Why Half of Homes Sell Below Asking Price—and How You Can Prevent It

If your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. That frenzied seller’s market is behind us. And here are the numbers to prove it. 

Shifting from Chaos to Calm

Currently, around half of the homes listed are selling below their asking price, according to the latest data from Cotality.

But this isn’t necessarily bad news, even if it feels that way. Here’s why: the rapid price surge over the past few years was never going to last. The housing market needed a reset, and the data shows that’s exactly what we’re seeing now.

The graph below, based on Zillow data, illustrates how this trend has evolved over time:

• 2018–2019: Around 50–55% of homes sold below asking — this was the usual pattern.

• 2021–2022: Only about 25% sold below asking, driven by record-low interest rates and fierce buyer demand.

• 2025: Back to roughly 50% of homes selling under asking, which aligns more closely with typical market behavior.

Why Sellers Should Pay Attention?

As the market returns to a more typical pace, your pricing strategy matters more than ever.

A few years ago, you could price your home above market value and still attract a flood of offers. But now, buyers have more choices, tighter budgets, and less urgency to act quickly.

Today, your asking price can make or break your sale—especially in the critical first two weeks on the market. That’s when the most motivated buyers are paying attention. If your price misses the mark during this crucial window, interest will drop, and buyers will move on. Once your listing lingers and becomes stale, it becomes much harder to sell at your desired price.

The Winning Formula

Sellers who hold onto outdated expectations often end up facing price cuts, lower offers, and longer time on the market. But homeowners who understand today’s reality are still coming out ahead.

After all, while about 50% of homes sell below asking, the other half are selling at—or even above—asking price, as long as they’re priced right from the start.

So, how do you set yourself up for success? Follow these three key steps:

1. Prepare your home. Take care of essential repairs and freshen up your space before listing. A well-presented home is more likely to sell at—or above—your asking price.

2. Price strategically from day one. Don’t just rely on listing prices nearby—work closely with your agent to understand what similar homes have actually sold for, and price accordingly.

3. Stay flexible. Be open to negotiation—not just on price, but on repairs, closing costs, or other terms. Today’s serious buyers expect some give-and-take.

If you want your home to sell at or above your asking price, it’s crucial to plan for the market as it is today—not the way it was a few years ago. That’s why having a standout local agent on your side is more important than ever.

 Key Takeaways

You don’t want to get left behind in today’s market.

Let’s chat about what buyers in our area are actually paying right now. With local expertise and a pricing strategy designed to grab attention during those critical first two weeks, your sale can succeed.

Curious what your home could sell for? Let’s connect!