My House Isn't Getting Offers. Should I Lower the Price?

Maybe, but not as a first reflex. If your home has had few showings, price or photos are usually the issue. If it has had showings but no offers, buyers are likely telling you something about price or condition. Your showing numbers and feedback will point to the answer. A well-timed adjustment is common, and you're not alone: Redfin reported that 20.5% of Maryland homes had price drops in September 2026, up from 18.0% a year earlier.

Start with the activity

Ask your agent for three things.

1. Online views and saves. If people aren't clicking, the photos, price, or description may not be drawing them.
2. Showing count. Few showings usually means the price or presentation isn't getting buyers in the door.
3. Feedback. Common comments, like "priced high," "dated," or "needs work," are worth taking seriously.

What the market looks like

Realtor.com reported that about 22% of Baltimore-area listings had a price cut in September 2026, and the median time on market was 46 days, up about 18% from a year earlier. Bright MLS data showed a quieter September across the region. That means buyers have choices, and a home priced above the market can sit. Local numbers differ, so ask for the data for your neighborhood and price range.

Signs it may be a price issue

• Few showings in the first couple of weeks.
• Showings, but similar feedback about value.
• Similar homes recently sold for less, or are listed for less.
• Your price is based on an online estimate or last year's sale, not current comps. See how online estimates compare to real comps.

Signs it's something else

• Poor photos, or missing rooms or features in the listing.
• Limited access for showings.
• Condition issues that show in person.
• Timing, like a holiday week.

Fixing those first can help, and sometimes price doesn't need to change.

How to lower the price well

1. Use comps, not hope. Set the new price based on competing homes and recent sales.
2. Make it meaningful. A very small cut can go unnoticed. Redfin counts a price drop as at least 1%, but your buyers may not notice a change that small.
3. Pair it with a refresh. Update the photos or remarks and re-promote it.
4. Act early. Waiting a long time and then cutting a lot can cost more than a measured change early.

Other options

Offering a buyer credit or rate buydown, adjusting showing access, improving staging, or taking a short break and relisting. Each has tradeoffs, and I'll walk you through them.

FAQ

How long should I wait before lowering the price?

The first couple of weeks of activity are the best signal. Your agent can show you the data.

Will a price cut make buyers think something is wrong?

It can if it comes late and often. Early, well-supported adjustments are common.

Should I take it off the market?

Sometimes, but the listing history stays. It's usually better to fix the cause first.

What if I owe more than the new price?

Talk with me and your lender early to explore options.

Can I get a fresh read on price?

Yes. I offer a pricing analysis for homes in my area.

Next step

Thinking about selling? See how I price and market homes on my sell page, or request a pricing analysis. Want to talk it through? Grab a free 15-minute call at calendly.com/michaelwaderealtor/15min. No pressure.