Just a few years ago in North County San Diego, homes were flying off the market with multiple offers—often well above asking price. It felt like sellers could name their price and still have buyers lining up.
But today’s market tells a different story. With more inventory available, buyers have become more selective. Homes are sitting longer, and price reductions are becoming more common—even in our sought-after coastal communities.
So, how do you stay ahead? It all comes down to pricing your home right from the start. In today’s North County market, smart pricing isn’t just important—it’s the key to a successful sale.
There’s a Real Price Disconnect Between Buyers and Sellers
A recent survey from Realtor.com shows 81% of home sellers believe they’ll get their asking price or more. But the actual sales data shows there’s a growing gap between what sellers expect and what buyers are actually willing to pay.
In fact, an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 44% of recently sold homes went for less than the asking price. And 1 in 3 sellers had to cut their price at least once before the home sold. It’s a sign that expectations may be a little out of step with today’s reality.
Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that asking prices (blue line) are higher than actual sales prices (green line) by a wider and wider margin:
This tells you something important: not all buyers are willing to pay what many sellers are asking. That doesn’t mean you can’t sell for a great price – but it does mean you need to start with a price that reflects what people are willing to pay in today’s market.
What Happens When You Overprice Your House?
It might seem strategic to price your home high at first—giving yourself room to negotiate—but in North County San Diego’s current market, that move can backfire.
Today’s buyers are savvy. When a home sits too long, they start to wonder what’s wrong with it. That hesitation can lead to fewer showings, less interest, and ultimately, a price reduction just to get back on their radar.
In a competitive market like ours, pricing it right from day one is the best way to attract serious buyers and sell with confidence. As Realtor.com explains:
“By getting the right price early on, you can increase the odds buyers will be interested in the home. In turn, this decreases the chances the home will sit on the market for a lengthier timeline, also reducing the odds you’ll need to lower the listing price.”
The longer a house sits, the harder it can be to sell.
You Still Have a Great Opportunity – If You Price Your House Right
To avoid this common pricing pitfall, it’s essential to work with a local expert who truly understands the North County San Diego market—and that’s exactly what you get with the agents at Shafran Realty Group.
Our experienced team analyzes recent sales, buyer behavior, and current inventory to pinpoint the perfect pricing strategy for your neighborhood. Because the truth is, what works in Carlsbad might not work in San Marcos—and our agents know the difference.
Plus, with home prices up over 57% in the past five years, even pricing just below your dream number could still mean a fantastic return.
With Shafran Realty Group by your side, you’ll attract more serious buyers, avoid prolonged time on the market, and position yourself to get the strongest offer possible.
In today’s market, the right price works. As Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, explains:
“. . . the best properties, well priced are selling quickly in most of the country.”
Bottom Line
The market may have shifted, but your opportunity to sell in North County San Diego is still strong—you just need the right pricing strategy.
At Shafran Realty Group, we stay on top of local trends so you don’t have to. Let’s take a look at what’s happening with home prices in your neighborhood and find that sweet spot—a price that helps your home sell quickly and for top dollar.
With the right plan in place, you’ll turn today’s market into tomorrow’s success.