alone say pricing their home correctly was the hardest part of the entire process.
Top 5 Most Difficult Task for Sellers Who Didn’t Use an Agent:
- Getting the price right
- Preparing or fixing up the house
- Selling within the desired time frame
- Handling all the legal documents
- Finding the time to manage all aspects of the sale
That result makes sense. Pricing a home is not as simple as pulling an online estimate or copying a sale from last year. Accurate pricing depends on real time market insight, including:
- What buyers are actually willing to pay today
- How much competition you have in your area
- What similar homes nearby are really selling for
- How desirable your area or neighborhood is
- The condition of your house
Without that context, it is easy to miss the mark. And in a market where buyers have more choices, that mistake can quickly work against you.
When Overpricing Starts a Chain Reaction
Your price shapes a buyer’s first impression. When it is too high, a series of problems usually follows.
- Buyers skip the listing.
- Skipped listings lead to fewer showings.
- Fewer showings lead to fewer offers.
- And fewer offers often force a price reduction later.
This pattern is showing up frequently, especially in homes sold without professional guidance.
The same NAR report shows most homes sold without an agent (59%) had to reduce their asking price at least once (see the graph below).
The Part Sellers Don’t See Coming
Here is the part many sellers do not expect. A price reduction does not always bring in better buyers.
Instead, it can attract bargain focused shoppers who assume something is wrong with the home. That perception alone can turn serious buyers away.
By the time the home finally sells, the seller often nets less than they would have with the right price from the beginning. The data supports that outcome.
NAR shows that homes sold with an agent sell for nearly 8% more than homes sold without one.
That difference is not about magic. It comes down to experience. Pricing strategy. Preparation. Presentation. Timing. And handling the details correctly from day one.
When those pieces are aligned early, sellers are positioned to get stronger offers and better results.
Bottom Line
The biggest risk of selling without an agent is not the paperwork or the workload. It is pricing. And once pricing goes wrong, it is difficult to undo the damage.
If you are thinking about selling and want a realistic idea of what your home could sell for in today’s market, let’s talk. A short pricing conversation now can help you avoid costly regrets later.
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
Tim Stice, Broker Realtor | Hawaii Life | Maui, Hawaii | Real Estate Agent
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
Tim Stice, Broker Realtor | Hawaii Life | Maui, Hawaii | Real Estate Agent
