Why Overpricing Your Home is Like Wearing Socks with Sandals

by Melanie Ward

Here’s the thing about socks with sandals: technically, you can wear them. But should you? Probably not. And if you do, you’re sending the wrong message.

Overpricing your home works the same way. It might feel like a bold move, but instead of helping, it usually ends up hurting you.

What Happens When You Overprice

  • You Miss Serious Buyers: Most buyers search within a specific price range. If you list too high, you fall out of their filters — they’ll never even see your home.

  • Your Listing Stagnates: The longer your home sits, the more people wonder what’s wrong with it. Fresh listings get the most attention.

  • Price Drops Look Bad: Reducing the price later makes buyers think you’re desperate, even if you’re not.

The Psychology of Buyers

Buyers are savvy. They’ve been watching the market, scrolling through listings, and comparing homes. If your property is overpriced, it doesn’t stand out as “premium” — it stands out as “off.”

The Smart Play: Strategic Pricing

Strategic pricing isn’t about undercutting yourself — it’s about hitting the sweet spot where your home looks attractive, sparks competition, and brings serious offers quickly.

Think of it like hosting a party. If you set the vibe right, people want to show up. Set it wrong, and the dance floor stays empty.

Final Word

The goal isn’t just to list your home. The goal is to sell it — for the best possible price, in the best possible timeframe. And that happens when you leave the socks-and-sandals strategy in the closet and stick with pricing that works.