They do dictate value...they dont dictate listing price. People are free to try to sell for whatever they want or think they can get. That doesn't mean they have a clue about what its actually worth. Most realtors wont push back or give much advise price wise, they just run with what the seller wants to list for or they are out of touch themselves and need to take some appraisal based continuing Education courses.
I think its overpriced because its been on market as long as it has and we were first offer made on it. It also lacked from other sales in last 6 months forvthe price range it was in.
Its got mechanical /electrical/well issues, exterior of was never finished. Lots of missing exterior finishing/trim components and very half ass finishing in other places. All flooring needed replaced, basement unfinished and what finishing was started needed redone. It was rough. The fact it was on market over 200 days with no offers speaks to my evaluation as well.
The one we didn't offer on was lacking a few finishing details but otherwise solid. If it had a basement and larger outbuilding and the water/well rights/agreement were in order and in writing we may have tried on that one. Even with those things it would have been 100k overpriced. Its still on market after about a year as well.
There are alot of places in tge mountain west that people own as second homes and dont NEED to sell. Ive seen them sit for years with no or minimal price changes or get taken off market for few months then relist for the same or slightly lower price. Its an odd market. Seems alot of stuff priced right sells quick, often before listings hit the public. Likeky brokerage in-house deals with buyers agents have had in their pocket waiting for the right thing to come along.
Thing about pricing homes is you often get one shot to get it right. Shoot way to high and it'll sit, and the longer it sits the worse it looks to potential buyers and the fewer and lower offers you'll get if any. Not ALWAYS the case, but often.
Many listing have had price reductions in that area last few months, a few sold, many havent.
I regard to
@go_deep comment...thats partially true in the fact that I dont want it bad enough to put my family's finacial well being in jeopardy to make it happen or settle for housing that doesn't suite our needs and wants.
I wont lie though, Im pretty tired in general at this point. I may no want it bad enough right now. May need to regroup and reevaluate somethings in 2026.
Helena is still on the list and may just go spend a week with the family there this year to see how that feels.
Montana definitely has alot more to offer job wise. I hear they could use some more red votes as well.
To be continued.