Half of Homes Are Selling Below Asking—Here’s How to Protect Your Sale

Time for a Reality Check If you’re still banking on multiple offers over asking, it’s time to reset your expectations. That frenzied seller’s market is in the rearview mirror—and the numbers prove it.

From Frenzy Back to Normal

Today, roughly 50% of homes are selling below their asking price, according to fresh data from Cotality. At first glance, that may sound discouraging. But here’s the perspective: the breakneck pace of the past few years was never sustainable. The market needed to rebalance, and the data shows that’s exactly what’s happening.

The graph below uses data from Zillow to show how this trend has shifted over time. What the numbers tell us:

• 2018–2019: 50–55% of homes sold under asking → the historical norm.
• 2021–2022: Only 25% sold under asking → fueled by rock-bottom rates and buyer frenzy.
• 2025: We’re back to ~50% selling below asking → a return to a more typical market.
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  Why It Matters for Sellers

  With the market back to normal, pricing is everything.

  A few years ago, you could list high and still spark a bidding war. Not anymore. Today’s buyers are budget-conscious, choosier, and far less rushed.

  That means your asking price can make or break your sale—especially in the first two weeks. This is when the most motivated buyers are watching closely. Miss the mark, and momentum stalls. Your home risks being overlooked, and once it sits long enough to feel “stale,” it becomes much harder to get full value.

  The Winning Formula

  Sellers who hang on to yesterday’s expectations often face price cuts, weaker offers, and a longer time stuck on the market.

  But those who adapt are still coming out ahead. Remember—if half of homes are selling below asking, the other half are selling at or above asking. The difference? They’re priced right from day one.

  Want to Sell Successfully? Focus on These 3 Steps:

  1. Prep Your Home: Take care of key repairs and freshen up before you hit the market. A polished home makes it easier to secure offers at—or above—your asking price.
  2. Price It Right from Day One: Forget what nearby homes are listed for. Work with your agent to base your price on what homes have actually sold for. That’s the number buyers pay attention to.
  3. Stay flexible: Be ready to negotiate. It’s not always just about the sale price—it could be repairs, closing costs, or other terms. Today’s serious buyers expect some give-and-take, and meeting them halfway can keep your deal moving.

  If you want your home to sell at—or even above—asking, you need to plan for the market we’re in right now, not the one from a few years back. And that’s where having a knowledgeable local agent who knows how to position your home makes all the difference.

  Bottom Line

  In today’s market, falling behind isn’t an option. The smartest move you can make is to connect with an agent who understands exactly what buyers in your area are paying right now. With their guidance—and a pricing and marketing strategy designed to capture attention during those crucial first two weeks—your home has the best shot at selling quickly and for top dollar.

  Curious what your house could sell for in this market? Let’s find out.