If Your Selling Strategy Still Assumes Bidding Wars, It’s Time for a Reset
If your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. The frenzied seller’s market is behind us. And here are the numbers to prove it.
From Frenzy to “Normal”
Right now, about 50% of homes on the market are selling for less than their asking price, according to the latest data from Cotality.
But that isn’t necessarily bad news, even if it feels like it. The truth is, the wild run-up over the last few years was never going to be sustainable. The housing market needed a reset — and that’s exactly what’s happening now.
The graph below (using Zillow data) shows how this trend has shifted over time:
- 2018–2019: 50–55% of homes sold under asking. That was the norm.
- 2021–2022: Only 25% sold under asking, thanks to record-low rates and intense buyer demand.
- 2025: 50% of homes are selling below asking. That’s much closer to what’s typical in the housing market.
Why This Matters If You’re Selling Your House
In this return to normal, your pricing strategy is more important than ever.
A few years ago, you could overprice your house and still get swarmed with offers. But now, buyers have more options, tighter budgets, and less urgency.
Today, your asking price can be make or break for your sale — especially right out of the gate.
- Your first two weeks on the market are the most important window. That’s when the most serious buyers are paying attention. If you miss the mark on pricing during that crucial time, your home risks sitting. And once it goes stale, it’s much harder to recover.
The Ideal Formula
Sellers who cling to outdated expectations end up dealing with price cuts, lower offers, and longer days on market. But homeowners who understand what’s happening are still winning.
Remember: if 50% of homes are selling below asking, that means the other 50% are selling at or above — as long as they’re priced right from the start.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Prep your house. Take care of essential repairs, deep clean, and freshen up curb appeal. First impressions matter.
- Price strategically. Don’t just look at current listings. Work with your agent to review what homes in your neighborhood have actually sold for.
- Stay flexible. Be open to negotiations. Concessions don’t always have to mean lowering your price — it could be covering closing costs, adjusting timelines, or addressing repairs.
Bottom Line
The bidding-war days are over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still sell successfully. The key is adjusting your strategy to today’s market.
Talk to a trusted local agent like The Audra O’neal Team who understands buyer behavior in your area. With the right pricing and a strong first two weeks, you’ll put yourself in the best position to sell your home at — or even above — your asking price.
👉 Curious what your house could sell for in today’s market? Let’s connect.
