If your house has been on the market for weeks and your agent is suggesting another price cut, you're far from alone. This fall, about 1 in 5 home listings lowered their asking price, the highest share in four years. It's a frustrating spot: every week the house sits, you keep paying the mortgage, taxes, and utilities, and every cut tells buyers they might get a better deal if they wait a little longer.
There's another way to sell. Beth Rose Real Estate and Auctions has helped Ohio and Michigan families sell homes at auction since 1995, including many that had already sat on the market. This guide explains why so many listings are stalling right now, what tends to happen after the first price cut, and how an auction can give you a firm sale date instead.
The short answer: Price cuts are common right now. About 21% of listings lowered their price in September, the most in four years, as sellers outnumber buyers in many markets. Instead of cutting again and waiting, an auction sets a firm sale date, brings buyers to open houses before the sale, and lets competitive bidding decide the price. Beth Rose charges sellers no commission, and a home typically closes about 60 days after the auction contract is signed.
What you'll learn
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More homes are for sale than there are buyers ready to purchase them. Mortgage rates briefly dipped below 6% early this year, then climbed as high as 7.4% in October, the highest in nearly three years. That keeps many buyers on the sidelines while more sellers list.
| What the data shows | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Listings that lowered their initial price, September 2026 | About 21%, the highest share in four years | Realtor.com, via the Associated Press |
| Sellers compared with buyers in the 50 largest U.S. metros, September 2026 | About 63% more sellers than buyers | Redfin, via the Associated Press |
| National median days on market, September 2026 | 33 days, up from 31 in August | National Association of Realtors |
| Midwest existing-home sales, September 2026 | Down 2.1% from a year earlier | National Association of Realtors |
| Midwest median sale price, September 2026 | $329,600, up 3.1% from a year earlier | National Association of Realtors |
The Midwest is holding up better than many parts of the country. Prices here are still rising. But fewer homes are selling than a year ago, and that means more competition for the buyers who are out there. A home that's priced right can still sit if buyers are waiting to see what happens next.
A price cut can bring new attention, but it often starts a cycle that's hard to break.
The Associated Press described sellers in this market who cut their price more than once and still waited months for a deal. For a family that needs to move, or heirs settling an estate, that uncertainty can be the hardest part. See the carrying-cost worksheet in our guide to what it costs to sell a house at auction to estimate yours.
An auction replaces the open-ended wait with a plan. Instead of an asking price buyers negotiate down from, motivated buyers compete against each other, and the price rises until one bidder is left. We believe that's how sellers get the most money, especially for homes that draw strong interest.
| Another price cut | Beth Rose auction | |
|---|---|---|
| Sale date | Unknown | Set before marketing starts |
| Who sets the price | Buyers negotiating down from your asking price | Buyers competing against each other |
| Showings | Scattered appointments | Open houses before the auction |
| Repairs and renegotiation | Often requested after the buyer's inspection | None; homes sell as-is |
| Time to closing | Open-ended | Typically about 60 days from signing the auction contract |
Less than many sellers expect. With Beth Rose:
For a full breakdown and a side-by-side net proceeds example, read How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House at Auction in Ohio?
If your home has been sitting, you don't have to keep guessing. Beth Rose Real Estate and Auctions is a third-generation, family-owned firm led by Beth Rose, CAI, AARE, AMM, the 2016 International Auctioneer Champion. We'll look at your home, talk through your goals, and give you a written plan and cost estimate before you decide anything.
Request a Free Auction Consultation or call 419-534-6223 to talk with our team.
A price cut can bring new interest, but it can also signal that more cuts are coming, and buyers may wait. If your home has already been reduced once and is still sitting, an auction is worth considering. It sets a firm sale date and lets competitive bidding decide the price.
In many markets, sellers outnumber buyers, and mortgage rates rose as high as 7.4% in October. About 21% of listings cut their price in September, the most in four years. Even well-priced homes can sit when buyers expect prices to keep falling.
With Beth Rose, a home typically closes about 60 days after the seller signs the auction contract. That includes marketing, open houses, the auction, and closing.
We believe auction brings sellers the most money because buyers compete against each other on a firm date instead of negotiating down from an asking price. You also avoid more months of carrying costs and repair renegotiation, since homes sell as-is.
Yes. Many of the homes we auction have already been on the market. We'll talk through the timing with you.
No seller commission. The buyer pays a 10% buyer's premium, and the seller pays only the actual cost of advertising, which is set in writing before you sign.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Market figures are national or regional and may not reflect your local market.