
The #1 Pricing Mistake Sellers Make (and How to Avoid It)
*THIS IS AN OPINION ARTICLE, THAT SPECULATES ON FUTURE MARKETS. USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY OPINIONS CONTAINED ON THIS ARTICLE ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Published October 10, 2025
Written by Marty Rodriguez
If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s one critical mistake that could derail your entire move: unrealistic pricing.
It’s tempting to aim high, especially after years of rising home values, but in today’s transitioning market, overpricing can backfire fast. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why pricing matters more than ever, and how to set yourself up for success this season.
1. The Hidden Cost of Overpricing
As real estate analysts at Keeping Current Matters put it:
“Buyers will have more leverage…Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”
Here’s the truth: overpriced listings tend to sit longer on the market, which creates a ripple effect:
Buyers assume something’s wrong with the property.
Interest drops while days-on-market climb.
When price cuts finally happen, they often need to be steeper to regain attention.
In short, overpricing doesn’t just delay your move, it can cost you money.
Takeaway: Work with a local expert who knows your market inside and out. A strategic, data-backed price attracts serious buyers and helps you move forward faster.
2. Why Home Prices Aren’t Really “Flat”
You’ve probably seen national headlines claiming home prices are “leveling off.” But that’s not the full story. The truth? Real estate is always local.
According to Keeping Current Matters, national averages can blur what’s really happening because:
Some metros are still seeing prices inch upward.
Others are softening due to higher inventory.
When you average both, it looks “flat” but it’s not accurate for your neighborhood.
For buyers: Knowing whether your area is on the upslope or cooling helps you act decisively and negotiate strategically.
For sellers: Local pricing trends reveal where the sweet spot is, so your home sells quickly and competitively.
3. Market Pulse: What’s Moving the Market Now
This fall, a few key trends are shaping buyer and seller behavior:
Motivated sellers want to close before the holidays.
Buyers are watching interest rates closely and acting fast when the right home appears.
Inventory remains uneven, creating opportunity pockets in certain price ranges.
Now more than ever, your pricing strategy should reflect real-time market shifts, not outdated headlines.
4. Your Move-Maker Toolkit
At the Marty Rodriguez Team, we don’t just track the market, we help you move with it.
Free Resource: Download our Seller’s Guide to learn how to price right in any market.
Final Thoughts
Before you list your home, remember these three rules for success:
Don’t rely on national news - your market tells the real story.
Overpricing is your biggest risk right now.
Know your local trend before you act.
A well-priced home is a sold home. If you’re thinking about selling or just want a professional opinion on your home’s value; our team is here to help. Let’s talk strategy, review current comps, and make sure your next move is a winning one..
At the Marty Rodriguez Team, we’re here to keep you informed and empowered, every step of the way.
📩Want expert guidance on whether to rent or sell?
Text or Call (626) 727-9481 for your personalized side-by-side comparison
👉 Follow us for real-time market updates: @martyrodriguezteam
Client Story of the Week
We enlisted Marty and her team to sell our home that we have owned for 49 years. Marty and her team were great to work with and always kept us up to date on every step along the way. Marty and her team were always there for us when we had any questions and were great to work with.
💬 Want to see more stories like this?
Check out our 300+ google reviews here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

NAVIGATING THE
REAL ESTATE
MAZE:
ASK US ANYTHING!
Our team of real estate experts will answer a new question on our website and social media every. single. week.
Submit your questions, no matter how big or small to feel confident making informed decisions when it comes to all things real estate.
We’ve been serving the San Gabriel Valley & Los Angeles areas since 1978 - if you can ask it, we can get the answer!