“Can’t We Just Try a Higher Price for Two Weeks?” Why Overpricing—Even Briefly—Can Cost You Big

“Can’t We Just Try a Higher Price for Two Weeks?” Why Overpricing—Even Briefly—Can Cost You Big

I hear this question all the time from well-meaning sellers: “Can’t we just try a higher price for a couple of weeks?”

And I get it—it seems harmless. Maybe even smart. What if the perfect buyer walks through the door and is willing to pay more? But here’s the thing: those first two weeks on the market are everything. Overpricing—even temporarily—can hurt your chances more than you think.

The Market’s Watching—Right Away

When your home first hits the market, everyone is watching.


Buyers, agents, and digital platforms are all tuned in. You get one shot at making a strong first impression—and that window closes quickly.

Online attention peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours. That’s when your listing is fresh, getting clicks, showing up in alerts, and pulling in the most eyeballs. If the price doesn’t match the value buyers see, they scroll right past—and they rarely circle back.

The Interest Curve Is Real

Here’s what happens when you overprice:

  • Interest is highest at the start.

  • Around two weeks in, momentum drops sharply.

  • Showings slow down.

  • Offers don’t come in.

  • The market starts whispering: “What’s wrong with that one?”

Some sellers say, “Let’s wait until we get 20 showings before adjusting the price.” But depending on the property, that could take weeks or even months. Meanwhile, your listing gets stale—and your best buyers have already moved on.

Serious Buyers Move Fast

In today’s market, buyers are savvy and selective. They’ve seen what’s out there. They know when something is priced right—and when it’s not. And they’re not going to wait for you to catch up.

Once a buyer rules out your home, they rarely come back.

The longer a home sits, the more likely it is that price reductions will be needed—and that opens the door to lower offers and negotiation leverage shifting to the buyer.

Price It Right, Right Away

When you price your home right from the start, you create urgency.


That urgency attracts motivated buyers, sparks competition, and in many cases, leads to multiple offers and sales over asking price.

Remember:

It’s always better to turn down a low offer than to never get one at all.

Thinking of selling?
Let’s talk strategy—pricing, prep, and positioning—so you don’t leave money on the table. The right approach from day one makes all the difference.