If your house has been on the market for a while, showings are lagging, and you haven’t received any offers, I’m sure you’re driving yourself crazy wondering why! Below are some common reasons homes linger and what you can do to help yours sell more quickly.

5 Reasons Why Your Home May Not Be Selling

Overpriced

Pricing is ESSENTIAL. Don’t dismiss the importance of experienced pricing strategies, especially from the first day you list your home!  Set the price too high and the market literally passes you by. Buyers would rather not deal with unrealistic sellers and will simply choose other homes to view and purchase. Plus it’s important to be cognizant of price brackets so your house can get in front of the right buyers when they’re searching online. It may be time for a price drop, to revisit marketing strategies, and carefully review showing feedback from buyers who viewed your home. The importance of communication and responsiveness with your realtor is vital. 

SMELL Doesn’t Sell! 

Odors trigger an immediate “get me out of here” response on showings. Buyers will leave a house in less than 2 minutes in a home that has a foul smell! Is it possible that you are nose blind? The top five odors that deter buyers are cigarettes, pet odor/urine, cooking, mold, and mildew. How to fix this issue? Air out your house, scrub walls and floors that have been soiled by pets, professionally clean drapes and upholstered furniture, clean your carpets, apply a fresh coat of odor blocking paint, repair/replace moldy drywall and wood. Clean sells! 

You’re Making Showings Difficult 

If you can’t accommodate showing requests from prospective buyers, this WILL hinder the sale of the property and rack up days on the market. This will result in losing negotiating “time” and leverage, portraying a false stigma on your property. The fix is to be ready for showings! Always keep your home clean, tidy and in order so you’re prepared for any showing that may pop up. 

Instant Red Flags  

Buyers have a keen eye and can size up your home with just ONE photo!   Christmas lights still hanging on the gutters in June, duct taped plumbing, cracked window panes, water stains, outlets exposed, missing cover on panel box, and extension cords plugged into space heaters will result in home inspection woes and scare buyers off. Make sure you identify and fix any issues that will signal a red flag.

For Sale By Owner

Selling a house on your own may look easy, but it’s not, and will cost you money and time. It’s like giving yourself a haircut! You can do it, but should you? An experienced sellers’ realtor knows how to position your home to sell and avoid the pitfalls. 

If you want a seamless home selling process, you now know what NOT to do when selling your home.  Time is money, and money is time. So, to maximize your value when it’s time to sell,  plan accordingly, and hire an experienced realtor over convenience.  Hire a realtor who is focused on your needs, and has the knowledge and the experience that comes from holding a premier credential designation as a “Seller Representative Specialist” (SRS). 

Looking to sell your home? Let’s talk about results that will MOVE you!