Sellers: Should You Take Your Home Off the Market or Lower the Price?

What we’re answering: Is it smarter for sellers in 2025 to delist a home that's not moving, or reduce the price to attract buyers?

Short answer: More sellers are pulling listings rather than cutting prices—but depending on your timeline, equity, and market dynamics, a strategic price adjustment could still be your best move.

The 2025 Market: Cooling Down, Not Crashing

If your home isn't selling, you're not alone. According to Redfin, over 85,000 homes were pulled from the market in September 2025, a 28% increase year-over-year, marking the highest delisting count for that month in nearly a decade. Many homeowners would rather wait than settle for a discount.

Why? Despite fewer active buyers, sellers are still clinging to pandemic-era price expectations. Meanwhile, over 50% of homes are selling below asking, revealing a clear disconnect between seller hopes and buyer behavior.

Why Sellers Are Choosing to Delist

Delisting isn't just about defeat—it's often strategic. Here’s why many sellers across DFW, Austin, Greater Houston, and the Texas Gulf Coast are opting to pull back:

• Locked-in low interest rates make moving financially less attractive.
• Avoiding a "stale listing" stigma by resetting Days on Market later.
• Waiting for stronger seasonal or market conditions (like spring).
• Exploring rental income or staying put as a holding strategy.

For sellers who aren’t under pressure to move, going off-market can feel like regaining control.

When Lowering the Price Is the Smarter Play

But if your home needs to sell—whether due to relocation, downsizing, or lifestyle changes—a well-timed price adjustment might be the best route.

Here’s when you should consider it:

• You’ve had 10-30+ Days on Market with minimal showings
• Nearby comps are selling faster—but at lower prices
• Feedback indicates your price is out of sync with buyer expectations
• You want to maximize exposure and competition on MLS platforms

Lowering your price doesn't mean giving up. It means repositioning based on what the market is actually willing to bear.

How to Decide: Questions to Ask Yourself

Before pulling your listing or adjusting price, reflect on these key questions:

• What are homes in your neighborhood actually selling for?
• Can you afford to wait, or do you need to sell within 90 days?
• Would a price drop still leave you with the equity you want?
• Could you relist with a refreshed strategy later—or is now your best window?

The answers will shape your strategy.

Final Takeaway: Strategy Beats Reaction

In a market defined by hesitation, your advantage comes from having a clear plan. If you can wait for the right time, delisting may preserve your listing's strength. But if you're ready to move and motivated to sell, a smart price adjustment—guided by real data—could get you to the finish line faster. 

Want help deciding what's best for your home? Let's talk strategy.

I'm Cathy Carter, Broker and Founder of Carter Signature Properties, serving sellers across Texas, including  DFW, Austin, Greater Houston, and the Texas Gulf Coast. If you're debating whether to stay listed or step back, I will share data, to help you make the most strategic next move.

Schedule a call today and let’s position your home to win—on your terms.