Why Half of Homes Are Selling Below Asking Price (and How to Make Sure Yours Isn’t One of Them)

If you’re preparing to sell your home, here’s the reality: about 50% of homes today are closing for less than the asking price.

That might sound discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s walk through what’s happening in today’s Connecticut housing market, why it matters for you, and how to set yourself up to sell confidently — even in a market that feels more balanced than frenzied.

A Market Reset

According to Cotality’s latest data, around half of homes on the market are now selling under list price. That might feel like a step backward, but it’s actually a return to normal.

Here’s the perspective:

• 2018–2019: Roughly half of homes sold below asking. Normal market conditions.

• 2021–2022: Only about 25% sold under asking because record-low interest rates created bidding wars.

• 2025: We’re back to 50% under asking — right in line with historical averages.

This isn’t a downturn. It’s a reset. And sellers who adapt are still winning.

Why This Matters If You’re Selling in Connecticut

Here’s the bottom line: your asking price is critical in this market.

Not long ago, you could overprice your home and still have multiple buyers fighting for it. Today, buyers have more choices, tighter budgets, and less urgency.

That means your first two weeks on the market are everything. If you price too high, your home risks sitting. Once buyers see repeated price cuts or a “stale” listing, getting full price becomes much harder.

How to Position Your Home for Top Offers

Even with today’s balanced market, half of sellers are still closing at or above asking. Their secret? Preparation, strategy, and flexibility.

1. Prep Your Home to Impress

Small upgrades make a big difference. Tackle repairs, paint in neutral tones, and boost curb appeal. Buyers pay more for move-in ready homes.

2. Price Strategically from Day One

Forget what your neighbors are listing for — focus on what homes in your area are actually selling for. This is where your agent’s insight into recent closings matters most.

3. Stay Flexible During Negotiations

Flexibility doesn’t always mean lowering your price. You can negotiate on repairs, closing costs, or timing instead, helping buyers feel like they’re getting value while you protect your bottom line.

Why Work With an AI Certified Agent

Here’s where I bring something extra to the table. As an AI Certified Agent, I combine years of local expertise with cutting-edge tools to market your home more effectively.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Smarter marketing: AI pinpoints the right buyers so your listing gets seen by the people most likely to make an offer.

• Faster results: My AI-driven campaigns have generated dozens of showings in a single week.

• More time for strategy: With technology handling routine tasks, I can focus on personal service and negotiations.

The result? A selling strategy that’s both modern and personal, designed to help you get top dollar in today’s Connecticut market.

The Bottom Line

Yes, about half of homes are selling below asking right now. But with smart prep, a competitive price, and the right agent by your side, yours doesn’t have to be one of them.

📞 Call me at 860-985-4363 or head to 👉 melindatherealtor.com for your free consultation.

💡 Find out your Home’s Value here: melindatherealtor.com/home-value

✨ Never too busy for you to be my #1 client!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are so many homes selling under asking in 2025?
A: The housing frenzy of the pandemic years has passed. With higher mortgage rates and more inventory, buyers have more choices and negotiating power.

Q: How do I avoid a price cut on my listing?
A: Price your home strategically from the start. Homes priced right in the first two weeks have the best chance to sell at or above asking.

Q: What’s worth fixing before I list my home?
A: Focus on small, high-impact updates — paint, landscaping, and minor repairs. These inexpensive steps often lead to stronger offers.

Q: How does working with an AI Certified Agent help me?
A: AI-powered marketing gets your home in front of the right buyers faster, leading to more showings and often stronger offers. Combined with local expertise, it’s a powerful edge in today’s market.

Sources:

• Zillow Research: https://www.zillow.com/research/

• National Association of Realtors: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics

• Cotality Market Data: https://cotality.com