The housing market has changed, and sellers who expect a bidding war are waking up to a new reality. Why 50% of homes are selling for under asking and how to avoid it is one of the most important topics homeowners need to understand today. Gone are the days of multiple offers before the first open house. The shift has happened, and now, success depends on skill, preparation, and strategy.
If you’re thinking about selling, I want to help you stay ahead of this curve. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve helped countless sellers navigate both frenzied and balanced markets. The difference between selling at or above your asking price and watching your listing grow stale often comes down to preparation and pricing. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and how to position your home to achieve top results in this new normal.
TLDR: What You’ll Learn About Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking and How To Avoid It
- Half of today’s homes are selling below asking, but yours doesn’t have to.
- Smart pricing and preparation matter more than ever.
- Your first two weeks on the market are your make-or-break window.
- Flexibility and negotiation strategy can protect your bottom line.
- Working with Robbie English and Uncommon Realty gives you a strategic edge.
From Frenzy to Focus
Just a few years ago, sellers barely had to lift a finger to attract multiple offers. Homes went under contract within days, and buyers stretched beyond asking to compete. But markets evolve. The excitement cooled, and balance returned. Right now, approximately half of homes listed are selling below the initial asking price. That shift can be discouraging if you still expect yesterday’s market to apply to today’s reality.
But here’s the truth: this isn’t bad news, it’s opportunity disguised as adjustment. Markets like this reward the prepared. When sellers adapt to the current conditions, they can still command top dollar and, in many cases, outperform the competition.
That’s where strategic representation matters most. As your guide through this shifting landscape, I make sure you’re never caught off guard by outdated assumptions. You’ll understand what buyers are truly willing to pay, and together we’ll position your property to attract attention from the right buyers the moment it hits the market.
What Happened to the Multiple-Offer Days?
Those frenzied bidding wars we saw a couple of years ago were fueled by a perfect storm of ultra-low interest rates, limited inventory, and high buyer demand. Sellers could name their price and still receive more. That era created unrealistic expectations that linger even as conditions have stabilized.
Today’s buyers are different. They’re cautious, informed, and selective. They have more homes to choose from, and their budgets are tighter. Sellers who cling to yesterday’s playbook risk losing momentum fast.
That’s why understanding why 50% of homes are selling for under asking and how to avoid it is crucial. A well-priced, well-presented property still stands out. In fact, in every market, there are two kinds of listings: those that chase buyers and those that attract them. My job is to ensure you’re in the second category.
Why Pricing Strategy Defines Success
Your asking price sets the stage for everything that follows. It determines who sees your listing, how they perceive it, and whether they take action. A few years ago, overpricing didn’t hurt much because demand was so strong. Today, it’s one of the fastest ways to sabotage your own sale.
When you launch your home at the right price, you immediately catch the attention of serious buyers. These are the people ready to move now. If your home sits even slightly above what the market supports, those buyers won’t even schedule a showing. They’ll assume you’re not realistic or that they can find better value elsewhere.
That’s why your first two weeks on the market matter most. This is when your listing gets the most views, the most engagement, and the most opportunities to connect with qualified buyers. Miss your price window, and your property can quickly go from hot to overlooked.
I’ve seen this happen many times across Central Texas, and I make it my mission to prevent it for my clients. Together, we’ll analyze comparable sales, recent buyer trends, and neighborhood dynamics to identify that strategic sweet spot. When priced correctly, your home doesn’t just get seen, it gets sold.
The Power of Preparation
Even with the perfect price, presentation matters just as much. The goal is to make buyers fall in love the moment they walk in—or even before they step through the door. The way your home photographs, smells, and feels has a direct impact on how much someone is willing to pay.
That’s why I always recommend addressing key details before you list. Simple touch-ups like paint, lighting updates, and landscaping improvements can have an incredible return on investment. Decluttering and staging help buyers imagine themselves in the space, and that emotional connection drives offers.
At Uncommon Realty, I guide clients through every aspect of this preparation process. From recommending trusted contractors to coordinating professional photography, I ensure your home stands out both online and in person. I’ve spent decades studying what drives buyer behavior, and my team and I bring that expertise directly to your doorstep.
Negotiation in the New Normal
Let’s talk about flexibility. In today’s balanced market, negotiations are back in full force. That’s not something to fear—it’s something to manage wisely. The strongest deals come from understanding when to hold firm and when to give strategically.
Price isn’t the only area where negotiation happens. Sometimes, offering favorable terms on repairs, possession timelines, or closing costs can seal the deal without lowering your asking price. Each situation is unique, and that’s where having a skilled negotiator matters most.
I’ve taught real estate negotiation techniques to agents across the nation as a national speaker and instructor, and I bring that same expertise to my clients. Every counteroffer, every concession, and every response is part of a bigger strategy designed to get you the best possible outcome.
Timing Is Everything
The longer your home sits unsold, the harder it becomes to command your price. Buyers start to wonder what’s wrong. That’s why those first two weeks are your golden window. During this period, I leverage targeted marketing, digital exposure, and buyer outreach to maximize traction.
My approach blends deep local market knowledge with modern marketing tools. From strategic social media placement to professional listing optimization, everything I do centers on visibility. I want buyers not just to see your home but to be compelled to act on it.
When you list with me at Uncommon Realty, you get more than a sign in the yard—you get a full marketing campaign built to generate momentum and drive results.
The Psychological Shift
Sellers who succeed in this new market aren’t just pricing smarter; they’re thinking differently. Instead of expecting to control the process, they’re learning to partner with the market. That means recognizing that buyer perception creates value.
If your property appears move-in ready, priced fairly, and expertly marketed, it instantly becomes more appealing. Buyers today crave transparency and confidence. They don’t want to guess whether a home is worth its price—they want to feel assured it is.
That’s where I come in. As Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, I combine decades of experience with a deep understanding of buyer psychology. I help sellers anticipate buyer objections before they arise and address them proactively. It’s about removing friction so that saying “yes” feels easy for your buyer.
Standing Out When Half of Homes Don’t
Half of all listings right now are missing the mark. They’re overpriced, underprepared, or poorly positioned. But here’s the exciting part: that means half of sellers are still getting it right—and that can be you.
To achieve top-tier results, you need a tailored plan, not a generic one. My clients don’t rely on luck; they rely on insight. Every step, from pricing to staging to negotiation, aligns with one clear goal: selling for the highest possible value.
By working with Uncommon Realty, you’re tapping into a team built around excellence. My agents and I train constantly to master every shift in this industry. We share strategies, compare results, and refine our methods so our clients stay ahead. Real estate isn’t guesswork—it’s a craft. And I’ve dedicated my career to mastering it for your benefit.
The Role of Buyer Behavior
Understanding buyers is the secret weapon of every successful seller. Today’s buyers are savvy. They compare listings across multiple platforms, track price reductions, and notice how long a property has been on the market. They’re not fooled by inflated prices.
When your home enters the market priced correctly and presented beautifully, it communicates confidence. It signals that you know your home’s worth and that it’s aligned with market value. That attracts serious buyers and filters out the rest.
The result? You’re negotiating from strength, not desperation. That’s how sellers win even when 50% of homes are selling for under asking—because your listing strategy sets you apart.
The Robbie English Advantage
So why work with me instead of another agent? Because experience and insight matter now more than ever. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades helping clients buy and sell homes across Central Texas. My background as a national real estate speaker and instructor means I don’t just understand the market—I help shape how other agents approach it.
That teaching perspective gives me a distinct advantage. I train agents nationwide on best practices, negotiation, and strategy. When you hire me, you’re hiring someone who teaches others how to excel in this business. That knowledge translates into results for my clients.
I take a hands-on approach with every listing. You’re not just another address to me. You’re a partner in a carefully orchestrated process designed to bring your goals to life. Whether you’re moving up, scaling down, or relocating, my team and I ensure your property shines from day one.
Marketing That Moves Homes
Every home has a story, and I know how to tell it in a way that captivates. I use professional photography, cinematic video tours, and compelling listing descriptions that go beyond the basics. But marketing isn’t just about visuals—it’s about strategy.
At Uncommon Realty, we position your property where qualified buyers are looking. Through targeted online campaigns, social media exposure, and network outreach, we ensure your listing gets in front of motivated buyers. Each channel is optimized for visibility and engagement.
This is how we help clients beat the odds. When others are dropping prices, my sellers are securing strong offers because their homes make an unforgettable first impression.
How To Avoid Selling Below Asking
If you want to avoid being part of that 50%, preparation and precision are your best tools. Start early, price intelligently, and partner with a professional who understands how to create momentum.
It begins with an honest evaluation of your property. Together, we’ll review every aspect of your home, from curb appeal to market positioning, to ensure it meets buyer expectations. Then we’ll price it in that ideal range where excitement meets perceived value.
During your listing period, I’ll keep you informed of buyer feedback, showing trends, and market activity so we can make smart adjustments in real time. My goal is always to keep your listing fresh, competitive, and compelling.
By working with me, you’ll have a clear strategy for why 50% of homes are selling for under asking and how to avoid it—and a path that positions you among the top performers.
What Buyers Want Right Now
To win in today’s market, sellers need to think like buyers. Most buyers want homes that are move-in ready, fairly priced, and visually appealing. They’re also looking for transparency, and they value sellers who have maintained their homes well.
When buyers feel confident in what they see, they act faster. That’s why I coach my sellers to anticipate buyer questions before they arise. Together, we eliminate uncertainty, highlight strengths, and handle every showing with care.
Buyers today crave authenticity, and that’s something we deliver. Through storytelling, professional presentation, and market expertise, we bridge the emotional and financial aspects of the purchase. It’s not just about selling a house—it’s about inspiring action.
The Confidence to Move Forward
Selling in today’s market doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can still achieve top results. The key is adapting. The sellers who understand this shift—and act accordingly—continue to see success stories unfold every week.
If you’re ready to sell, I’m ready to help. My team at Uncommon Realty and I will create a custom plan designed specifically for your home, your goals, and your timeline. Together, we’ll turn preparation and pricing into profit.
Markets change, but experience endures. I’ve been through every market cycle, and I know what works. You deserve more than an agent who lists—you deserve a strategist who leads.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
If you’re wondering what your home would sell for in today’s market, let’s start a conversation. I’ll provide a detailed analysis of your home’s value, discuss buyer trends in your area, and share exactly how to position your property for maximum success.
I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’m here to help you navigate this market with confidence. Whether you’re selling, buying, or just exploring your options, you’ll get guidance grounded in experience and a commitment to your goals.
Don’t let outdated expectations cost you time or money. Let’s talk about what buyers are paying today and how we can ensure your home stands out among the rest. Together, we’ll make sure you’re on the winning side of why 50% of homes are selling for under asking and how to avoid it—because your success deserves an uncommon strategy.