Real estate professionals continually tweak their pricing strategies to attract serious buyers. There’s much more to a real estate transaction than meets the eye. Beyond simple supply and demand, motivated buyers are driven by the value they see in the deal. Pricing, terms, interest rates, down payments, fees, commissions, other costs, and long‑term value all play a role. Depending on the target market, tailored pricing strategies often appeal to serious buyers. In today’s feature, we explore several buyer groups and how pricing strategies can benefit them.
First-time homebuyers are an interesting group because they’re just entering the property market. Typically, this group is familiar with the rental market and understands that the transition to homeownership offers clear long-term benefits. Realtors often appeal to first-time homebuyers by talking about the equity they can build by owning a home. For homeowners, every mortgage payment helps build ownership in a real asset. Early on, much of each payment goes toward interest rather than principal, but that balance shifts over time.
The Psychology of the Number
The “Search Bridge” Strategy
80% of buyers search using price filters with $25k or $50k increments (e.g., “Max $500k” or “Min $500k”).
If you price at $499,900, you are INVISIBLE to the buyer searching “$500k to $600k”. If you price at $500,000, you appear in results for buyers looking up to $500k AND buyers looking from $500k.
When to use this:
Use this when your home is “on the fence” of a major price point (e.g., $400k, $500k, $750k, $1M) and is in good condition.
Odd Numbers ($X99k) vs. Round Numbers ($X00k)
Your pricing format sends a subconscious signal to buyers before they even click the listing.
- $499,000 (The “Bargain” Signal)
Triggers the “left-digit effect.” Implies value, urgency, and a deal. Best for: Standard suburban homes, fixer-uppers, high-inventory areas. - $500,000 (The “Prestige” Signal)
Round numbers imply quality, luxury, and “firm” pricing. Best for: Luxury properties (Park Cities), unique architecture, turnkey homes.
Equity is a powerful tool. Homeowners often use the difference between their home’s market value and their remaining loan balance to fund renovations, education, investments, big purchases, or even bucket-list experiences. Putting down roots with real estate is a serious commitment to building wealth. For most people, a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. It can become the foundation for stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.
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Veterans, service members, and eligible family members represent another important group in the homebuying market. There are tens of millions of veterans across the United States, spanning as far back as World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and other conflicts. Veterans are unique; they have put country and duty above self.
Their sacrifice helps ensure that the rest of us can live free and enjoy the benefits of our way of life. As a gesture of gratitude for their service, society pays it forward in VA loan requirements. Because the government partially backs these loans, lenders are often more willing to extend credit to veterans.
Realtors often highlight these veteran-focused programs because they’re backed by the VA. The homeownership benefits for veterans are substantial. For starters, veterans are not required to make a down payment when applying for a VA mortgage. Other buyers using conventional loans often need as much as 20% down to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Eligible veterans are exempt from this requirement, which makes the prospect of homeownership a whole lot easier. Equally important are the interest rates and terms associated with VA loans. VA home loans often carry interest rates that are slightly lower than, or at least on par with, many non‑VA loans. Even a small reduction in the rate can translate into significant long-term savings.
Home warranties, homeowners’ association (HOA) dues, realtor fees, and commissions can all add up to serious extra costs on top of the mortgage. Given that the median home price in the United States is $430,000, monthly mortgage payments are already high. Additional expenses like insurance, warranty coverage, HOA dues, and realtor fees or commissions can eat into a buyer’s disposable income. Savvy realtors can appeal to motivated buyers by addressing these concerns in several ways.
For example, some agents include a one‑year home warranty with the purchase as a simple thank‑you. HOA dues aren’t the realtor’s responsibility, but buyers appreciate it when agents share information about how stable those dues have been and how quickly they’ve tended to increase. Realtor fees and commissions are also negotiable in many situations. All of these steps can tip the scales in favor of buyers and help move the deal forward.
The Curtain Call
Savvy real estate professionals understand that the perceived all‑in cost really matters. Often, it’s the extra expenses that complicate a deal. By being proactive about these costs especially realtor fees and commissions, offering a complimentary one‑year home warranty, or providing clear information about HOA dues, they can put buyers at ease and tilt the decision in their favor.
In the end, it’s less about one specific number and more about whether buyers feel the home is worth the overall value. It’s a balance of fair pricing and smart concessions and that’s how realtors consistently close deals.