What To Rethink When Your Home Just Isn't Selling: Top 6 Reasons
Have you tried to sell your home in the last few years only to find you still own it because the listing expired or you just didn't believe it was going to sell so you canceled the contract early?
Do you walk around your property trying to figure out WHY no one has bought it? Do you blame your agent, the real estate market, the economy or the dog for your home not selling?
As the Seller of a property there are factors you have control over; here are the top six areas to rethink when your home just isn't selling.
Data provided by ActiveRain.com. ActiveRain is an online community of real estate professionals who exchange best practices, write real estate blogs, and get free education from the industry and their peers.
If you want to sell your home, do not overprice it. Yes, as your listing agent I will make recommendations based on comparable properties. Keep in mind that appraisers will consider market value based on recently sold homes. If the market value for your home is less than you want to get, then wait - there will be a more appropriate time to sell. The market adjusts based on what homes sell for in a short window - not what they're listed for.
Make your home available for agents and buyers to see it. This includes allowing showings at times and on days there is no blue moon. Generally speaking the more people who see your home, the more likely you'll get the offer you need. Restricting the showing times will almost guarantee that a highly qualified buyer will not see your home.
Pack away personal treasures and begin your own transition. When your home sells, you will be moving and so will all of your photos, mementos, statues and other grand treasures. It is critical that buyers envision their lives and how they will display their treasures as the new owners. It's also said the heart grows fonder with separation, so by packing these cherished items before your home is shown you will make them that more precious when you unpack them in your new home.
Clean like there's a white glove inspection, and that includes deodorizing. Let's face it, if there are strong odors that greet visitors, they may not even cross the threshold. Animal, smoke, chemical and food smells are the largest offenders of the nostril. Some of these scents seem natural to you, but to others they can trigger repressed memories or allergic reactions. Always expect your home to be viewed by a potential buyer so take precautions to keep everything clean and fresh.
Not unlike overpricing your home, refusing to negotiate can terminate a sale. As the Seller, you want top dollar for your home. Buyers, as you would expect, want a good deal. By pricing your home well up front, you reduce your chances of needing to negotiate. Market conditions also play a roll in how likely discussions will be attempted. When fewer buyers are actively looking, the chances for price adjustment increase. Selecting an agent who has strong negotiating experience is to your advantage.
Selling "As-Is" can backfire in more ways than one. California real estate is sold based on the premise that all sales are "as-is" however that doesn't relieve you of disclosing material facts. Similarly, by not making improvements or flat-out refusing to make repairs you can reduce the pool of buyers who would otherwise consider your home. Neither of these examples justifies a cheap coat of paint to conceal a problem. When inspectors go through your home and point out concerns to the buyer, there is an opportunity to negotiate on what repairs - or cost adjustments make sense. You're under no obligation to make the repairs or lower the price, however your inner motivation may suggest that's the best approach if you truly want to sell.
There are many factors and conditions that impact selling your home. Each situation is different and you are well advised to consider the professional you hire.
As always, let's foresee the possibilities . . . and get results!
Great advice & suggested big-time! 
Comments (17)Subscribe to CommentsComment