When the time comes to sell, many New Jersey homeowners wonder whether pricing a home slightly below market value could spark bidding wars and faster sales.
Realtor Lorraine Macaluso has guided dozens of Union County sellers through shifting markets, and she explains that while strategic pricing can draw attention, it must be done carefully — and locally.
📈 How Pricing Below Market Can Work
For example, in competitive areas like Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Mountainside and Summit, a well-priced home can generate strong early interest.
In addition, a slightly lower list price often pulls more buyers into open houses, leading to multiple offers that drive the price back up — or higher.
However, the strategy only works when market demand is active, and the property shows beautifully from day one.
Lorraine notes that homes listed around 2–3 percent below market value tend to perform best when competition is high.
⚖️ When This Strategy Can Backfire
Meanwhile, pricing too low can create doubt among serious buyers or risk leaving money on the table.
In slower markets, underpricing may not attract enough offers to push the value back up.
Therefore, Lorraine always reviews current absorption rates, average days on market, and comparable sales before recommending any adjustment.
She reminds sellers that each neighborhood — from Fanwood to Cranford — behaves differently even within the same county.
🧾 The Role of Presentation and Timing
In addition, pricing alone isn’t the magic bullet.
Well-staged homes with updated photos and curb appeal tend to convert interest into offers more quickly.
As a result, Lorraine often pairs a competitive price with high-quality marketing, ensuring buyers see immediate value instead of just a low number.
For instance, a fresh launch during the spring or early fall market can multiply the impact of smart pricing.
💬 How Lorraine Helps Sellers Decide
Lorraine Macaluso begins every listing consultation with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that outlines pricing ranges and recent Union County sales.
That way, sellers understand how their home stacks up before setting a number.
Her approach blends local data with buyer psychology, showing when an aggressive price could work — and when a steady, value-based strategy makes more sense.
Because of her experience across varying markets, her sellers avoid guesswork and price confidently from the start.
💡 Local Insight
“In Union County, momentum matters,” says Lorraine.
“When buyers sense strong interest, they act fast — but the listing has to be positioned exactly right. Too high or too low, and you lose leverage.”
As a result, her listings often receive multiple offers within the first two weeks, even in balanced markets.
💬 Thinking About Selling?
If you’re planning to sell in Union County or nearby Middlesex and Somerset towns, Realtor Lorraine Macaluso can provide a personalized market analysis and pricing strategy that attracts qualified buyers — not just traffic.
Her calm, data-driven approach helps homeowners secure the strongest outcome with less stress.
📌Want to explore more towns and learn more about the buying process across New Jersey? Visit Lorraine Macaluso’s Buyer Hub for Union, Middlesex, Somerset, and Morris County for helpful guidance and local insights.