Why do some homes sell quickly while others stay on the market for months? And why isn’t your house selling? What is going on? You thought it was still a hot market, right? In this post, we’ll explore some possible reasons why your house isn’t selling and what you can do to fix it!
For starters, selling a house takes effort. A sale only happens when the price, property, and buyer come together perfectly. As a seller, you need to take an honest look at your home to make this happen. What is its condition? What is its location? How do these things compare to the price and the price of other properties that have sold in a similar condition? You have to be brutally honest with yourself. Just because zillow says it’s worth a million bucks doesn’t necessarily mean it is.
Don’t Set Your Asking Price Too High
So many people are quick to list a property, without really considering the amount they will actually walk away with. You might take a guess at what it’s worth, and mark it up a bit for commissions and other listing costs. If only it were that easy. Many sellers don’t have a realistic value for their home. Before you list, run some comps for properties that have recently sold in your area. You might even consider having an appraisal done.
If you need to reduce your asking price, buyers will notice on sites like the MLS. If you keep lowering it, potential buyers might think something is wrong with the house.
Your Clutter Can Be a Turn-Off
Even if you love your belongings, they are still your personal items. How can a potential buyer picture the extra bedroom as an office if it’s filled with teddy bears? Take a look around your house, don’t fall in love with the items, just think how someone else might picture what it ‘could’ be and make that process as simple as possible.
Here are a few things you should do:
- Put away personal items.
- Clear paperwork from tables and desks.
- Take down personal photos.
- Store away things like your robe, razor, and toothbrush.
And while you’re at it, give the house a deep clean. To be honest, your regular cleaning routine might not meet the standards of some buyers. Now’s the time to embrace your inner neat freak!
You Aren’t Able to Compete
Thinking about listing your home in Virginia? Do you know what you’re competing with? It’s important to check out other homes for sale in your area. Find out what your neighbors are asking and what similar homes have actually sold for. Use listing websites and your county appraiser’s data to get accurate information. Focus on the selling prices, not just the listing prices.
It’s also helpful to understand the type of buyers in your area. Are there many families? Consider making your yard family-friendly. If there are lots of young professionals, showcase a space as a home office or gym to attract their interest.
It Needs Repairs
Be honest with yourself. There may be issues in your home that you’ve gotten used to and stopped noticing. It’s a good idea to get an outside perspective on what needs fixing. Ask friends or your real estate agent for their honest feedback. You might even consider doing an inspection yourself. Fixing repairs will not only improve your chances of selling but also reduce the buyer’s ability to negotiate the price down due to needed fixes.
Bad Photos
Most people search for homes online, and poor-quality photos can ruin a listing. On the other hand, professional photos can make a huge difference in attracting buyers. Don’t settle for an agent who snaps a quick picture from their car. Make sure your home is free of clutter in every photo—nothing should be out of place. Even if you have to put items back after the photoshoot, taking the time to capture great photos can make or break your listing.
Your Agent isn’t Performing
Some agents do the bare minimum, hoping for a quick sale. They may have gotten their license just to make some fast money. But that’s not how we operate at Sell Simpli. We are dedicated real estate professionals who truly want to help people. We believe everyone deserves to love the property they own!
Problems with Title
Selling a property with liens or title issues can be challenging. For example, maybe your great aunt gave you the property, but it was never legally transferred to your name (also known as a transfer without conveyance). If you’re planning to sell a property in Reston, it’s important to resolve these issues before listing it to avoid delays or complications.