Selling Your House over Asking Price Isn’t a Given Anymore—Here’s How to Improve Your Odds

When you list your home for sale, it’s natural to imagine a flurry of activity—streams of buyers coming through the door within hours, multiple offers rolling in, and a bidding war that pushes the price well above asking.

For many sellers in recent years, that wasn’t just wishful thinking—it was reality. So if you’re preparing to list, it’s completely understandable if you expect the same.

But recent data shows that just 28% of homes are currently selling over asking price. That’s the lowest level for spring since 2020. The multiple-offer frenzy that defined the pandemic market has cooled, and sellers need to adjust their expectations accordingly.

That said, 28% isn’t zero. Homes are still selling over asking—but it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategy, preparation, and a good read on what today’s buyers are looking for. There’s no way to guarantee a bidding war, but there are ways to increase your odds of being one of the homes that stands out.

Want to Be In the 28%? It Starts With Price

The homes still selling over asking price likely have one common denominator—they were priced appropriately from the start.

Overpricing is a surefire way to get less than you might have otherwise, no matter the market. But in a shifting market like this, it becomes even more of a turnoff for buyers. There’s simply less room for error now.

Choosing your price based upon what a neighbor got last year—or what you want or “need” to get—is the fastest way to miss out on serious buyers.

Today’s buyers have access to a ton of information and are often more analytical. They’ve seen the comps. They’ve watched the price drops. And they probably see the headlines saying that fewer homes are selling over asking. So they’re coming in armed with hope and probably some data of their own to justify offering under asking.

However, they also recognize when a home is priced appropriately! And, regardless of the news or market shifts, there will always be buyers ready to pounce and make strong offers in order to not lose a house they want.

The key is finding that pricing “sweet spot” that makes buyers feel like they can’t afford to lose it.

Don’t Fear the “U” Word: Underpricing (Just a Little)

To many sellers, the idea of underpricing sounds risky—or even reckless. Why would you list your biggest asset for less than you think it’s worth?

But in a market where buyer enthusiasm isn’t quite what it used to be, underpricing—just slightly—can actually be one of the smartest ways to spark real momentum.

We’re not talking about slashing your price or leaving tens of thousands on the table. Often, it’s a matter of being just a smidge under where you think the market might be. That tiny difference can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers. It shifts the conversation from “Should we make an offer?” to “We need to act now before someone else gets it.”

And that’s exactly where you want buyers—eager, decisive, and emotionally invested. In many cases, this kind of pricing strategy doesn’t just attract more interest—it can lead to multiple offers and, ultimately, a sale price that ends up above where you might have listed in the first place.

It may feel counterintuitive, but a slightly lower list price can be the spark that lights the fire.

Every Market Is Local—and Every Price Range Is Different

It’s also worth noting that national trends don’t tell the full story. Even a well-priced home might not spark a bidding war.

That 28% number is an average across the country. In some areas—and in some price ranges—multiple offers are still common. In others, the slowdown is more pronounced. What’s happening in one zip code (or even price range within a town) doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s happening in the next.

That’s why working with a local agent who understands the nuances of the current market is so important. They can help you analyze local data, set realistic goals, and position your home accordingly.

Appreciate Any and All Offers You Do Receive

In this market, every serious buyer deserves your full attention—and your appreciation.

It’s easy to feel a little let down even if an offer comes in at asking price instead of above, so if you receive offers below your list price, it could make you angry or dismissive. But if that happens, keep in mind that these are the buyers who showed up and put something on paper. That matters.

Rejecting or brushing off offers simply because they don’t match a bidding-war fantasy can lead to missed opportunities and prolonged time on the market.

Focus on who is stepping forward, not who you hoped would. The buyer in front of you may not be offering a no-contingency, cash-over-asking deal, but that doesn’t mean they’re not the best buyer you could hope for in the current market.

Even if the path to the finish line looks a little different than it might have a year or two ago, the goal is to sell your home efficiently, smoothly, and for a fair price in today’s conditions—not yesterday’s headlines.

The Takeaway:

Fewer homes are selling over asking price this spring, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t be one of them. With a thoughtful pricing strategy, a realistic mindset, and the guidance of a local expert, you can still position your home to stand out—and sell successfully.

Not every home will spark a bidding war in this market, and that’s okay. The key is to adapt to current conditions, make smart decisions from day one, and recognize the value in every serious offer that comes your way. The market may have shifted, but buyers are still out there—and they’re still ready to move when the right home hits the market.