8 Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling

You’ve poured your heart and soul into maintaining and making your home attractive and comfortable as can be throughout the years. But the time has come for you to move out and find a new home. As a homeowner you hope that all your care and hard work will not be for naught and instead be evident to potential buyers, and that the offers surge in quickly.

That’s the best case scenario. But what if your home has been lingering on the market and can’t seem to attract a buyer? Don’t fret. It commonly happens and the answers might surprise you because they aren’t as much of a mystery as they might appear.

Here are 8 reasons why your home isn’t selling:

1. A bad first impression

It is said that first impressions last. If the presentation of your home looks old or shabby, better do some polishing or spruce things up. Remember not to overlook the outside of your home because it’s what people notice first and make the necessary repairs, no matter how small, to put your home in its best condition.

2. The price is unrealistic

An asking price that is too high for the current market will probably have your home sitting in the market longer than you would want to. Look at your house from a buyer’s perspective and examine the sold comparable sales to avoid overpricing your home.

3. Your home is outdated

You don’t want potential buyers who come to visit your home to feel as though they stepped into a time machine. It’s a fact that homes with outdated kitchens and bathrooms often languish on the market longer or sell at a lower price. Keep your home looking fresh and up-to-date. Not only will it look better, it will help improve your home’s property value.

4. You didn’t hire an agent (you’re selling the home yourself)

Homeowners make the mistake of selling their homes themselves to save money. But there’s a risk of making big mistakes in pricing and presentation since you lack the knowledge and skill to show your home well. Hiring a good real estate agent will help you move things along. A good agent is someone that’s competent, experienced and honest. A good agent knows more about the local market, as well as what buyers in your area value most in the homes they’re buying.

5. Your home is too personal

Your sense of style may be right on the money but it can also be a turn off to potential buyers. It is wise to depersonalize your home so buyers touring your home will find it easy to visualize their families living in it.  Remove family photos, vibrant colored drapes and furniture and even sports trophies on the shelf.

6. Unflattering Photos

If the photos of your home are of poor quality or don’t flatter, prospective buyers won’t notice or even take a second look. If you plan to list your home online, make sure the photos are bright and engaging so it can immediately catch the attention of buyers. People who search homes online are more drawn to interesting images rather than lengthy texts or property descriptions.

7. Lack of marketing and advertising

Failing to effectively advertise the home for sale results to a lesser chance of getting the home sold faster and for a higher price. You need to expose your home to as many potential buyers as possible. The larger your pool of buyers, the higher the likelihood you will field multiple offers. In today’s world full of marketing and advertising outlets, you can now also post the listing on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

8. You’re not ready to say goodbye

Yes, it’s hard to let go of something you cherished and loved for years. Lingering memories and emotions won’t help you to be fully ready to sell your house. Think things over before plunging into the selling process. If you’re not certain then you’re not ready. It’s that simple.

It’s easy to avoid any hitches in the sale of your home if you focus on the goal. Remember you’re not after buyer previews but purchase offers and eventually picking one to get the most from your investment.