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By Jacqueline Smith

Jacqueline Smith is dedicated to serving the vibrant Vancouver/Portland real estate market. Since stepping into the industry in 2014, I hit the ground running selling 52 homes in my first year and now have my hand in selling over 1700 properties.

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Is your home’s price scaring away the right buyers? Pricing your home right is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make, especially if you’re planning to sell your home in Clark County or Southwest Washington.

Yet, many sellers stumble at this step, which can cost them time, money, and negotiating power. Today, I want to highlight two common pricing mistakes and how you can avoid them for a smoother, more profitable sale.

Mistake #1: Pricing Too High from the Start

Many sellers think, “Let’s price high and see what happens. If it doesn’t sell, we can always lower the price later.” While this might seem harmless, it’s a risky strategy.

What happens when you price too high? If you don’t adjust your price quickly, you end up “chasing the market down.” This can weaken your negotiating power as the days on the market increase. In fact, most sellers end up netting less than they would have if they had priced competitively from the beginning.

Here’s why this is especially problematic in Clark County:

Days on market are public. Buyers can see how long your home has been listed.

Older listings raise questions. Homes don’t improve with age; the longer they sit, the more buyers wonder, “What’s wrong with it?” or think they can get a better deal.

If you want to test the market, work with your agent to review feedback and data regularly, so you can make quick adjustments and keep your listing fresh.

“A smart pricing plan puts you in control, so you sell faster and keep more of your equity.”

Mistake #2: Pricing Just Above a Key Bracket

Here’s a common scenario: You want $600,000 for your home, but you list it at $605,000 or $610,000. It may seem like a small difference, but it can have a big impact.

Most buyers search for homes online using specific filters. For example, if they set their budget at $600,000, your home won’t even appear in their results if it’s listed above that amount. The consequences include:

● Loss of exposure. Motivated buyers may never see your home.

● Less money in your pocket. Less exposure almost always leads to lower offers.

To maximize your buyer pool and final sale price, price your home at the top of the bracket, not above it.

Why Smart Pricing Matters in Today’s Market

Today’s buyers are savvy, and real estate in Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, and the rest of Clark County moves quickly. If your listing goes stale, you risk receiving lower offers and facing more negotiating headaches.

Thinking of selling in the next year or two? Let’s discuss your strategy before you list. We’ll review market data, weigh the pros and cons of different pricing options, and create a plan that gives you control, so you can sell confidently and for your home’s full value.

Ready to make your move? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just need honest real estate advice in Clark County or Southwest Washington, our team is here to be your resource.

Reply to this post or contact us directly. Either I or one of our amazing agents will reach out to guide you through the next steps with confidence. Reach out anytime at (360) 800-1334 or send an email to jacqueline@evergreenrealestatepartners.com. I’d love to hear from you.

When selling your home, standing out from the competition greatly improves your chances of a successful sale. Make your listing stand out by creating a presentation that leaves a great first impression. To attract buyers who are ready to make strong offers, check out our post: Selling Your Home in the Pacific Northwest? Start With These 3 Steps.

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