Surrey Homeowners: The $40,000 Selling Mistake to Avoid

Let’s be blunt. Overpricing your home will cost you—big time. I once watched a Seller lose more than $40,000 because he chased a fantasy price instead of listening to the market. I’m sharing this so you don’t make the same mistake.

I’m Darin, a real estate professional in White Rock and Surrey, BC. Since 2007, I’ve seen the wins and the disasters. This story is about one of the disasters—and how you can protect yourself from it.


So What’s Really Going On?

A homebuyer shopping through hundreds of homes that are on sale
  • In today’s market, only 1 in 12 homes actually sells.
  • Buyers have all the power—they can wait, shop around, and negotiate hard.
  • Sellers who overprice end up sitting on the market, bleeding value every day.

Takeaway: If you want your home to sell, it has to be positioned as the best deal buyers see—not the most expensive gamble.


The Seller Who Lost $40,000

Here’s what happened:

  • Seller believed his home was “the best on the block.”
  • Ignored advice to price realistically.
  • Listed with another agent who told him what he wanted to hear.
  • Four months later, still unsold—and finally cut the price by $60,000.

Reality Check: Hoping the market will agree with you is not a strategy. It’s a trap.


Did you know?

Homes that linger on the market longer than 90 days often sell for 5–10% below their true value. Why? Buyers see “stale” listings as desperate sellers.


Two Types of Sellers

Agent discussing options with their clients
Agent discussing options with their clients
  1. Interested Sellers – Throw a high price on the listing and “see what happens.”
  2. Committed Sellers – Price smart, stage right, and do what it takes to sell.

If you want to win.. Don’t wait! You need to be committed.


Quick Snapshot

The Seller’s dream price was unrealistic from the start. I recommended a lower, competitive price that would have attracted buyers and likely sold quickly.

Instead, they ignored the advice, sat on the market for four long months, and eventually dropped the price below where I had originally suggested. The result? A net loss of more than $40,000—not to mention the wasted time, added stress, and lost opportunities.


Final Reality Check

Buyers don’t care about your memories, upgrades, or emotional attachment. They care about value. If you can’t step into their shoes, you’ll lose money—guaranteed.


Conclusion: Don’t Be the Next $40,000 Story

Homebuyer doing research on their next home purchase or sale
A home seller doing research on their next home sale to position themselves to sell

The market never stays the same, and it will shift again. The sellers who adjust fast are the ones who protect their equity and come out ahead.

If you’re selling in White Rock, South Surrey, or the surrounding area, don’t roll the dice with your biggest asset. Price and position your home to move in a slow market, and you’ll stay in control instead of leaving money on the table.


What if I have any questions about moving to Surrey or White Rock, BC?

Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of South Surrey/White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the real estate market.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.


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