How Long Should You Wait Before Reducing Your Home’s Price?

9 February 2026

Selling a home can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You list your property, full of hopes and expectations, envisioning eager buyers lining up with offers. But then… crickets. Weeks go by, and despite showings, no one is biting. You start to wonder, "Should I lower my price?"

It's a tough decision, and timing is everything. Drop the price too soon, and you might leave money on the table. Wait too long, and you risk your home becoming stale on the market. So, how long should you wait before reducing your home’s price? Let’s break it down.

How Pricing Affects Your Home Sale

Before we dive into timing, let's talk about why pricing matters so much.

When your home first hits the market, it's like a grand opening for a new store. It gets maximum exposure, capturing the attention of eager buyers searching for a home like yours. If it's priced correctly, you’ll likely get offers quickly. But if it’s overpriced? Buyers might pass, waiting for a price drop or moving on to another property.

Here’s the thing—homes that sit on the market for too long often become "stale." Buyers start to wonder if something is wrong with the property, and even when you do lower the price, they might be hesitant to make an offer.

So, how do you know if it’s time to cut the price?

Signs That You Might Need a Price Reduction

If your home has been sitting on the market longer than expected, here are some red flags that indicate it's time to reevaluate your price:

1. Lack of Showings or Interest

If weeks go by without a single showing or even inquiries, it's a clear sign something is off. A well-priced home should generate steady interest, especially during the first few weeks.

2. Plenty of Showings, But No Offers

Maybe you’re getting showings, but no one is making an offer. This typically means buyers like the home but feel it’s overpriced compared to similar properties.

3. Comparable Homes Are Selling Faster

Take a look at recently sold homes in your area. If properties similar to yours are selling while yours is still sitting, price could be the culprit.

4. Your Home Has Been on the Market for More than 30-45 Days

Generally, if your home hasn’t received an offer within the first 30-45 days (or 10-15 showings), it’s time to rethink your strategy. In a strong seller’s market, homes sell even faster, so waiting longer without adjusting could be costly.

How Long Should You Wait Before Reducing the Price?

Timing a price reduction correctly is key. Most real estate experts suggest waiting three to six weeks before making a price adjustment. However, this depends on market conditions and feedback from buyers and agents.

1. The First 30 Days Are Crucial

The initial weeks on the market are when your home gets the most exposure. If you haven’t received any serious interest within the first three to four weeks, it might be time to act. Buyers who are actively searching will see your home and make a decision quickly. If they’re not biting, chances are your price is too high.

2. In a Buyer’s Market? Adjust Sooner

If the market is slow (meaning there are more homes for sale than buyers), waiting too long can hurt your chances. In this case, a price drop within three to four weeks might be necessary to stay competitive.

3. In a Hot Market? Give It More Time

On the flip side, if homes in your area are selling quickly and demand is high, you might want to hold off a bit longer before adjusting. Sometimes, an offer comes in unexpectedly when you least expect it.

How Much Should You Reduce the Price?

Okay, so you’ve decided a price reduction is necessary. But by how much?

A small adjustment (say, $1,000 or $2,000) usually won’t make a significant difference. Buyers likely won’t even notice. Instead, you’ll want to reduce your price by at least 3-5% to make an impact.

Why? Because price drops trigger alerts for buyers who have been watching your property. A significant adjustment can catch their attention and bring new interest to your home.

Avoid the "Death by a Thousand Cuts" Approach

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is reducing the price bit by bit. Multiple small reductions can make buyers wonder what’s wrong with the property and might even encourage lowball offers. Instead, make one meaningful price cut that repositions your home competitively.

Alternatives to Lowering the Price

A price cut isn’t the only option if your home isn't selling. Here are a few strategies to try before taking that step:

1. Improve the Home’s Appeal

Take a hard look at your home’s condition. Could a fresh coat of paint, landscaping, or minor repairs make a difference? Sometimes, small cosmetic updates can make your home more attractive without needing a price cut.

2. Offer Incentives

Instead of reducing the price, consider offering incentives such as covering closing costs, providing a home warranty, or including appliances. These perks can sweeten the deal for potential buyers.

3. Revamp Your Marketing Strategy

Is your listing getting enough exposure? High-quality photos, a compelling description, and creative marketing (such as virtual tours) can make a big difference. If your agent isn’t proactive in marketing, it might be time for a new approach.

4. Stage Your Home

A well-staged home can have a huge impact on how buyers perceive the space. If your home is vacant or cluttered, professional staging can help buyers visualize themselves living there.

Final Thoughts: When to Reduce Your Home’s Price

Selling a home is a balancing act between patience and strategy. While you don’t want to be too quick to lower your price, waiting too long can also work against you.

If your home has been sitting on the market for 30-45 days with little interest, it’s probably time to consider a price adjustment. Just remember—one meaningful reduction is better than multiple small ones.

And if you're unsure, consult with a trusted real estate agent. They can analyze market trends, buyer feedback, and comparable properties to help you make an informed decision.

At the end of the day, the goal is to get your home sold for the best price possible. Sometimes, that means a slight adjustment to get buyers through the door. After all, the right price attracts the right buyer.