When you put your house on the market, there’s always a sense of uncertainty. Of course, you hope it’ll sell quickly. But sometimes it just doesn’t happen that way. The worst-case scenario? Your home languishes on the market for days, weeks, maybe even months without any serious offers.
If that’s the boat you’re in, one step you might take is simply seeking a diagnosis. There are a number of reasons why your home might not be selling, and if you can determine which one, it can point you toward some potential solutions.
Here are eight of the most common reasons why a house might not sell.
Why Isn’t Your House Selling?
- You’ve priced it too high. This is by far the most common reason why houses fail to sell. If you’ve pitched your asking price well above the home’s true value, buyers are naturally going to balk… and, your house won’t show up in online searches for buyers within certain price ranges, costing you key opportunities. Be sure you price your house properly the first time, taking into account comparable prices, the condition of the home itself, and the overall state of the market.
- The staging is off. One of the most important steps to selling a house is staging it. Before you list, you should spend some time getting rid of obtrusive clutter and arranging your furniture in a way that maximizes space. Staging errors can make your home appear smaller, more cramped, or less appealing than it really is; and if you flub up that first impression, buyers will walk out.
- The curb appeal is bad. Speaking of first impressions… another one of the most important steps to selling a house is sprucing up the exterior, making it look as exquisite and well-maintained as possible. If you’ve let your lawn go, if your front door has peeling paint, if the sidewalk is dirty or strewn with debris… any of these issues could be huge turn-offs to your buyers.
- You took bad photos. What if the culprit is bad real estate photos? Remember that potential buyers will almost surely research your house online before they come to tour it in person. One of our most important tips for selling your house is to make sure you have high-quality, professional-grade photos to entice house hunters. Again, you only have one shot to make a strong first impression.
- You’ve got a very specific problem with your property. Hopefully, you’re getting some good, nuanced feedback from showings… and if so, take it to heart. If all your house hunters tell you that the bathroom looks yucky or the kitchen is out of date, well, that may mean you need to think about renovation or repair.
- You’ve picked the wrong way to sell your home. There’s more than one way to list a home; you can go with a traditional agent, work with a flat-fee broker, or pursue the FSBO route. The correct approach depends on your specific real estate goals. To get individualized tips for selling your house, request your SOLD.com report.
- You’re focusing on the wrong tactics. Another common reason why homes don’t sell? You’re putting too much stock in real estate strategies that just don’t work. For example, a lot of sellers bet the farm on open houses. Open houses can be good, and they can be effective… but if your open houses don’t lead to any real leads, you may want to consider some alternate strategies.
- You’re working with the wrong agent. If you’re paying an agent to represent you, and to help you get buyers for your home… and if that agent just isn’t coming through for you… well, that’s a pretty clear indicator that something needs to change. Maybe what needs to change is the agent you’re employing. Consider some other options for getting your house sold.
These are just some of the roadblocks that could be standing between you and the sale of your home. As you consider your options for getting the place sold, quickly and for top dollar, don’t forget your SOLD.com seller’s report! Claim yours today and take a big step toward a successful real estate listing.
