5 Steps to Set the Right Price When Selling Your Home

Learn how to price your home right with this 5-step guide—avoid costly mistakes and attract serious buyers with a smart pricing strategy.
POSTED ON:
April 26, 2025
UPDATED ON:
April 26, 2025
Category:
Buying/Selling

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you'll ever make. And one of the most important decisions in that process? Deciding how much to list it for. Price it too high, and it may sit with no offers. Price it too low, and you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Here are 5 smart steps every homeowner should take to confidently determine the right list price:

Step 1: Start with a Professional CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)

A CMA is the foundation of a solid pricing strategy. This report evaluates recently sold homes in your neighborhood that are similar in size, condition, and features. It shows you what buyers have actually been willing to pay, not just what sellers are asking. A CMA gives you a clear, data-driven range to consider. Many Real Estate brokerages offer CMAs as a complimentary service, and it’s where we recommend every seller starts.

Step 2: Look at Active Competition

It’s not just about what sold — it’s also about what you’re competing against. Take a look at active listings in your area. Are they updated or outdated? Are they sitting on the market or flying off quickly? Every buyer walking through the door will compare your home to these options. Understanding where your home stands against the current competition can help you position your pricing strategy for success.

Step 3: Consider the Condition and Upgrades of Your Home

Buyers pay top dollar for homes that feel move-in ready. If your property is updated, staged, or recently remodeled, it may justify a price on the higher end of the market range. If not, you may need to price more competitively. Be honest about your home’s condition.

Step 4: Analyze Market Conditions

Real estate isn’t just about your home — it’s about timing. Are we in a seller’s market, where homes are flying off the shelf? Or are buyers more cautious, taking their time and negotiating harder? Interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer demand all impact how aggressively or conservatively you should price.

Step 5: Don’t Rely on Online Estimates Alone

Zillow, Redfin, and other platforms offer instant price estimates, but they can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. These algorithms don’t account for your home’s unique upgrades, layout, or location-specific nuances. Use them as a very rough reference, not a decision-maker. Always validate with real, local data and professional insight.

Need Help Determining Your Price? Let’s Talk.

We’ve helped countless Inland Empire homeowners get top dollar for their homes by using the right data and strategy — not guesswork. If you're thinking about selling, let us help you with a free, personalized pricing report for your home.

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Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you'll ever make. And one of the most important decisions in that process? Deciding how much to list it for. Price it too high, and it may sit with no offers. Price it too low, and you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Here are 5 smart steps every homeowner should take to confidently determine the right list price:

Step 1: Start with a Professional CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)

A CMA is the foundation of a solid pricing strategy. This report evaluates recently sold homes in your neighborhood that are similar in size, condition, and features. It shows you what buyers have actually been willing to pay, not just what sellers are asking. A CMA gives you a clear, data-driven range to consider. Many Real Estate brokerages offer CMAs as a complimentary service, and it’s where we recommend every seller starts.

Step 2: Look at Active Competition

It’s not just about what sold — it’s also about what you’re competing against. Take a look at active listings in your area. Are they updated or outdated? Are they sitting on the market or flying off quickly? Every buyer walking through the door will compare your home to these options. Understanding where your home stands against the current competition can help you position your pricing strategy for success.

Step 3: Consider the Condition and Upgrades of Your Home

Buyers pay top dollar for homes that feel move-in ready. If your property is updated, staged, or recently remodeled, it may justify a price on the higher end of the market range. If not, you may need to price more competitively. Be honest about your home’s condition.

Step 4: Analyze Market Conditions

Real estate isn’t just about your home — it’s about timing. Are we in a seller’s market, where homes are flying off the shelf? Or are buyers more cautious, taking their time and negotiating harder? Interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer demand all impact how aggressively or conservatively you should price.

Step 5: Don’t Rely on Online Estimates Alone

Zillow, Redfin, and other platforms offer instant price estimates, but they can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. These algorithms don’t account for your home’s unique upgrades, layout, or location-specific nuances. Use them as a very rough reference, not a decision-maker. Always validate with real, local data and professional insight.

Need Help Determining Your Price? Let’s Talk.

We’ve helped countless Inland Empire homeowners get top dollar for their homes by using the right data and strategy — not guesswork. If you're thinking about selling, let us help you with a free, personalized pricing report for your home.

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