Why Isn't Your House Selling?

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. 

1. Your home is overpriced

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. 

How to fix it:

• Reassess pricing with your agent: Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. Are they selling for less? It might be time to take a second look at your numbers. 
• Make a strategic price drop: If your home has been sitting for too long, a well-timed price drop can spark fresh interest. 
• Check your home value hasn’t changed: The housing market fluctuates daily, meaning your home value could change. Use Zillow’s home value estimator tool to see how much your house is worth, and refer back to your agent as your best resource for pricing.

2. The timing isn't in your favor

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. 

How to fix it:

• Be patient: It isn’t what everyone wants to hear, but if you’re trying to sell during a slower season, you might need to wait longer for the right buyer.
• Adjust your marketing for the season: When selling your home during the winter or holiday season, consider highlighting your home’s cozy fireplace or energy efficiency. Selling in the fall? Showcase those gorgeous autumn views.

3. Current market conditions are slowing the sale

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. 

How to fix it: 

• Stay flexible: If buyers are negotiating harder, be willing to compromise on price or terms. 
• Offer incentives: Cover closing costs, throw in appliances you may not need anymore, or be flexible on the closing date. Little incentives like these might make your home more appealing to buyers sitting on the fence. 

4. Small, needed repairs are scaring buyers away

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.” 

How to fix it: 

• Handle quick fixes now: Replace that old hardware, fix all those leaks, and touch up any paint before showings or pictures. 
• Consider a pre-sale inspection: Get ahead of any potential issues before a buyer’s inspector finds them. It might cost you a little bit, but it could save you time and money down the line. 

5. Your curb appeal isn't selling your home

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.

How to fix it: 

• Spruce up your landscaping: A little effort can go a long way when it comes to your landscaping. Bringing in fresh flowers, trimming up hedges, and cleaning your walkways are just a few low-effort, big-impact changes you can make in your free time. 
• Paint the front door: A pop of color (and the upgraded look) can instantly make your home look and feel more inviting. 
• Power wash everything: Driveways, siding, and sidewalks can always stand to look fresher and cleaner (and more appealing to buyers).

6. Your home feels too "lived-in"

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. 

How to fix it: 

• Declutter ruthlessly: Remove unnecessary furniture, personal photos, and excessive decor by either renting a storage unit or moving out of main areas.
• Stage like a pro: Rearrange furniture to create open, inviting spaces that buyers can really see themselves in. Follow these quick tips to stage your home.
• Deep clean everything: Sparkling windows, fresh carpets, and a clean scent can make a huge difference for buyers. 

7. Your listing photos aren't doing your home justice

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.

How to fix it: 

• Hire a professional photographer: High-quality images can make all the difference when it comes to selling your house. You can find a professional photographer on Zillow to speed up the process.
• Use natural light: Bright, well-lit rooms can make the space seem bigger and more inviting. Make sure to use the lighting to your advantage. 
• Consider a virtual tour: A 3D home tour from Zillow can attract more online buyers. It doesn’t take much but can really help move your home when it seems like other avenues haven’t worked. 

8. Your home has unique challenges

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. 

How to fix it: 

• Highlight the positives: A quirky or unusual home can be a huge draw with the right marketing. Feature those odd bits and bobs as something special, and you’ll find a buyer who loves your home for that reason.
• Price it right: If a buyer sees the value in your home, they’ll be more willing to overlook certain drawbacks.

9. Your marketing strategy isn't as strong as it could be

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. 

How to fix it: 

• Expand your online presence: Make sure your home is listed on sites like Zillow, so it is getting seen by as many eyes as possible. With almost all buyers (94%) using at least one online shopping resource, such as a website, mobile, or app, when looking for a home to buy, you won’t want to miss out. 
• Leverage social media: Facebook, Instagram, and local neighborhood groups can be a cheap and easy way to get your house in front of buyers. 
• Rewrite your listing description:  Include engaging and descriptive words in your listing description to highlight the key selling points of the home. 

10. Your agent isn't the right fit

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. 

How to fix it: 

• Evaluate their performance: Are they actively marketing your home, providing feedback on what is working versus what isn’t, and adjusting their strategy based on that information? If not, discuss your concerns with your agent to try and rectify the situation. 
• Seek a second opinion: Another agent might have fresh insights on what’s not working. Check your listing agent agreement to confirm your ability to work with a new agent or contact a real estate attorney to learn what your options are. 

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.