The Overpricing Trap: Why Starting Too High Can Cost Brooklyn Sellers Thousands

When I taught music, I reminded my students — start on the wrong note, and the whole piece can fall apart.

The same is true when pricing your Brooklyn home. The first note — your listing price — sets the tone for the entire performance. Hit it wrong, and you risk losing the audience before the show even begins.

Let’s talk about why overpricing your home can cost you thousands — and how to find the perfect pitch from the start.

Act 1: The Setup — The Temptation to Aim High

It’s easy to think, “Let’s list a little higher — we can always come down later.”
Many Brooklyn sellers fall into this trap. After all, your home holds memories, love, and value beyond the numbers.

But here’s what The Wall Street Journal and The Real Deal both report: homes that are overpriced at launch tend to sit on the market longer, lose buyer interest, and ultimately sell for less than similar homes priced correctly from day one.

It’s not about undervaluing your home — it’s about meeting the market where it is, not where you wish it were.

Act 2: The Conflict — When Silence Sets In

Every listing has a rhythm — open houses, online traffic, buyer inquiries, and offers.
When your home is priced right, that rhythm builds momentum.

But overpricing kills the tempo.
Each day on the market sends a signal: “Something’s off.” Buyers begin to wonder what’s wrong with the property, and your listing loses its early excitement.

According to The New York Times, the first two weeks are critical — that’s when serious buyers are watching. Miss your moment, and it’s hard to get it back.

Act 3: The Resolution — Finding Harmony with the Market

The best listings are like a perfectly tuned performance — they connect with their audience immediately.

Pricing your home correctly isn’t just about numbers; it’s about strategy, psychology, and timing.
At Pen Realty, we study real-time Brooklyn data — from Bay Ridge to Park Slope — to determine where buyers are most active and what price points drive competition.

Price it right, and you’ll attract more showings, more offers, and potentially even a bidding war.

Don’t compete with the market — let buyers compete for your home.

A Note on Purpose

I’m Peter Mancini, Licensed Real Estate Broker with Pen Realty, member of REBNY and BNYMLS.
Real estate isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people, purpose, and community. That’s why I proudly support CaringKind NYC, an organization helping families affected by Alzheimer’s.

If you’d like to make a difference, please consider donating here:
👉 https://penrealty.net/donate-to-caring-kind-ny

And if you’re preparing to sell your Brooklyn home, visit
👉 https://penrealty.net
to experience A Signature Experience — where every detail matters, and every note is in tune.