Is It Better to Price High and Negotiate Down—or Price Correctly From the Start?

Is It Better to Price High and Negotiate Down—or Price Correctly From the Start?

This is one of the most common questions sellers ask—and one of the most important.

Pricing high often feels safer. It leaves room to negotiate. It avoids the fear of “leaving money on the table.” But the way buyers actually behave in today’s market tells a different story.

Why Pricing High Feels Comforting—but Rarely Is

When a home is priced high, sellers feel protected. There’s psychological comfort in starting above expectations.

Buyers, however, read this differently. A high price signals:

  • The seller may be unrealistic

  • Negotiation may be difficult

  • There’s no urgency to act quickly

That hesitation quietly weakens leverage.

How Buyers Respond in the First Two Weeks

The strongest buyer interest typically happens early. That’s when curiosity, urgency, and competition peak.

When pricing aligns with buyer expectations:

  • Buyers move faster

  • Multiple offers become more likely

  • Terms often improve alongside price

When pricing is high “to test the market,” buyers wait. Waiting shifts control.

Negotiation Works Best When There’s Momentum

Negotiation is strongest when buyers feel they might lose the home—not when they feel they have time.

Homes that require repeated price reductions often:

  • Attract lower initial offers

  • Invite tougher negotiations

  • Create doubt about value

Strategic pricing creates confidence. Confidence creates commitment.

Precision Is Not Aggressive—It’s Thoughtful

Pricing correctly from the start doesn’t mean underpricing. It means understanding:

  • Current buyer demand

  • Competing inventory

  • Market timing

The goal isn’t attention. It’s serious intent.

If you’re considering selling, a thoughtful pricing strategy early on can help protect both momentum and outcome. Give us a call or if you'd like to schedule a meeting, email us at [email protected] 

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