Telling the Truth?

We have been challenged by some homeowners who wish to hear what THEY want to hear in the staging and pricing of their homes.

Our recommendations are given though knowledge of the community and experience. We keep abreast on a daily basis of the pricing, location of subject property and days on market.

In presenting our recommendations through formal market analysis and personal knowledge and experience, there still appears to be some resistance to the current market pricing.

Sellers will interview agents who will 'buy the listing' (giving them the price they want to hear).

We suggest a formal appraisal from the seller's lending institution for the seller's comfort.  The reasoning that once their home receives an offer, then we are all fairly confident the mortgage appraisal will be within the range.

Does the seller wish to price high and test the market beyond the 'cushion'?  Buyers locally and out of state have tremendous amount of knowledge through the internet, therefore, offers will be presented with the statement " offered price to be within appraisal price" 

So who are we kidding?  No one!   Buyers and sellers each wish to be 'winners'. 

Let's be honest and set the proper price - because the longer a home remains on the market the less the home owner will receive.   Homes on the market for a long period of time, buyer will assume there is something wrong.

Let's be fair to all in the upcoming spring market.

Please give me your comments and suggestions.