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The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make (and How to Avoid It)

  • Writer: Kelsey Hurson
    Kelsey Hurson
  • May 6
  • 3 min read

Thinking of selling your home? Before you stick that "For Sale" sign in the yard, let’s talk about the most crucial factor in your selling journey: your asking price. In today’s market, pricing isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy.


Baltimore’s housing market is shifting. As of April 2025, the median list price sits at $235,027—up 4.7% from the previous month. But here’s the twist: inventory has surged by over 50%, meaning buyers have more homes to choose from. With more options, buyers are slowing down and becoming pickier. Homes now sit on the market an average of 67 days—up from just 38 days last year. So if you want to stand out, you’ve got to price smart.


It’s tempting to list your home high “just to see what happens,” especially if you’ve put a lot of love and sweat equity into it. But in reality, pricing your home above market value can work against you. Buyers are savvy, and they’re scrolling past overpriced listings like bad dating app profiles.

In April 2025, 50% of homes in Baltimore sold for less than asking. That stat speaks volumes—buyers know what they’re willing to pay, and they won’t overpay just because you hope they will.


The Real Risks of Overpricing

Overpricing isn’t just wishful thinking—it can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Here’s how:

  • Stale Listings = Red Flags: When your home sits too long, buyers start wondering what’s wrong with it—even if nothing is.

  • Price Reductions Hurt Leverage: Multiple price drops can signal desperation, giving buyers the upper hand.

  • Low Appraisals Can Kill Deals: Even if someone bites at your high price, an appraisal that comes in low can derail the entire sale.

  • Missed Opportunities: Homes priced right from the start tend to get more showings, more offers, and better terms.


How Time on Market Impacts Sale Price

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Bottom line: The longer your home sits, the more likely you are to net less than you would’ve with the right price upfront.



How I Help You Nail the Right Price (and Avoid the Wrong One)

As your agent, pricing your home right is one of the most important services I provide. Here’s what I bring to the table:

  1. Hyperlocal Expertise: I know the Baltimore market inside and out—from South Baltimore to Waverly to Hampden. I study what’s selling right now and what’s sitting, and I use that data to help you position your home competitively.

  2. Comparable Market Analysis (CMA): I run an in-depth analysis of recent sales, active listings, and pricing trends to zero in on the sweet spot—not too low, not too high, but just right to attract serious buyers.

  3. Buyer Psychology Insight: I know what buyers are thinking and what makes them move. I price strategically to maximize exposure, showings, and—ideally—create demand that leads to multiple offers.

  4. Real-Time Market Monitoring: Markets shift fast. If needed, I’ll adjust our pricing strategy on the fly to keep your listing aligned with current trends and buyer behavior.


Pricing isn’t a guessing game—it’s a science, backed by experience and strategy. And I’ve got your back every step of the way.


In today’s market, the right price can make or break your sale. With more competition and longer days on market, strategic pricing is essential—and that’s exactly what I help you do.

Let’s chat and create a pricing plan that gets your home sold fast, for the best price possible.

 
 
 

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921 E Fort Avenue

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Baltimore, MD 21230

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kelsey.hurson@compass.com

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Kelsey Hurson is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker under the name 'compass real estate' in the District of Columbia and under the name "Compass" in Virginia and Maryland and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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