Pricing your home used to be simple: find out what your neighbor sold for and add a little on top. But in today’s market? That’s a fast track to watching your listing go stale.
The South Jersey real estate market has shifted... not crashed, but softened. Homes are taking a little longer to sell, and buyers are getting pickier. Sellers who understand how to price strategically are the ones still winning big. Here’s how to get it right from the start.
1. Stop Looking in the Rearview Mirror
The first mistake most sellers make? Pricing based on yesterday’s market. During the pandemic years, South Jersey saw record-breaking demand. Buyers from Philadelphia and New York flooded into the suburbs, looking for more space, home offices, and backyards—all while keeping the small-town walkability of Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Haddon Township.
That demand created a frenzy. Homes selling in days, multiple offers, and waived contingencies. But that era was an anomaly. As of September 2025, South Jersey has about 2.2 months of inventory, which is still a seller’s market but more balanced than before. Translation: buyers have choices again. You can’t price like it’s 2021 and expect 2021 results.
2. Focus on Active Competition, Not Just Past Sales
Traditionally, home value was determined by past comps—similar homes that sold in the last three to six months. But in a shifting market, that data’s already outdated. Today, the smarter approach is to look at active competition (the homes currently on the market that buyers are comparing to yours).
If your home is priced above similar active listings, buyers will see more value elsewhere. But if you position your home strategically—competitive, not discounted—you’ll draw more attention early, before your listing goes stale.
💡 Pro Tip: Your first two weeks on the market are your best chance to make an impact. That’s when excitement (and showing traffic) is highest. Make it count.
3. Price to Be Found Online
Buyers shop in price ranges, and they’re filtered by search brackets. If your home is listed at $605,000, you might miss buyers searching “up to $600,000.” Strategic pricing means understanding where buyers are looking and positioning your home at a number that captures the widest audience. For example, listing at $599,900 can often bring far more traffic than $605,000, without sacrificing your bottom line.
It’s not about tricking anyone—it’s about visibility and psychology.
4. Plan Ahead for Price Reviews
Even with the right price, market dynamics can shift during your listing period. That’s why we recommend a pre-planned pricing roadmap. Find out more about the roadmap here.
At The JFKLiving Team, we schedule checkpoints at 30, 60, and 90 days to evaluate showing data, feedback, and local competition. If your home hasn’t gained traction, it’s better to adjust strategically early on than wait and risk buyers assuming something’s wrong. Remember: a smart price adjustment isn’t a failure, it’s a tactic.
RELATED POST: PRICING ROADMAP IN A SOFTENING MARKET
5. Remember: Buyers Are More Informed Than Ever
Today’s buyers are doing their homework. They’re watching listings, tracking price changes, and comparing homes side-by-side online. They know when a property is overpriced, and they’ll move on without ever scheduling a showing.
That’s why transparency and strategy go hand in hand. A realistic, well-supported list price signals that you’re serious—and that can inspire stronger offers from qualified buyers.
6. Don’t Confuse “Testing the Market” with Strategy
Every seller wants to get top dollar, but starting too high “just to see what happens” usually backfires. Overpriced homes sit longer, lose momentum, and ultimately sell for less after price cuts. Think of it this way: a competitively priced home attracts more attention, which can lead to multiple offers—and multiple offers drive price. Price right from the start, and you’re far more likely to earn that premium than chase it later.
7. Partner with a Data-Driven Agent
In a changing market, your agent’s expertise is your biggest asset. At The JFKLiving Team, we combine real-time market analytics with local insight to craft a pricing strategy that’s grounded in data—and designed to win. From daily MLS trends to buyer behavior patterns, we help you see the story behind the numbers. Because in this market, pricing isn’t guesswork... it’s strategy.
The Bottom Line
The South Jersey market may be shifting, but there is still opportunity out there. Sellers who price with intention, not emotion, are the ones closing deals, while others wait for offers that never come.
If you’re thinking about selling, don’t rely on what worked two years ago. The market’s changed, and your strategy should too. Get started by filling out the form below.
