The Silent Deal Killer Nobody Talks About

by Mercy Kamau

When it comes to selling your home, most homeowners focus on the flashy stuff: curb appeal, staging, or even small renovations. But there’s a silent deal killer lurking behind the scenes that can make or break your sale—overpricing in a changing market.

Why Overpricing Happens

Many sellers are holding on to “yesterday’s prices,” hoping the market will catch up. They look at what homes sold for three months ago and assume their home should match or exceed that. Meanwhile, buyers are calculating their affordability based on today’s interest rates, not last quarter’s.

This mismatch can silently kill deals before they even start. A home that’s priced too high will linger on the market, raising suspicion among buyers. They may assume something is wrong or start mentally discounting your property. The result? Multiple price cuts and frustration for everyone involved.

How Interest Rates Impact Buyer Power

Here’s a critical piece of the puzzle: interest rates directly affect purchasing power. For every 1% increase in rates, buyers lose about 10% of what they can afford.

For example:

Last year, a buyer could afford a $600,000 home.
With today’s higher rates, that same buyer might now qualify for only $540,000.

Ignoring this reality means your home sits—and the longer it sits, the more it loses appeal.

The Smart Way to Price Your Home

The key to staying ahead is pricing based on active competition and pending sales, not just what sold in the past. This approach ensures your home is attractive to today’s buyers while maximizing your return.

Here are a few tips:

Review active listings in your area – see what buyers are actually comparing your home to.
Check pending sales – homes that are under contract show what buyers are willing to pay now.
Adjust for interest rate changes – understand how rates impact affordability in your market.

Watch Our Video on Instagram

Want to see this concept in action? We broke down this “silent deal killer” in a short, engaging video on our Instagram! Watch now to see real examples of how overpricing affects home sales—and how to avoid it. Head over to our Instagram and check it out—you’ll get actionable tips you can apply immediately.
Watch Here: The Silent Deal Killer Nobody Talks About

Don’t Let This Silent Killer Stop Your Sale

Overpricing is subtle, but its effects are real. Homes that linger on the market not only lose buyer interest—they can also end up selling for less than they might have if priced correctly from the start.

If you want a step-by-step pricing checklist that shows exactly how to set the right number from day one, comment “Price” and I’ll send it to you.