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What if I think my house should be listed for more?

I had an initial conversation with an agent and they're pushing to list my house for $25K less than what I think is market value. I've researched the homes around me and what's sold recently that's similar. I know they've also done their research, but I disagree with where they're pricing the house. What should I do?
Asked By Esther | Arlington, VA | 874 views | Selling | Updated 1 year ago
Answers (8)
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Pro
91 Answers
Lisa and Greg Harris

eXp Realty, LLC

(42)

I would 1st recommend interviewing a few local experts to give their opinion on the value and what the local market is doing to determine the best options. Keep in mind we are seeing some areas that are slowing drastically and some that are not and a good local expert REALTOR should be able to keep a pulse on what they are seeing..... With that said, you can choose to list a property higher if you are willing to take the risk of it sitting on the market longer.... Keep in mind if you were a buyer and you saw a home sitting on the market longer than those around it..... What is your fist impression??? Typically you think it is over priced. So keep this in mind when listing a home. and make price corrections quickly if you are not getting activity on the home quickly.
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Johnny Sarkis

Keller Williams Solutions

(41)

Pricing your home is not just about picking a number—it’s about strategy. Northern Virginia real estate agent will work with you to balance your goals with current market realities. The right pricing approach can mean the difference between sitting on the market or selling quickly and for top dollar.

If you’d like a free, detailed home valuation in Northern Virginia , I’d be happy to provide a customized report and walk you through the numbers side by side with recent sales.

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Rising Star
11 Answers
Jessica Fauteux

The Fauteux Group

(67)

This is your house, and not your Realtor's house. You may list it for whatever amount you wish. It's wise, though, to have a price reduction plan in place if it does not sell for your desired price. If a property sits on the market for a long time at the wrong price, this can actually cause you to get less money than you would have if you priced it right from the beginning. You also would be marketing it to the wrong people, and may be assisting your neighbor in selling their house instead of your own! (Remember to pay attention to competition when pricing.) Even if you drop the price to the right place later, by then, your property would be stale on the market. I recommend interviewing multiple realtors to see if you get different opinions on pricing strategy. If multiple agents offer the same recommendation, they probably know what they are talking about. You can also pay an appraiser to give you an extremely accurate number that can help you justify your price to buyers. With all of that being said, when my clients want to price higher than I do, I let them with caution. You might get that shoot for the moon number!
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Novice
6 Answers
Kristina Owens

JLA

(2)

First I would visit with the realtor and ensure they have explained how they came to the market value. They likely can show you the comparisons they ran to arrive at that number and give you a better explanation. Then compare it to what you are seeing. Make sure the properties you are comparing are similar and in the same subdivision if possible. A different subdivision or area makes a big difference on pricing. Even homes within 3 miles can be priced differently. The homes around you can also impact your homes value. If you have not signed a contract with the current agent fee free to speak to a few more and get their opinion. Ultimately you decide what you want to list the price at. Keep in mind there are things like the home being on the market too long that can make the home more difficult to sell. People assume if a property is not selling there is something wrong with it.
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Novice
6 Answers
Cindy Sharp

KW Showcase Realty

(8)

Housing inventory is low. List at the 25k higher but agree to take the price down to the suggested list price if there are no offers within the first few weeks or no showings scheduled.
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Novice
2 Answers
Juliette Bergeron

REMAX Innovative PRoperties

(68)

Depending on where your property is located, a licensed Realtor knows the market and will advise in a certain market pricing a home to high will not generate multiple offers and may cause a house to sit on the market longer.
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Novice
2 Answers
Barbara Jennings

Epique Realty

(27)

It’s completely normal to have questions about pricing—especially when it feels lower than expected. Pricing a home isn’t just about looking at what sold nearby or what online estimates show. The market is constantly shifting, and those “past sold” prices often reflect conditions that may have changed since those homes closed.

Websites like Zillow and Realtor.com use automated algorithms based mostly on square footage and general data—they haven’t seen inside your home, considered your upgrades, lot position, layout, or current buyer demand. That’s why professional pricing also factors in competition, condition, absorption rate, and current buyer trends in your specific neighborhood.

If you disagree with your agent’s suggested price, ask them to show you the data behind their recommendation and how they’re interpreting today’s market activity—not just what sold months ago. A collaborative pricing discussion should balance data with your goals and timeline, not feel one-sided.

— Barbara Jennings, REALTOR®
Epique Realty | Fredericksburg, VA
Trusted Local Expert & Real Estate Advisor
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1 Answer
John Mentis

Long & Foster Real Estate

(8)

First, it's your asset and you have the right to price it as you may want. However, you want to understand at what price it has the best chance of selling.

Second, if you like the agent with whom you discussed your sale, have a further conversation about how they came up with their price and share with them the data you found. You should be able to have a solid conversation about any differences in opinion as to what data is most reasonable to use as a comparison to your home and why their price opinion is different than yours.

Third, don't be afraid to interview a few different agents to get different opinions on both price and strategy.

Lastly, take some time to be clear in your mind what your goal for the sale is and what tradeoffs you'd be willing to make in order to accomplish it. For example, highest price even if means spending longer on the market.

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