Let’s Be Honest About Pricing on the Seacoast

A reality check for sellers who don’t want to leave money on the table.

If you’re thinking about selling on the Seacoast in 2026, pricing is the single most important decision you’ll make.

And here’s the thing:

Most pricing mistakes don’t come from greed. They come from caution.

This page is meant to give you a clear, honest look at how pricing actually works in today’s Seacoast market — especially in a region where many buyers are coming from out of town.

Here’s the thing about pricing

Overpricing rarely protects a home’s value. More often, it quietly works against you.

I hear these comments every week:

“We can always reduce later.”
“Let’s test the market.”
“We don’t want to leave money on the table.”

They’re understandable thoughts — but in practice, they often do the opposite of what sellers intend.

In today’s market, pricing sends a signal…and buyers are very good at reading it.

Why the first two weeks matter more than you think

The most serious buyers — especially those relocating from Boston, New York, or beyond — pay the closest attention during the first 10–14 days a home is on the market.

That’s when:

Interest is highest
Comparisons are sharpest
Momentum is created (or lost)

A home that enters the market overpriced doesn’t just sit — it misses its strongest window.

Price reductions later rarely recreate that urgency.

Out-of-state buyers think differently

A large percentage of Seacoast buyers are relocating. That matters.

Out-of-state buyers:

Compare markets quickly
Have limited time windows
Move on fast when something feels “off”

They aren’t emotionally attached to your home — and they aren’t waiting around to see if pricing changes.

Pricing that’s even slightly disconnected from market reality often causes these buyers to scroll right past.

Activity isn’t the same as competition

This is an important distinction.

Showings are activity
Multiple motivated buyers are competition

Competition is what drives price.

Smart pricing isn’t about attracting everyone. It’s about attracting the right buyers at the same time.

That’s how leverage is created.

Why price reductions weaken leverage

A price reduction can feel proactive — but from a buyer’s perspective, it often raises questions:

“Why didn’t it sell?”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“How much more will they come down?”

Instead of creating urgency, reductions often shift leverage away from the seller.

That’s why pricing correctly from the start — paired with strong presentation and exposure — matters so much.

Pricing doesn’t work alone

Pricing is most effective when it’s paired with:

The right preparation
The right presentation
The right exposure

Through Compass Concierge, sellers can front the cost of strategic repairs, updates, and staging — without paying out of pocket before closing.

That allows pricing and presentation to work together, not against each other.

Why my perspective may feel different

I work with both local and relocating buyers and see, firsthand, how pricing decisions impact demand.

Backed by Compass, I combine:

National exposure across key feeder markets
Data-driven pricing strategy
Thoughtful preparation through Concierge

The goal isn’t just to sell.
It’s to sell well, with confidence and leverage.

What this page is — and isn’t

This is:

Clear, honest guidance
A realistic look at today’s market
Insight meant to reduce anxiety and regret

This isn’t:

A Zestimate
A sales pitch
A generic market report

Just perspective — so you can make smarter decisions.

Thinking about your own situation?

If you’re even considering selling in the next year, a short conversation can help clarify what makes sense — whether that’s now or later. If you’d like an honest take on pricing, timing, or next steps, feel free to shoot me a message. Happy to text, email, or chat — whatever’s easiest.