Top 3 Reasons Houses Don’t Sell

If you’ve paid attention to listings on the MLS or other sites like Zillow and Trulia, you may have noticed some homes sit on the market much longer than others. Perhaps you need to sell your house and you’re in that situation now! In order to avoid this or remedy the problem as quickly as possible, review these top three reasons houses don’t sell. 

Reason 1: The Price Isn’t Right…

When first listing your home, don’t make the mistake of overpricing it! When considering home value, it’s recommended to look at other comparable homes already on the market to determine a fair asking price. Some sellers start off with a high asking price and assume they’ll just lower it later if nobody bites. However, because the first two weeks a home is on the market are the most important, this strategy can backfire. More often than not, overpriced homes take longer to get offers and sell for less than market value.

Why? Because if a home spends too long on the market, potential buyers automatically assume something’s wrong with it, especially when they compare it to newer listings. These same newer listings will get more attention than older, more expensive ones and the overpriced listing will be lost in further pages of search results. Not only is an overpriced home financially deterring, but it limits the number of people who see your home if the asking price strays too far from market value. 

Alternatively, if your house is priced too low, buyers will also think there’s something wrong with it. That’s why it’s important to list your home at the right price. If your home is fairly priced, it can garner strong interest within its first two weeks on the market and spark bidding wars amongst buyers. This naturally raises the home value and the deal is likely to close at a higher sales price.

Reason 2: Poor Marketing

In today’s digital age, online advertising is as important as ever. Most buyers will first find your home through the internet, whether that’s through a listing site or social media, so it’s important you or your agent are boosting web traffic to your home’s listing. 

It’s well worth it to invest in professional real estate photography so the first online glimpse at your house is nothing short of stunning. The photos shouldn’t seem rushed and your house shouldn’t look cluttered or dirty. If the photos are taken during a rainy day, your house can come off dark and depressing. Common mistakes often lead to reasons houses don’t sell, so hire a skilled professional for photography and digital advertising to ensure your house’s best first impression reaches the most people possible.

Reason 3: Shabby Conditions

Buyers notice the little things, and sometimes they’re exactly what stands between the buyer and picturing themselves in your home. Unkempt landscaping, a worn-out front door, smoking or pet odors, cluttered spaces or dimly lit rooms can all be deterrents. 

Making simple repairs or touch-ups that don’t break the bank can still totally revamp your space. Apart from kitchen and bathroom upgrades, you can add curb appeal by adding a fresh coat of paint, trimming the lawn, opening the blinds, and upgrading old light fixtures—all guaranteed ways to boost your home value and help you sell your house faster and for more money.