For many, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll make, but how do you know the price is fair? Understanding the housing market, estimating the value of that unique feature, knowing what tools to use, and asking the right questions can be challenging, but that’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re purchasing your first home in Bellevue, WA or wondering if a vacation house in Largo, FL is overpriced, knowing how to spot an overvalued property is essential for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike.
Key takeaways
- A home is often overpriced if it sits on the market too long, is frequently re-listed, or isn’t selling while its comparables are.
- Tools like comparable sales, price per square foot, and online home value estimates can help assess market value.
- Real estate agents and appraisals can offer guidance when evaluating whether a home is priced accurately.
1. The house has sat on the market for awhile
Reasonably priced homes typically attract attention and offers within the first few weeks of being listed. So if a house has been sitting on the market for an extended period of time can be an indicator it’s overpriced, especially in a competitive market. As the property continues to sit, buyers may begin to think there’s something wrong with it besides its higher price tag, further decreasing demand.
In a balanced market, homes typically sell within 30 to 90 days. In a hot seller’s market, they can go under contract in as little as 1 to 3 weeks. If you’re unsure whether or not the house has sat on the market for “awhile,” take a look at the average DOM (Days on Market) of the house’s comparables.
2. The home has been on and off the market
A home that’s been listed, removed, and re-listed multiple times may be a sign that the seller is having trouble attracting offers or is unwilling to adjust the price. In many cases, sellers pull a listing after limited interest and re-post it later without making meaningful changes, hoping to catch new buyers. But this strategy can backfire, especially in competitive markets, and may lead buyers to wonder what’s wrong with the home.
To get a clearer picture, review the property’s listing history. Frequent price changes, short listing windows, or multiple failed contracts within the past 3–6 months (or 6–12 months in a slower market) could signal that the home is overpriced or has underlying issues.
3. Neighborhood homes are selling, but not this one
This market behavior shows that other buyers are not willing to pay the listing price, whether that’s due to cost alone, the home’s condition, or both. This is especially true if the neighborhood homes are selling quickly, which signals strong demand for the area. In that case, the home is likely desirable, just not at its current price.
4. Nearby homes are listed, but not selling
On the other hand, if several neighborhood houses are also not selling, this often indicates that prices in the area are too high for current market demand. Sellers might be pricing based on outdated data from a hotter market, while buyer demand has cooled. This could be a signal that pricing expectations in the neighborhood are too high across the board.
5. The price doesn’t match recent sales
Look at the recent sale prices of homes with similar square footage, features, and location (comparables). If this home is priced much higher without offering more, it’s probably overpriced.
Pay special attention to:
Your agent can also help you run a comparative market analysis (CMA) to pinpoint what the home should be worth.
6. Online estimates and appraisals show a lower value
If the home’s price is significantly higher than what you’re seeing on Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) like Redfin Estimate, that’s worth noting.
You can also ask your agent for a ballpark estimate or, if you’re serious about the property, consider paying for an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in low, you may have leverage to negotiate the price, or walk away.
7. The home doesn’t match your perception of value
Sometimes a home just doesn’t feel worth the asking price, even if the numbers look okay on paper. Maybe it needs too much work, has an awkward layout, or lacks curb appeal. Value is partly objective, but your personal budget, goals, and priorities matter too.
If you’re not comfortable paying full price, trust your instincts and talk to your agent about options.
However, if you don’t think the house’s condition, location, and features match your willingness to pay the listing price, then you can consider it overpriced as value can be subjective.
What to do if you think a home is overpriced
- Make a reasonable offer: Base your offer on comps, not the list price.
- Support your offer: Use DOM data, price history, and market conditions to strengthen your case.
- Be ready to walk away: If the seller won’t budge, be prepared to move on. New listings come up every day.
- Lean on your agent: A good real estate agent will help you assess pricing, negotiate strategically, and avoid overpaying.
Overpriced home FAQs: What buyers should know
Why do sellers overprice their home?
Several reasons such as emotional attachment, overestimation of upgrades, or unrealistic expectations based on past market trends.
How do I bid on a house that is overpriced?
Start with a fair offer based on comparable sales, market data, and consider supporting your offer with a pre-approval letter. When in doubt, work with a real estate agent for more help with the bidding process.
How do I make sure I’m not overpricing my house when selling?
Research comparable properties and consult a real estate agent for a comparative market analysis. You can also get an appraisal or using Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) to ensure your listing price aligns with the current market.
Should my real estate agent review the home’s full price history?
In short, yes. This review can help you make a more informed offer by identifying patterns like frequent re-listings or price changes that can indicate issues or overpricing. Be sure to also include any on-and-off market cycles for a better look at the property’s history.