A while back I saw on television show with doctors giving advice on weight loss.  They said that yes, some people are genetically predisposed to being overweight and a large part of it is heredity.  But, they said, that is not an excuse to be overweight, it just means you have to work harder.

Hmmm...

Kind of like selling a house in a tough market-- it's not that it can't be done, you just have to work harder.  Yes, it may be more tough-- but that does not mean it cannot be done!

So what does working harder to get a house sold mean? 

• Be Committed:  Be serious about selling your house.  I mean, seriously serious.  I mean doing what is needed to get it sold.  I mean taking the advice of your agent and a home stager. 
• Have an "Exercise" Plan:  Fix the needed repairs, update anything not from this decade, and add a fresh coat of paint.
• Picture Yourself in a New Place:  Get into the mindset that this house (which is no longer your home) is going to be sold-soon.  Pack away whatever you can live without for the next few months, since you will be moving.  (The weight-loss advice would be to get rid of the "fat clothes!")
• Track Your Progress:   Get feedback from your agent, be aware of market changes, know your agent's marketing plan, and make sure your home's marketing is excellent.  Make sure your home is advertised, especially on the internet.
• Keep Your Goal in Mind:  You may have to adjust your price, or you may need to make concessions to get what you want.  Keep your goal in mind-you are selling your house.  Do not let anything get in the way of that goal!

There is no reason, even in a strong "buyers' market" that a home cannot sell.  It needs to be priced well and it needs to show well.  As in weight loss, motivation is key.

Now... if only shedding those pounds was as easy as selling a house...