What if I disagree with my home valuation?

Gerry, there is a way to settle this that does not involve either of you arguing about the number: ask the agent for two statistics from their own business over the last twelve months. Their average list-to-sale price ratio, and the percentage of their listings that expired or were withdrawn without selling. Those two numbers tell you almost everything, and nobody in this thread has suggested asking for them. Here is how to read the answer. An agent whose listings sell at or above asking price is not systematically underpricing. That is what a high list-to-sale ratio means. If they tell you 99 or 100 percent, their pricing advice is producing full-price results, and the "underprice to sell fast" theory does not hold up. If they come back at 93 percent, they are consistently listing above where the market lands and then reducing, which is the opposite of your worry but also not good. A low expired rate means their pricing is realistic. A high one means they take listings at the seller's number and then fail to sell them, which sounds like it favors you until you realize that being the seller of an expired listing is the worst outcome available. Your house sits, gets stale, and eventually sells for less than the honest number would have brought. A good agent will have these numbers or can pull them in ten minutes. An agent who deflects, gets defensive, or says the question is unfair has told you what you needed to know. That reaction is more informative than the number. Two more things, since the thread has covered getting a second opinion thoroughly. Ask for the net sheet at both prices, not the list prices. Have the agent show you your actual proceeds at their number and at your number, with commission, closing costs and estimated carrying cost for the extra weeks the higher price would take. Sellers argue about list price and get paid on net proceeds. Sometimes the gap you are fighting over is a few thousand dollars in your pocket and eight extra weeks of mortgage payments, and the argument resolves itself the moment you see it written down. And ask what the plan is if the higher number does not produce showings. A serious agent will say something specific: two weeks, and if we have fewer than X showings and no offers, we reduce to Y on this date. That converts your disagreement into a test with a deadline instead of a standoff. Most sellers who insist on their number and get it in writing this way end up fine, because the market answers the question within about three weeks and everyone gets to stop guessing. One honest note. You said it feels like they want to underprice to sell quickly. That does happen. It is also true that the commission difference to an agent between your number and theirs is small, while the difference between selling and not selling is everything, which is why their incentive is more often toward "sells" than toward "sells cheap." Not always. But the statistics above will tell you which kind of agent you are sitting with, and you have not signed anything, so you are in exactly the right position to ask. I am a real estate professional in Los Angeles and the South Bay. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, and if your home is anywhere near the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Torrance, Redondo Beach or San Pedro I am glad to give you an independent read at no cost and no obligation. If you are outside my area, tell me where you are and I will connect you with an agent in my network who will hand you those two statistics without being asked twice. Zoltan

It’s completely normal to disagree with a first valuation—home pricing is not an exact science, and different agents can legitimately arrive at different numbers based on what they choose to emphasize. A few important things to keep in mind: First, a good agent isn’t trying to “underprice” your home to sell it quickly. They’re usually trying to price it where the market is most likely to respond. Overpricing can lead to longer days on market, fewer showings, and eventually price reductions that net less overall. That said, you’re also not obligated to accept the first opinion you hear. Since you haven’t signed anything yet, you’re in a great position to compare perspectives. A practical way to handle this: • Ask the agent to show you the exact comparable sales they used. • Review the differences between those homes and yours (upgrades, condition, location, lot, timing). • Ask what would need to be true for your higher price to work (market demand, improvements, timing). • Request a pricing range instead of a single number. If an agent can’t clearly explain their valuation with data, that’s a red flag. If they can, but you still disagree, getting a second or third opinion is completely reasonable. In many cases, the “happy medium” isn’t simply splitting the difference—it’s understanding what price will attract buyers *today* versus what price you *hope* the home is worth. If you speak to another agent, try to compare not just the number they give you, but how they justify it and what their strategy would be to achieve it. That will usually tell you more than the price itself.

It’s completely reasonable to question a home valuation, especially before signing anything. Pricing a home is part strategy, part market data, and part experience. A good agent should be able to clearly show why they arrived at that number using recent comparable sales, current competition, and buyer behavior in your area. If the number feels off and the explanation does not sit right with you, getting a second opinion is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be smart. At the same time, be careful not to choose the agent who gives you the highest number just because it feels better. The best pricing conversations usually balance your goals with what the market is actually willing to pay.

What do the comparables say about the property? If you like the agent but don't like the value, an easy way to solve this would be through an independent appraisal. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

If you don’t agree with the value or price range an agent is giving you, the first step is to slow down and ask them to show you exactly how they got there—recent comparable sales, active and pending listings, days on market, and any adjustments they made for condition or upgrades. You’re hiring them for their expertise, but that also means they should be able to clearly explain their strategy and walk you through different options, like pricing right at market value, going slightly under to drive more traffic, or using a slightly higher “aspirational” number with a very clear plan to adjust quickly if the market doesn’t respond. If it still feels like they’re focused on a quick sale instead of your goals, you can suggest a middle ground, such as testing a price closer to what you want for a short window and agreeing in advance to revisit based on showings and feedback—or even get a second opinion from another agent or an independent appraiser so you’re not relying on just one perspective. Since you haven’t signed anything, there’s nothing wrong with interviewing a couple of other agents and comparing their CMAs and explanations; if two or three professionals land in a similar range and can clearly justify it, that’s a strong signal of where the true market value likely is, if one is way off, they should be able to back it up with solid data, not just promises. In the end, you should feel informed, heard, and aligned with whichever agent you choose; if someone can’t respect your concerns, explain their reasoning, or collaborate on a pricing plan you’re comfortable with, it’s perfectly reasonable to keep looking before you commit.

This is a common question among Florida buyers and sellers, and the answer depends on your specific situation and local market conditions. Understanding the fundamentals before making any decisions protects your investment and your timeline. In Homosassa, Citrus County, Florida, the real estate landscape has its own characteristics that affect how this plays out in practice. The Citrus County market attracts a diverse buyer pool including relocators from higher-cost states, retirees, and local move-up buyers, which creates consistent demand across most price points and property types. The strategic approach is to work with a local agent who can pull current comparable sales data and walk you through the specific factors that apply to your situation in Florida. Every market is different at the neighborhood level, and decisions based on general advice or national headlines often miss the local nuances that matter most to your outcome. Making informed decisions based on local data is always the strongest position. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

If your appraisal comes in lower than expected, don’t panic. You can request a reconsideration of value by providing comparable recent sales that better reflect your home’s worth. Your real estate agent can help gather the strongest comps and submit them through your lender. Sometimes appraisers revise their reports if new data supports a higher value. If not, you can explore switching lenders, appealing, or negotiating adjustments with the buyer or seller based on the updated valuation.

If you disagree with your home’s valuation (a.k.a. the appraisal), here’s what to do: Start by reviewing the report. Look for errors like wrong square footage, missing upgrades, or outdated comps. Even small mistakes can affect value. Compare comps. Your Realtor (hey, that’s me ☕) can pull a fresh CMA to see how your home stacks up against recent sales. File a reconsideration of value. If there’s solid evidence the appraiser missed something, your agent or lender can submit a formal request for review. Stay calm and strategic. A low appraisal doesn’t always mean disaster. Depending on your situation, we can explore renegotiating with the buyer, getting a second opinion, or even waiting for market shifts. Appraisals are opinions, educated ones, yes, but still opinions. The key is having a Realtor who knows how to challenge one the right way. If you’re in El Paso and think your home was undervalued, I’m happy to review your report and give you an honest, no-pressure breakdown of your options. Sometimes a second look makes all the difference.

If you do not agree with your agent’s valuation the best thing to do is ask them to show you the comps they used. A good agent should have recent sales of homes that are truly comparable in size upgrades and location. If those numbers do not match what you know about your property then you have every right to question it. You can also get a second opinion before signing anything. One agent might be more conservative and aim for a quick sale while another may be more confident in pricing a bit higher to test the market. The main thing to remember is that pricing too high can make a home sit unsold while pricing too low can cost you money. Often the best option is to meet in the middle and stay open to adjusting quickly if buyers are not showing interest.

Request the agent present you with comps. Or go online and find your own comps. You can also pay to have the home appraised. Or you can have it your way and price the home higher, should the agent agree to represent you at that price. But don't cry a river when the house doesn't sell and you have to start playing the price reduction game. You can also approach another agent to get another opinion, but be up front with everyone and let them know what you are doing.

It’s completely normal to feel that way — pricing a home is both an art and a science. A good agent should be able to show you recent comparable sales, explain how buyers are reacting in today’s market, and walk you through their pricing strategy. If you feel the price is too low, have an open conversation and ask to see the data behind their recommendation. You may be able to meet in the middle with a strategy that tests the market while still attracting buyers. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident after that discussion, it’s perfectly fine to get a second opinion from another agent before you commit. The right fit is important — you want someone who listens to your goals while guiding you with market facts.

Gerry, you’re right to want a balance. In Dallas, pricing strategy can make or break how fast a home sells and how many offers come in. A good agent should walk you through the comparable sales in your neighborhood so you can see where their number is coming from. If it feels like they’re just underpricing to move it fast, ask them to show you examples of similar homes and how long they took to sell. You haven’t signed anything yet, so it’s perfectly fine to get a second opinion—sometimes just seeing another agent’s perspective gives you peace of mind.

This is such a smart question—because the numbers on overpricing are pretty sobering. Here are the key statistical disadvantages of overpricing a home, backed by what’s been studied in real estate markets nationwide (and reflected locally in Texas Hill Country trends too): 1. Longer Days on Market (DOM) Overpriced homes sit longer. National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) studies show that homes priced even 10% above market value can take twice as long to sell compared to properly priced homes. The longer a listing lingers, the more buyers wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”—leading to a stigma that hurts negotiating power. 2. Lower Final Sales Price Ironically, overpriced homes usually end up selling for less than if they had been priced correctly from the start. Data shows homes that undergo one or more price reductions sell for 5–10% less on average than homes priced right at listing. 3. Fewer Showings & Offers Buyers shop by comparison. If your home is overpriced, it won’t stack up well against others in the same range. Zillow’s research found that overpriced listings get ~50% fewer views online in the first two weeks—when activity is highest. 4. Missed “Golden Window” The first 2–3 weeks are critical. That’s when the pool of motivated, qualified buyers will see it. If you miss this window by overpricing, later price drops often can’t recreate that early buzz. 5. Appraisal Problems Even if a buyer agrees to pay the inflated price, their lender’s appraisal may not support it. That can force renegotiation, delays, or even kill the deal. 6. Narrowed Buyer Pool Buyers using financing (the majority) are more constrained by appraisals. Overpricing shrinks the pool to mostly cash buyers willing to gamble—and that’s a much smaller audience. Bottom line: Overpricing statistically leads to fewer showings, longer time on market, multiple price cuts, appraisal headaches, and ultimately a lower net price than if the home was priced competitively upfront.

Since you haven't signed anything, there is absolutely no harm in talking to other agents. This is standard practice. Interview at least two other reputable agents in your area. Don't Share the First Price: When you meet with them, don't mention the price the first agent suggested. Let them come to their own conclusion based on their independent analysis. Compare the CMAs: If all three agents come back with similar price ranges, it's strong evidence that this is the current market value for your home. If one is a significant outlier (either high or low), ask them to justify their numbers. If you're still uncertain or if the agents' opinions vary widely, you can hire an independent, licensed appraiser. An appraiser has no stake in the sale and provides an unbiased, professional opinion of value. This costs a few hundred dollars but can provide invaluable peace of mind and serve as a powerful tool when discussing pricing with any agent.  

I recommend talking with three real estate professionals to get their price opinions.

It’s completely reasonable to want a fair price for your home and to feel comfortable with your agent’s strategy. Pricing is a balance between attracting buyers and maximizing your net proceeds. Too low and you risk leaving money on the table; too high and you risk sitting on the market, which can hurt your leverage over time. If you’re feeling the suggested price is too low, here’s what I’d recommend: 1. Ask for the data behind the price. Request a detailed CMA (comparative market analysis) showing recent sales, active listings, and pending sales in your area. This will show how they arrived at the suggested range. 2. Discuss different pricing strategies. For example: • Market value pricing to attract strong offers quickly. • Slightly aspirational pricing to leave room for negotiation, while still being competitive. • Tiered or staged pricing where you start higher but with a specific timeline to adjust if needed. 3. Talk about your priorities. If your goal is to net the most money and you’re willing to risk a longer time on market, that’s important for your agent to know. 4. Get a second opinion. If you still don’t feel aligned and haven’t signed a listing agreement, speaking to another agent can help you compare approaches. Ultimately, you want an agent who explains their reasoning clearly, listens to your goals, and works with you on a pricing strategy you’re confident in — because a good partnership is key to getting the best outcome

Interview several agents who sell a lot in the area. They should be able to show you a comparative market analysis on your property which will show you in real numbers a possible list price for your home.

I agree with the previous answers. It's important to get multiple opinions on your home valuation. The market can be complex, and different agents might have different perspectives based on their experience and knowledge of your specific area. Don't rush into signing with an agent if you're not comfortable with their valuation approach.

The market is changing fast, especially in Dallas. There is no such thing as underpricing. If it is priced too low vs the market, it'll get bid back up. Highly recommend you get a realistic agent who tells you the truth! Keep in mind 71% of agents didn't sell a house last year. Interview like crazy and find the best of the best.

You’re absolutely right to ask the question—and you’re not wrong for wanting to protect the value of what’s likely your biggest asset. Selling a home is a major decision, and it should feel like a partnership where your voice and goals matter. So first, let me say this: you deserve a clear explanation, not just a price. There’s a big difference between pricing to sell and undervaluing your home. I’ve helped hundreds of families sell, and in my experience, the best results come when we balance market data with your expectations—not ignore either one. I never push for a price just to make a sale fast. I work to create a strategy that meets the market while still respecting your goals. For example, I recently worked with a seller who felt their home was worth $25,000 more than what another agent quoted. After a thorough market review, staging advice, and some targeted marketing adjustments, we listed slightly higher than that agent suggested—but with a clear plan. The result? We attracted multiple offers and sold for full asking. So, yes—you absolutely should talk to another agent. Ask them how they came to their values and to show you the data that they used, because not all agents are running comps and evaluating properties the same way... or the right way! Make sure the homes are truely comparable in terms of age, size, sqfootage, bedrooms, bathrooms, updates and improvements, layout (ranch vs ranch, not ranch vs 2 story) and so forth. They MAY be right, but they should be able to prove it with data, not assumptions and theory.

It’s completely okay to disagree with a home valuation—you're not locked into anything, especially if you haven’t signed with the agent yet. Pricing a home is part data and part strategy. If the price feels too low, it’s fair to ask the agent to walk you through the comps they used and explain their reasoning. A good agent should be open to having that conversation, not just push for a quick sale. If you're still unsure, it’s totally reasonable to get a second opinion from another agent. You want someone who listens to your goals and helps you find the right balance between market value and your expectations. At the end of the day, it’s your home—and your decision.

It’s totally valid to question a valuation that feels low. Some agents intentionally list below market to generate more traction, get buyers into the neighborhood, and create momentum—especially around open houses. That strategy isn't always wrong, but it needs to be executed correctly to avoid underselling your home. If you're worried about pricing, you can include both a listing price and a minimum acceptable price in the exclusive agreement. This gives you control over how far the agent can negotiate and ensures you’re protected if offers come in under your bottom line. At the end of the day, make sure the agent’s pricing strategy is backed by actual comps, zoning overlays, and buyer behavior—not just a push for a fast close. If it still doesn’t sit right, it’s worth speaking with another agent before you commit.

That’s a very valid concern, and you’re right to trust your instincts. While pricing a home competitively is important to attract buyers, it shouldn’t feel like you’re just giving it away for a quick sale. A good agent should walk you through the comparable sales in your area, explain their pricing strategy clearly, and work with you to find a price that balances market demand with your home’s unique value. Since you haven’t signed anything yet, you’re under no obligation—so getting a second opinion could give you some peace of mind. It’s completely reasonable to want to feel confident in both your agent and your list price. At the end of the day, you should feel heard and supported through the process—not pressured.

There isn't an exact science in valuating the value of a house. Many factors influence pricing, including location, condition, recent market activity, and even the strategy of the listing agent. You can have 3 different appraisers evaluate a home and that may result in 3 different values, but they will all be within a range. Interview several realtors to find out what that range is, then hire one that you trust. At the end of the day, it’s your property—you decide the listing price, but a strong agent should clearly explain the pros and cons of your pricing choice and help you understand its impact. In my opinion many sellers focus on how much a home will sell for, but what they should focus is what is the agent going to do to market and sell the house for a great price.

Totally understandable—and you're not alone in feeling this way. Pricing a home is both an art and a science, and it should always be a collaborative conversation, not a one-way decision. While it's true that overpricing can hurt your sale, it's also fair to want to explore the full potential of your home's value—especially if you’ve made upgrades or if there are unique features. A good agent should be able to walk you through: Recent comparable sales in your area Current buyer demand and days on market A pricing strategy that gives you room without scaring off buyers If something feels off or rushed, it’s completely okay to seek a second opinion. You haven’t signed anything yet, and you deserve to feel confident and informed about the process. Wishing you the best with your sale—trust your instincts, and make sure the agent you choose is working with you, not just for the sale. — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | All Metro Real Estate Group

I agree with all the responders. Interview several agents. Each agent will bring to the table a different set of skills and approach -- as well as pricing strategy and recommendations. We are in a changing market with a larger amount of homes to choose from for a Buyer. Yours needs to stand out in some way to silence the pull of the other comparative homes. Price can sometimes be that factor.

Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market and ultimately sell for less. Pricing it right from the start gives you the best chance to sell quickly and for top dollar. I recommend speaking with a few other agents before making a decision.

If it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. A good agent should explain their pricing strategy clearly and work with you, not just push for a fast sale. Since you haven’t signed anything, definitely get a second opinion, it can’t hurt and might give you better clarity.