The High Valuation Trap: Why the Highest Asking Price Could Cost You Thousands

24th June 2026
Posted in Uncategorized

It’s a completely natural instinct. When you’re preparing to sell your home, you want the best possible return on your investment. So, when an estate agent walks through your door and promises a valuation significantly higher than the rest, it’s incredibly tempting to sign with them on the spot.

But here is a hard truth about the property market: choosing the agent who gives you the highest valuation is often the biggest mistake a seller can make.

Our member, Pete Corbett, at EweMove Sales and Lettings in Sale explains:

In the industry, this tactic is known as “buying the instruction.” Some agents will deliberately over-value your home simply to flatter you and win your business. Once you’re locked into a contract, the reality of the market sets in, and the problems begin.

The Danger of the Inflated Price Tag

When a property hits the market at an inflated price, a domino effect occurs – and none of it benefits the seller:

• A Drastic Drop in Viewings: Today’s buyers are savvy and well-researched. They know what properties in the area are worth. If a house is priced out of sync with similar homes, they simply won’t book a viewing.
• The Price Reduction Stigma: When a house sits with no interest, the inevitable price reduction follows. This immediately signals to buyers that either the seller is desperate, or there is something fundamentally wrong with the property.
• Market Languishing: Homes that stay on the market too long go stale. The longer a property is listed, the lower the final agreed price tends to be as buyers feel emboldened to submit lowball offers.

The EweMove Approach

We have a saying: You can never truly under-value a house.

Why? Because a property that is priced realistically and marketed brilliantly will always find its true ceiling through competitive buyer interest.

Our focus is entirely on pricing and marketing your home correctly from day one. By launching at the right price, we generate immediate interest, maximise footfall, and often create a competitive bidding environment.

The results speak for themselves. Because we value honestly and market aggressively, we achieve an average of 103% of the asking price for our clients. No false promises, no lingering on the property portals – just transparent advice and real results.

If you’re thinking of selling in or around Sale and want an honest, data-driven valuation rather than a flattering work of fiction, get in touch with Pete on 0161 3939 389.

Visit www.ewemove.com/sale to see how they can help you get moving.