If your house is taking longer than you'd like to sell, it's time to take action.
Once you’ve gone through all the time and effort it takes to get your house on the market, it can be frustrating when it takes longer than you expect to get that right offer and make the sale.
There can be many reasons why your house isn’t selling, such as the state of your local real estate market (maybe there are simply a lot of similar homes for sale), the price you’re asking, or the location.
But if you’re asking yourself, “Why won’t my house sell?” you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge, and there are a few common reasons that can apply to your case. Check out our list and see what you can do to fix the challenge you’re facing.
The first thing a home buyer will see is the list price. Even though your home is filled with memories and your labor of love, the buyer won’t have the same sentiment. Buyers might skip over a home priced higher than comparable homes in the area. To back this up, a 2024 survey from Zillow revealed that the median self-reported sale price has consistently trended lower than the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI). If your home isn’t selling, you may have it priced too high.
Real estate, just like anything else, has its seasons, and timing is everything. Spring and summer are typically the best time to sell, while fall and winter holidays can be slower. The best time to list your home can also depend on your local market. If you listed your home at the wrong time, that may be why your home isn’t selling.
There are plenty of things outside of your control that belong solely in the hands of the market that could be the reason your house isn’t selling. Higher interest rates, economic uncertainty, or an increase in available homes in the area around yours can all make selling more difficult or have buyers holding back until they see better conditions.
Look around your home. Do you see a dripping faucet? Chipped paint? Spot some outdated light fixtures or any small repairs you haven’t gotten around to yet? According to a 2024 Zillow survey, most sellers (72%) said that they completed at least one improvement project, such as painting, redecorating, replacing/repairing flooring, etc., as part of their home-selling process. While some issues may seem minor to you, a potential buyer may see them as “hidden problems.”
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your home. If buyers pull up and all they see is an overgrown lawn, peeling paint, or an underwhelming entryway, they might just drive away before they ever step inside. That means you’ll want to improve curb appeal and do it in a way that doesn’t break your budget.
Buyers need to be able to picture themselves, not your family, in your home. Personal touches, such as picture frames or family knick-knacks, clutter, and outdated decor, can all make it harder for potential buyers to see the potential.
Most buyers nowadays are starting their search online, whether on their phone or laptop. If your listing photos are dark, blurry, or downright unappealing, then buyers will likely skip right past it. With 78% of sellers using hi-res photography, it isn’t something you should pass on.
There are plenty of things that can cause your house to be a bit more unusual and present unique challenges to homeowners. Does it have an unusual floor plan? What about outdated features or a location near a busy street? These points can all make selling a home a bit trickier, but not impossible.
Even the most beautiful and well-priced home won’t move on the market if no one knows about it. If your listing isn’t getting attention, then it might be time to rethink your marketing strategy.
Selling a home is a team effort between you and your agent, so picking the right person to represent your home is important. Choose an agent that is proactive, communicative, and marketing-savvy. You want an agent who is willing to go the extra mile to sell your home.
If your house isn’t selling, there’s always a reason — and a solution. By identifying the issues and making strategic changes, there is every chance you could turn things around. Take a step back, look at every angle of the home selling process, and make the right decision for you and your home.
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