What recent asking and closing numbers say about negotiating room
If you are selling and debating how hard to hold your price, I would stay firm only when your number is already grounded in what buyers have been accepting. In The Villages, FL, recent closings came in at 97.1% of asking last month, which tells me negotiation room exists even in a market that still favors sellers.
The answer depends on where you start. Last month, homes in The Villages, FL closed at about 97.1% of asking, while the typical closed price was $362,500 and the typical asking price for active homes was $379,450. I would not read that as a reason to discount automatically. I would read it as a reason to price with enough precision that any negotiation stays narrow. Supply stood at 3.83 months recently, so sellers still have support under the market, but that support is not a license to overreach. A typical sale also took 34 days last month, which tells me pricing and patience have to work together. If your home enters too high, the extra time it takes to correct can cost more than a thoughtful opening number would have. Choose a list price you can defend with current evidence. Decide in advance where you are willing to negotiate and where you are not. Protect your leverage by avoiding an inflated opening ask. I would also judge buyer response quickly so you can adjust while your listing still feels fresh.
About Donald Maycott
Donald Maycott is a licensed Real Estate Professional affiliated with EXP Realty LLC, specializing in the The Villages market. With a focus on strategic marketing and deep local knowledge, Donald Maycott provides clients with expert guidance in navigating complex real estate transactions. View full profile →
