Do you feel stuck wondering why your home is not selling? It feels like an eternity has passed since your home first hit the market, but somehow you just cannot seem to turn that “For Sale” sign into “Sold!”. We know that it can be a real source of anxiety, which is why you shouldn’t wait any longer to make some changes.
But first, we must figure out “the why.”
Below, Gerardo Zavala shines some light on five of the most common issues that could be impacting your house sale.
1. The home is in bad condition
Freshly remodeled and updated homes sell much faster than those that are outdated or in need of repairs. Of course, some homebuyers want a property that needs work because they can buy low, make a few tweaks, and sell high. Those who are not specifically looking for a fixer-upper, on the other hand, are not enthusiastic about the prospect of remodeling or renting another living space while their home is remodeled. They want a home, not a project. So, if your home is not selling, it may just be that it needs some TLC.
Paying to refurbish a home that soon may no longer be yours can be a bitter pill to swallow. However, if you are strategic, it can be worth it. For instance, smart sellers know that they should focus on the selling points, such as the kitchen and other, more minor upgrades that can raise a home’s value, such as new knobs and handles, lighting fixtures, faucets, and a fresh coat of paint.
2. The price is too high
When it comes to why your home may be sitting on the market, if it is not the property’s condition, then it is usually the price. It’s actually common mistake sellers make. They believe pricing their property on the high end means they will cash in big on the sale. The higher the price, the greater the profit, right?
Wrong.
This will be the most significant investment your property’s eventual buyer will ever make. So, yes, the buyers will do their research. And yes, the buyers will pay attention to overpricing, no matter how strong the seller’s market is. And, if they find that the owner is perhaps a bit too ambitious, that high price tag is more likely to send them running in the opposite direction than to help you squeeze every single possible dollar out of it. There aren’t many buyers who are willing to overpay for a home. That is why most will see it as overpriced and not worth the hassle.
3. Your staging isn’t successful — or is non-existent
The whole point of house showings is to allow prospective homebuyers to get a feel for a home, envision themselves living there, and get excited about the prospect of calling it their own. However, that can be a little hard to do when they are tripping over pet toys or getting distracted by all the tchotchkes and kitschy knick-knacks bulging out of every shelve in the house.
Unstaged homes appear cluttered, small, cramped, and dark, whereas staged homes have real ‘buyer appeal,’ and that means they get snapped faster and for more dollars.
So, get a jump on your relocation. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing each room in the house. Once you clear out the space, it will be much easier to see what needs repainting or repairing. Make sure every area is spotless and odor-free, and don’t forget the outside of the home. Finally, partner up with a professional stager to highlight the home’s best features.
4. The photos don’t do it justice
Homebuyers always start their property search online. What does this mean for you as the seller? It means that the first impression they form will be based on your listing photos. In most cases, unattractive or very few pictures of a property are even considered a red flag by the buyers, so it only makes sense that they will just continue scrolling through the listings.
So, what’s the fix?
First, you need to get rid of any clutter and anything unsightly. Family pictures, memorabilia, political or religious books or magazines, and collectibles also have to go. If you need somewhere to store all of your belongings but have not yet found your next home, take the advice of the experts from peasleyboisemovers.com and rent a storage unit. It is a great way to keep the items safe but still out of the way. Finally, get your home professionally staged and photographed. At first glance, it may seem like an unnecessary expense, but make no mistake, professional photography will help to get a homebuyer through the door.
5. The estate agent is not doing a good job
Do you feel your home is not selling because your real estate agent is not doing enough to market the property? Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the property: it’s gorgeous, and the price is right. Still, somehow your property is sitting on the market.
The right real estate agent is one of the key factors determining how the sale goes. So, you need to make sure you choose the right one. A well-versed realtor or real estate agent typically has phenomenal reviews and an extensive list of sold properties. They also have steely determination, crazy negotiating, problem-solving, communication, networking skills, and a winning personality. They should be able to forge a strong selling plan, explain it to you, and keep you in the loop.
If this is not the case, that could be the reason that your property can’t seem to find its buyer. You may need to break up with your current real estate agent before you can move on to greener pastures.
Final words
When a house is on the market for a long time, this could mean many things. Perhaps you haven’t set a fair price, or your listing images don’t compel homebuyers to take an interest. Also, a lot depends on whether you’ve found the right agent and if they’re doing everything in their power to market the home properly. Hopefully, this helped you identify the reason your home is not selling. Now you can figure out your next steps. If you think you may need some help, feel free to contact us via phone or email and schedule your consultation.
About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor
There is a true passion for connecting people with real estate that makes me fall in love with my career over and over again. While my title says, REALTOR® I think I am much more than that. For example, I am present and actively listening to my client’s needs, on the spot when things are urgent, and by your side to say “congratulations.” Most of my clients will say that I am a connection away from support no matter the situation, day, or time. In my opinion, customer service, educating the client on progress and next steps, and overall satisfaction are my top priorities. How can I help you?
