As much as we might like to believe that selling a home is as simple as putting up a “For Sale” sign, there’s so much that goes into finding a buyer. You may find yourself frustrated as your property lingers on the market for much longer than you expected. This can be frustrating and downright emotional, especially if you’re doing your best.
If this sounds like you and your home has been up for sale for much longer than you thought it would be, here are some common reasons why that might be the case.
It’s Overpriced
One of the most common reasons why a home will remain unsold is because it’s simply priced too high. A common reason for this is often that we have such a high sentimental and emotional attachment to our homes that we want to set a high price that reflects that.
Unfortunately, the high price is not actually aligned with market value, and buyers will immediately look elsewhere. Reevaluate your pricing strategy by comparing your home to other properties in your area that have sold recently.
This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced real estate agent who has an understanding of the local market. In some cases, even lowering the price a few hundred dollars can make a significant difference in how many offers you get.
Putting your emotions and sentimental value aside will make a world of difference when it comes to pricing. Logic over emotion wins every time— particularly in the world of real estate.
No Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home. If your property has no curb appeal, then buyers will be deterred, it’s really that simple. Is your overgrown lawn turning them away? Perhaps the paint is peeling.
If your exterior is uninviting, then people looking at your home are going to assume the interior is the same. You want to put some time and investment into improving your home’s curb appeal. Even simple changes like mowing the lawn can clean things up and make a significant difference in how fast your home sells. The idea is to create something that people are attracted to, not something that people will perceive as a fixer-upper.
No Marketing
Unless you live in the most appealing home in the world and you’re selling it basically for free, you’re going to need to do a little marketing. From social media to real estate websites, you want to upload high-quality videos that will showcase your home in the best possible light. This is why a professional photographer is so important when creating your listing. They know the right angles and lighting to make your home look its absolute best.
Your real estate agent will have tips on which platforms are going to be the best for getting the kind of attention you hope to. Ideally, they’ll already have a strong online presence, and they’ll be able to attract attention to your listing thanks to their network.