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By Buddy Blake

Buddy Blake is a renowned real estate expert in Wilmington, North Carolina, known for his commitment to delivering exceptional service and his deep-rooted connection to the community. With decades of experience, Buddy has become a trusted name for homeowners, businesses, and local families.

Understand the Real Market Conditions. Book a free, no-pressure, confidential seller conversation with Buddy. Book a Call

If your home is sitting on the market without interest or offers, the most likely issue is price. In this market, buyers are not chasing after dream homes based on location or upgrades. Instead, they are looking for value. If a home feels overpriced, buyers move on, no matter how nice it is or where it is located. I want to walk you through what I have seen repeatedly in today’s market and what sellers need to understand before listing.

Price matters more than anything else right now. In a typical market, homes are judged based on price, condition, and location. Today, that order has shifted because Price is now the most crucial factor. Buyers are cautious, interest rates are high, and inventory is low, which causes people to hesitate to purchase a home because they fear they might overpay. Some buyers want move-in-ready homes while others are open to fixer-uppers. Regardless of their preferences, all buyers are watching for a fair deal. If they do not see value, they are not making an offer.

Overpricing your home will cost you. Sellers often want to start high to leave room for negotiation. This usually leads to fewer showings, longer time on the market, and more price reductions later. Buyers lose interest quickly when a home is priced above market. Even if you get an offer, it may come with strict terms, repair requests, and heavy negotiation. Starting high often results in sellers accepting less than they hoped for, and with more stress along the way.

“Pricing is the most powerful tool sellers have right now to attract buyers, generate urgency, and secure stronger offers.”

Pricing at market value creates better outcomes. Homes priced fairly from the start attract more showings and create urgency. This can lead to multiple offers, stronger terms, and higher final prices. I have listed homes at a competitive price and seen several offers come in within days. Some sellers ended up accepting offers well above asking. The terms were cleaner, the inspections smoother, and the process faster. Pricing correctly gives you more control and puts you in a stronger position from the beginning.

Showings are your market feedback. If you are not getting at least one showing per day during the first few weeks, your home may be priced too high. Online views without in-person showings are also a warning sign. Buyers might be interested, but they are not seeing enough value to take the next step. The lack of showings can give you a clear signal on how the market sees your home.

The market decides what your home is worth. You may have a price in mind based on what you want or what you think your home should be worth. However, the actual value is what a buyer is willing to pay. That number is shaped by current market conditions, not personal opinion. If you have owned your home for more than four or five years, you have likely gained equity. In many cases, that gain is tax-free. Smart pricing helps you protect that equity while still attracting the right buyers.

Pricing your home correctly does not have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can protect your equity, attract serious buyers, and avoid unnecessary delays. If you are thinking about selling, feel free to call or text me at (910) 400-1352 or email buddy@buddyblake.com. I can help you evaluate the market, review your pricing options, and build a plan that supports your selling goals.

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