How to Choose the Right Listing Price

Ron Contreras
Jul 2
2 min read

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling your home is this:

What should we list it for?

Price too high? You risk scaring away buyers and watching your home sit on the market.Price too low? You could leave money on the table.

So how do you strike the perfect balance?

Here’s how to choose the right listing price — with confidence, strategy, and the best chance of getting top dollar.

Step 1: Start With a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

A CMA compares your home to recently sold homes (called “comps”) in your area.

We look at:

Homes with similar square footage, age, layout, and features
What they were listed for vs. what they sold for
How long they were on the market

A solid CMA tells us what buyers have paid recently — and what they’re likely to pay now.

Step 2: Consider the Condition and Upgrades

Even if two homes look similar on paper, the condition matters. Ask:

Is your home move-in ready, or does it need updating?
Have you done major renovations (kitchen, bathrooms, roof)?
Are there premium features like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or smart home tech?

Modern finishes and upgrades can help push your price higher — but only if buyers in your market value them.

Step 3: Analyze Local Market Trends

Your pricing strategy should reflect the current market:

Seller’s Market? Homes are flying — you can price slightly higher
Buyer’s Market? There’s more competition — price competitively to stand out
Neutral Market? Strategic pricing is key to avoid sitting too long

Look at:

Average days on market
List-to-sale price ratios
Inventory trends

Step 4: Price for Online Search Sweet Spots

Most buyers search online using price brackets like:

$250k–$300k
$300k–$350k
$350k–$400k

If you list your home at $352,000, you’ll miss the $300k–$350k buyers — but $349,900 will catch them and look more appealing.

💡 Pro tip: Round pricing isn’t always the best. Use psychology and pricing tiers to your advantage.

Step 5: Take Emotion Out of It

Your home holds memories — but buyers don’t pay more for your nostalgia.

Avoid these emotional pricing traps:

What you “need” to make
What you paid + improvements
What your neighbor thinks it’s worth

Instead, focus on what the market says it’s worth — that’s where the offers will come from.

Step 6: Consider Strategic Pricing

In a hot market, pricing slightly below market value can generate:

More interest
More showings
Multiple offers — which could push the final price even higher

It’s a counterintuitive strategy that often gets you more than pricing high to begin with.

Final Thought

The right listing price isn’t about guessing or hoping — it’s about:✔ Data✔ Timing✔ Strategy

Price your home right from the start, and you’ll attract serious buyers, avoid price drops, and get the best return.

Thinking of selling soon? Let’s run a free home valuation and see what your property could sell for in today’s market.

No pressure — just real data and honest advice.