Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills

In today’s shifting Los Angeles real estate market—especially in luxury enclaves like Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills—getting your price right from the start is absolutely critical.

While it can be tempting to “test the market” with a higher list price, that strategy often backfires. Overpricing not only limits buyer activity, it can derail your entire move and delay your long-term goals.

The Real Pitfall of Overpricing

Many homeowners remember what their neighbor’s home sold for at the peak of the market and assume their property will command the same sky-high figure. But that was a different time—and a very different market.

Today, inventory levels across Los Angeles are higher, giving buyers more options and more leverage. Competitive bidding wars have become less common, especially in the $5M–$20M range, where buyers are negotiating harder and scrutinizing value.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, notes:

“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”

Still, there’s a silver lining for sellers. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have appreciated by more than 54% over the past five years. So even if you adjust your price slightly below your dream number, you’re likely still selling at a significant profit.

The key is recognizing that today’s market rewards realism and precision—not wishful thinking.

Overpricing Can Stall Your Entire Move

Here’s what’s happening in real time:

• A seller lists too high.

• Buyers stay away.

• The home lingers on the market.

• Weeks turn into months—and momentum is lost.

At that point, a price reduction may not be enough to revive interest. Buyers often perceive late price cuts as a red flag, wondering what’s “wrong” with the property.

Recent data from John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) reveals that 54% of agents report more sellers pulling their homes off the market than usual. The leading reason? Unrealistic pricing.

61% of agents said sellers didn’t receive offers at their desired price or terms.
28% said market conditions weren’t favorable.
17% cited elevated mortgage rates and prices limiting buyers’ budgets.

In markets like Beverly Hills and Westside Los Angeles, where luxury buyers are often highly informed and selective, this dynamic is even more pronounced. These buyers will wait for the right value—they won’t overpay.

The Secret to Making Your Move Happen

If you’re selling because you need to relocate, rightsize, or move closer to family, your pricing strategy is the single most important factor that determines whether your move succeeds.

The most successful sellers today are working with experienced local agents who:

✅ Know how to read current market data at the micro-neighborhood level (e.g., the Beverly Hills Flats vs. Trousdale Estates).
✅ Understand buyer psychology at each price tier.
✅ Are confident enough to tell you the truth about where the market really is—not where you wish it were.

When priced correctly, well-presented homes in top Los Angeles areas are still selling quickly—and in some cases, generating multiple offers, particularly when they’re turnkey, staged beautifully, and strategically marketed.

Bottom Line

Pricing your home for today’s market isn’t about compromising—it’s about achieving your goal.

A well-priced listing gets seen, gets offers, and gets you moving. Overpricing, on the other hand, risks turning a strategic sale into a stalled dream.

If you’re planning to sell your property in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, or the greater Los Angeles area, let’s talk through the latest market data, current buyer trends, and exactly how to price your home for success.

Christophe Choo | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Top Beverly Hills Realtor | Over 36 Years of Proven Results
Visit ChristopheChoo.com or call (310) 777-6342