Why Did my Neighbors House Sell and Not Mine?

I get this question so often, far too often. People seem to think because the house/townhouse/condo is right next door they must be identical, the same, simpatico. Not so much really.  Everyone has their home the way they like it, and they way they live - what many Sellers forget when they go to sell is that it is a house first, a home second.  The minute you sign the listing agreement it needs to become a business decision, you have to distance yourself from Buyer and Agent feedback, from peoples opinions of your decor. That is the most difficult thing for most Sellers to come to terms with.

Why? Because you put so much of yourself into your home. When you want to sell it, it is time to listen to your REALTOR, you Professional, when they tell you what the Buyers want. Todays Buyers want to do NOTHING.  If that was unclear, let me say it again N_O_T_H_I_N_G! They want to move in to the perfect property, with the perfect colors, and the perfect carpet, and the perfect light, and the perfect everything. Did I mention they want to do NOTHING? Just because you like that fabulous wallpaper/border/paint treatment, does not mean the Buyer will.

Why did your neighbors house sell before yours? Because they had the perfect colors, they had a newer kitchen, they had one more bedroom, they had what the Buyer wanted that yours does not have. They may have staged their house, they may have listened to their REALTOR when they said "clean your carpets!", they may have listened to their REALTOR, their expert, when they asked what do I need to do. The key here is that they LISTENED.  We are not here to spin our wheels, or to waste our money, or to tell you what you want to hear. We succeed when we Sell your home. But you Select us, and WE select you as well!

So, if you want the neighbor to ask why your house sold before theirs, listen to your REALTOR. Distance yourself emotionally, and be prepared to take criticism. Adapt, be aggressive, and you will sell.