Sellers: Avoid 'Sitting Pretty' – The Art of Pricing Right in a High-Inventory Tri-Cities Market

If you’re preparing to list your home in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody right now, you might notice a shift in the local landscape. The "go-go" seller's market we saw just a year or two ago is cooling, and the inventory of available homes is on the rise.

For sellers, this new reality presents a challenge: how do you ensure your home stands out and sells efficiently, rather than "sitting pretty" on the MLS for months?

The answer boils down to two critical factors: competitive pricing and exceptional presentation (staging).

The Problem with 'Sitting Pretty'

In a balanced or buyer-leaning market like the Tri-Cities is currently experiencing, time on market matters more than ever. When a listing goes stale—meaning it sits unsold for 30, 60, or even 90+ days—buyers start to ask questions: What’s wrong with the house? Is the price too high?

Stale listings often lead to lowball offers and a loss of negotiating power. The initial wave of excitement when a new property hits the market is your best window of opportunity; if you miss it by being overpriced, you’re often playing catch-up for weeks.

Factor 1: The Art of Competitive Pricing

Pricing your home effectively isn't about guessing; it’s about analyzing data and understanding current demand.

📈 Price to the Current Market, Not Last Year's Peak

We’ve likely moved past the peak pricing of early 2022. Your home's value today is determined by what comparable properties are selling for now, not what your neighbour achieved a year ago. We need to price for where the market is going, not where it's been.

🎯 The Goal: Attract the Right Buyers Immediately

In a high-inventory market, buyers have choices. Pricing your home competitively—often right at or slightly below the current fair market value—creates urgency. It ensures your property appears within the search parameters of serious buyers and their agents, driving viewings and, ideally, competing offers.

📊 A Data-Driven Approach

As your realtor, my strategy involves a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA). We look closely at active listings and recent sales in your specific Tri-Cities neighbourhood to find that sweet spot that maximizes your return while minimizing your time on the market.

Factor 2: The Power of Professional Presentation (Staging)

If pricing gets buyers to look online, staging gets them through the door—and makes them stay.

In a market crowded with listings, homes that present beautifully in photos and feel welcoming in person have a massive advantage. Staging is no longer an optional luxury; it’s a required marketing expense.

• It's About Depersonalization: Staging helps buyers visualize themselves living in the space, rather than just viewing your current home.

• It Highlights Potential: Stagers know how to arrange furniture and lighting to emphasize flow, space, and architectural features, minimizing flaws.

• It Boosts Perceived Value: A well-maintained, staged home suggests a well-cared-for home overall, giving buyers confidence in their investment.

The Bottom Line

Selling successfully in today's Tri-Cities market requires a proactive strategy.

Don't let your valuable asset 'sit pretty' on the market, losing momentum and value with every passing week. By combining a data-driven, competitive pricing strategy with professional staging, we can position your home as the premier choice for buyers right now.

Ready to discuss your Tri-Cities home sale strategy? Contact me today for a personalized consultation and market analysis.