H
ome sellers are increasingly pulling their listings when offers fall short, a realtor.com® report shows. The trend signals a widening gap between buyer affordability and seller price expectations, with 2025 recording the most canceled contracts and delistings since the site began tracking them. While delistings usually spike in late fall, this year’s rise began in June; October saw a 38% jump versus last year, and year‑to‑date figures are up 45% from 2024.

    Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®, explained that many sellers retreat after listing if the market doesn’t meet their price goals, while buyers shift to more affordable metros. “Delistings are at record highs, yet they still represent a small share of total listings,” she said at the National Association of REALTORS® virtual “Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead.” Sellers, buoyed by strong equity, can afford to wait for market improvement rather than cut prices, and some choose to pull listings off the market until next spring.

    Redfin’s latest data identifies sellers most likely to delist. Homes that lingered 100 days before removal were common; markets with the highest percentages of “stale” listings (60+ days) include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Austin. Some sellers opt to rent out their properties until conditions improve, hoping to relist at higher prices later. About 15% of September delistings risked selling at a loss—the highest share in five years. Nearly half of delisted homes were purchased within the last five years, many of which were bought during the pandemic and are held for higher prices.

    Rebecca Hidalgo of Integrity All Stars Realty notes that many canceled listings stem from sellers who, after no showings, refuse to lower prices and pull the property off the market. “There’s a lot of pride, ego, and emotion tied to home selling,” she said.

    To curb delistings and canceled contracts, real estate professionals emphasize several tactics:

    1. **Price accurately from the outset.** Overpricing stalls sales; a 3–5% premium can extend days on market and force deeper reductions. Realtors who guide sellers to realistic prices secure faster sales and stronger final prices, according to NAR’s housing forecast.

    2. **Prepare the home thoroughly.** Buyers are less willing to compromise on condition. Agents recommend key updates—painting, roof repairs, kitchen refreshes—and attention to details like clean air filters, tidy entryways, and fresh baseboards.

    3. **Build buyer confidence with pre‑listing inspections.** A seller‑funded inspection allows repairs before the market debut, reduces last‑minute surprises, and fosters transparency. Cara Ameer of Coldwell Banker’s Vanguard Realty says disclosure builds confidence, encouraging buyers to proceed to closing.

    4. **Monitor the market and act swiftly.** Agents track local supply, demand, and pending sales to advise competitive pricing. If demand wanes, a strategic 2–5% adjustment can reignite interest. Timing reductions midweek can boost visibility on agents’ “hot sheets” and attract weekend buyers.

    5. **Be ready to negotiate.** Offering closing‑cost assistance, repair credits, or minor concessions can attract buyers. Realtors who anticipate negotiation scenarios prepare clients for give‑and‑take conversations, helping prevent deals from collapsing.

    By adopting these strategies, sellers can reduce the likelihood of delistings and keep contracts moving toward closing.