5 Reasons Your Home Might Sell for Less Than the Asking Price in 2025
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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The average U.S. home sales price as of the fourth quarter of 2024 is $510,300, per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Property prices vary widely by region, though. Just because some homes in your neighborhood sell for a certain amount of money doesn’t mean yours will.
If you’re trying to sell your home but aren’t getting offers at your asking price, you might want to step back to find out why. After all, you deserve the best offer possible.
Here are the top reasons your home may sell for less than asking price in 2025.
It’s a Fixer-Upper
According to Zillow, fixer-uppers aren’t selling for nearly as much as they once did. The typical fixer-upper sells for 7.3% less than similar, newly renovated properties. And homes that need work sell for about 8% less than expected, per Zillow.
Fixer-uppers used to be all the rage with U.S. homebuyers. But with the high cost of repairs, renovations, supplies and labor, many first-time buyers are steering clear. After all, saving a few thousand dollars upfront doesn’t mean much when the cost of fixing up the home is so much more expensive.
If you’ve listed your home as a “fixer-upper,” it may not sell at or above asking price. Properties on Zillow with the terms “TLC” or “needs work” also tend to sell for less than expected.
The Market Isn’t in Your Favor
In real estate, there are buyer’s markets and seller’s markets. A buyer’s market favors the buyer. A seller’s market favors the seller. If you’re selling in a buyer’s market, you might get some lowball offers.
“Market conditions play a big role. Higher inventory can increase competition for sellers and drive prices down. For example, right now in Orlando, we’re seeing the highest inventory we’ve had in more than 10 years,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
When there are more options, prospective buyers can afford to be picky and negotiate for a better (for them) price. As a seller, you’re more likely to receive offers under asking price. You may also be asked to help with closing costs or agree to other contingencies that help the buyer.
Your Asking Price Is Too High
The issue might simply be that what you’re asking for is more than the property is worth.
“Proper pricing at market value from the start is also important,” Bellido said.
While you don’t have to do this, you may want to get an appraisal before listing your home. This can give you a better idea of your home’s value so you can price it appropriately.
Issues Were Discovered During an Inspection
Many homebuyers opt to get a home inspection done when buying a home. This is often good for the buyer, as it can uncover hidden issues with the home and help them make an informed decision.
But it can be problematic for some sellers.
Robert Washington, a broker and founder of Savvy Buyers Realty, said that a common reason sellers receive lowball offers is that “something may have been discovered during the buyer’s home inspection.”
As the seller, you may need to pay to repair whatever was discovered. If you don’t, you may have to accept a lower offer.
Your Home Isn’t Move-In Ready
Just as many buyers don’t want to spend the extra cash on repairs and renovations, they also want a home that’s move-in ready. If yours isn’t, it might sit on the market for a long time. And it might receive lower offers.
“To get a better offer, sellers should make their home move-in ready,” Bellido said. “Small improvements can make a big difference in attracting buyers and securing a strong offer. This can include updating landscaping to increase curb appeal, fresh paint and proper lighting. Staging and professional photography for the listing also go a long way.”
Getting the Best Offer for Your Home
Even if you’ve received lower offers on your home, there are ways to get closer to asking price.
“A couple of ways to get a better offer would be to price the home correctly and make sure that the home is easy to show to potential buyers,” Washington said. “If a home hits the market with a list price that is well above what the comps say it should be, many buyers will scratch the home from their list.”
Try to be flexible with showings too. It might not be convenient for you, but making your home accessible to prospective buyers could increase how many offers you receive.
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