The opening number can shape your leverage more than later adjustments ever will.
If you are planning to sell and wondering how forgiving the market is on price, I would say this the first number still matters a lot. In San Dimas, CA, recent active homes were typically listed at $950,000, while recent closings reached a typical $865,000 over the previous month.
That difference between current asking and recent closing prices is exactly why I take opening price so seriously. In San Dimas, CA, active listings recently carried a typical asking price of $950,000, while completed sales landed at a typical $865,000. Yet accepted offers still came in around 101% of asking, which tells me correct pricing can still bring strong results.
For a seller, the first price should create confidence in the market, not resistance. I would avoid using a hopeful number just because similar homes are also reaching high asking points. Buyers compare quickly, and when they sense overreach, the listing can lose momentum it may never fully recover.
Study recent closings first. Weigh your home's condition against the best active competition, not the weakest. Choose an opening price that earns attention and credibility. That usually gives you more leverage than trimming the price later after interest cools.
