1) having a lower price attracts more bidders, and the bidders may go much higher than they originally planned after they see it in person.
2) having multiple potential buyers in the mix creates urgency, which drives the price up AND lets you sell faster.
3) Homes aren't free to own. Most have mortgages that you waste money on interest again each month, amongst other things (taxes). Selling fast for cheaper may not be less money in the end.
4) Homes on the market for a long time get tainted. People get worried there's a reason no one has jumped on it yet (maybe there's a sinkhole under it, or the water is bad, or some other thing you can't tell in a driveby).