Five Reasons Why Homes Don't Sell

Five Reasons Why Homes Don’t Sell

With the market now returning to a normal rhythm, some homes sell right away, but often some sit on the market for several months. It can be a very frustrating time for homeowners when they need to sell but just can’t find a buyer.

The best thing to do in this situation is to step back and examine why there is no interest in your property and what you might need to do to attract potential buyers.
Here are five reasons why your home may not be selling.

1. Want to sell your home but it won’t sell?
Perhaps it is over-priced! Everyone wants the best price when they sell their home but it is important to be realistic when you list your property. Over-pricing is the most common reason that homes don’t sell. The truth is, ultimately the buyer, not the seller will determine the price of a home. You must take a look at comparable properties in your area and determine whether you have priced your home at the high end of the curve.
2. Maybe it doesn’t show well?
Even the best kept older homes show their age. The good thing is that you can make some relatively minor changes that will enhance the buyer appeal. The absolutely number one best bang for your buck is paint. Think $10 in the can and $1000 on the wall! Touching up the rooms will give the house a fresh appeal and a clean smell.
3. Bad real estate agent
Yes, they do exist. While most agents are hard-working and earn their commissions, there is always the chance that your agent just isn’t up to the job. If your agent is difficult to work with and doesn’t communicate clearly and frequently, chances are you may have to start looking around for another representative.
4. Poor or ineffective marketing to try and sell your home
It used to be a “for sale” sign and an advertisement in the paper would be all the marketing you would have to do to sell your home. Nowadays, most agents use a multi-level system which may include professional photography and extensive internet advertising. Talk to your agent to see how much exposure your home is getting in digital media.
5. Location.
If your neighborhood is in a less than desirable area, next to a noisy highway, or has a large number of messy neighbors, your location may just be the problem. The bad news is there is nothing much that you can do about it. The other side of the coin is to lower your price. It may not be your number one choice to sell your home, but if your location is bad, it just might be the only way.

Take a few moments to consider these suggestions and how each one may apply to you. Sometimes it’s a question of getting good advice from the right real estate agent. Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious property management and real estate sales company in Arroyo Grande, CA. You may contact her at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com