Why Isn't My Home Selling?

When selling a home, all of us dream about finding a buyer within the first few weeks; however, if things just don’t seem to be moving, it’s time to take a closer look at the total package you’re presenting. Sure, there are times when the market may be to blame or perhaps the season is notoriously slow, but if no one is coming by or the offers are simply not showing up, you may want to ask yourself a few questions.

IS MY LIST PRICE TOO HIGH?

Yes, your home is great. You’ve raised your children within its walls and made an abundance of great memories but sadly, those wonderful memories do not equate with a higher sale price. Plain and simple, your home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, so if it’s not selling, you may want to take a step back to consider whether you’re letting too much emotion into the picture.

Make a point to work with your Realtor and listen to their recommendations regarding current market conditions and what similar homes are selling for. Lowering your price may be better than letting it sit on the market for months and having to lower it in the end anyway.

DOES MY HOME LOOK APPEALING TO THOSE PASSING BY?

Curb appeal. Curb appeal. Curb appeal. It. Is. That. Important. While it’s easy to become complacent, especially when you’ve been pulling into the same drive way for the past 10 years, selling your property definitely requires a bit of personal honesty regarding the exterior of your home.

While certain things like peeling paint and unkempt grass may seem like obvious starting points, consider taking note of certain features that stand out on other homes in the area. Whether it’s a brightly painted front door or flowers lining a walkway, speak with your Realtor about whether something similar may improve your home’s curb appeal.

DO THINGS NEED TO BE CLEANER?

There’s every day clean and then there’s selling-your-home clean. While making a point to dust and vacuum once a week may be enough for your tastes, buyers are going to expect a bit more. Sure, the white glove test may seem excessive on a regular basis, but if you’re preparing your home for a showing, it’s important to address those window ledges, baseboards, ceiling corners, and blinds. Everything should look as pristine as possible, so make a point to look at your home the way a buyer would see it.

With that, get rid of the clutter! Assuming potential buyers won’t look in your closet or will avoid passing judgement about the dishes in the sink is a mistake. At the end of the day, you should want to create an environment where your home looks like a show home. In other words, no one lives there.

IS MY LISTING ATTRACTING BUYERS?

In today’s digital world, most buyers are searching for their next home online, so making sure your listing adequately covers the highlights of your house is vital. While it may be easy to assume that bad photos are no big deal since prospective buyers will see how great things are in person, chances are good that those bad photos will stop buyers from ever wanting to see your home in the first place.

When choosing a Realtor, make sure you select someone who is not only experienced, but who either hires a professional or understands how to take photos that will make your home look its best. With that, they should also be someone who knows how to make the listing of your home as appealing as possible.

ARE YOU MAKING YOUR HOME AVAILABLE TO BUYERS?

Yes, you have a life; however, if your home is not selling, you may want to ask yourself whether you’ve placed too many restrictions upon when someone can come by for a viewing or whether your property is show ready at all times. While this can obviously be challenging, especially if you have children running around, it will pay off in the long run.

Before heading out for the day, make a point to leave your home in good condition (in case your Realtor needs to bring someone by) and create an end-of-day list, which includes things such as loading the dishwasher, picking up toys, and making sure the laundry is put away.

With that, heed the advice of your Realtor and make a point to be as open to their recommendations as possible. A solid agent will not only know how to make your home look its best, but will know what buyers in the local area want.

If you’ve been struggling to get your home sold or are thinking of putting your property on the market for the first time, please call me. With an extensive background in corporate marketing and a thorough knowledge of the Forsyth County real estate market, I can take your property from listed to sold.

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551