Sellers
Timing is everything: Very often a seller asks, "We can always come down later- right?" Historically when your house goes on the market, the greatest potential for buyer traffic is in the first 30 days. By pricing it high with the intention of dropping the price later, you are completely bypassing your best candidates for buyers.
Showings shut out: Agents
have an obligation to do what is best for their clients. Clearly,
showing overpriced listings does not fall into that criterion. With
inventory high, agents will undoubtedly choose to show properties that
are within their buyer's price range and that meet the current Fair
Market Value.
Benefits the competition:
Unfortunely, when a home is overpriced, it not only sits on the market
but acts as a selling point for market-priced homes. It's a cue to
buyers to say, "I can get the same house for less!"
Lender trouble: Even
if an agent agrees to list your home too high, and even if you were to
find a buyer willing to pay more - these are both BIG IFs - today's
lenders are extraordinarily cautious now. They base their loans on
accurate appraisals and appraisers must base their price on comparable
properties that have sold.
Time on market: Overpriced
homes will simply sit on the market. Unfortunately, extended time on
the market forces the question in a buyer's mind of the possible bigger
problems looming within the walls of the property. Put yourself in the
buyer's shoes. What's the first two things a buyer asks when they
consider a property? What's the price and how long has it been on the
market?
Lower proceeds: Unfortunately, when
a home starts its listing life overpriced, it almost always sells for
less than market value. With few buyers to choose from, zero leverage
because of time on the market, too high an asking price, and carrying
costs to maintain the property; most sellers find themselves getting the
least from their investment rather than the most.