8 Reasons Why Your Home Isn't Selling

Homes going for thousands of dollars above asking, buyers putting in hundreds of offers, and endless weekends of showings - it must be a “sellers” market, right? Wrong. Even though the current market seems like the perfect opportunity for you to sell your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can just put your home on the market and expect it to sell.

If your home’s been sitting on the market for several weeks (or even months), it’s time to ask yourself - what can I (or my REALTOR®) do to get my home sold? Here are some of the most common reasons a home sale has stalled and what you can do to speed up the process.

1. Is your home priced to sell?

I always say, “three things sell a house: Price, Presentation, and Marketing.” But in reality, it should probably be “PRICE, PRICE, PRICE, Presentation, and Marketing!” Your home could be the best on the market, with few (if any) necessary fixes, a great location, and ample space. But if it’s not priced to sell? Well, it’ll just sit on the market. When pricing your home, it’s essential that you’re realistic - even in a seller’s market. So take a step back and try to see your home through the buyer’s eyes and price it accordingly. Because in the end, it’s the market that decides how much your home is worth!

2. Maybe your home needs (too much) work.

There’s no denying that the market is hot, but buyers still want a move-in ready home or a home that doesn’t require a ton of TLC, even in a market like this. Now keep in mind that many buyers cherish original features, but they’d rather them be cool and vintage than outdated. So be honest with yourself - does your home need updates? Could it use a few fixes to get ready for the market? And if you’re not up to making those updates, then you’ll need to price your home to reflect the renovations it needs.

3. Do your listing photos reflect your home?

Unless your real estate agent is a professional photographer with professional gear, demand that they hire a professional photographer! Most buyers are searching online for homes, so when they see your home, you want them to see it at its best! Before your home’s close-up, make sure to declutter, clean, and open blinds and curtains. And if your agent is working with a professional photographer, make sure the photoshoot is on a bright, sunny day. By the way, did I mention that I always hire a professional photographer?

4. Stage your home to sell.

While you’re cleaning and decluttering your home, why not stage it as well? I don’t mean that you should go out and hire a professional stager, but there are several things you can do on your own! Now, you’ve already cleaned and decluttered, but did you think about removing excess furniture too? Remember, you want the buyer to envision themselves in your home. So they must be able to move freely within it. You can also patch holes, freshen up some paint and trim, and even remove personal elements such as photos, decor, or religious items.

And if you’re moving out before showings start, hiring a staging company to stage the main rooms might be a good idea. It gives the buyers the same feel, and it will draw the attention away from details that are not a big deal but more noticeable in an empty house.

5. Does your home have curb appeal?

I think we can all agree that first impressions are everything. And when it comes to your home, it’s often what makes or breaks booking a showing. That means that all the cleaning, staging, and renovations in the world won’t change a thing if your home has a lack of curb appeal. But don’t worry! There’s a few simple fixes. Fresh exterior paint, pressure washing, cleaning the windows, cutting the grass, and clearing cobwebs are just a few ways you can make your home shine!

6. Sometimes, location is tricky.

Some locations or lots are just not the most desirable for buyers. For example, a busy street, proximity to an airport, or (especially here in Birmingham) train tracks can be a deterrent. Families with small children might not like it if there’s a stream or creek on the property, and many buyers want a flat yard. These are things that are hard to change, so price your home to reflect that.

7. Is your listing losing momentum?

You’ve cleaned and decluttered, the photos are taken, and your home is ready for showings! Remember, the first few days on the market are the most crucial. Make sure your agent is marketing your home and using that momentum to get some showings on the books!

8. Okay, maybe it’s you?

So you’ve addressed all the points I’ve mentioned above, and your home still isn’t selling. To be honest, it might be time for some self-reflection. Are you turning down showings because the timing isn’t convenient for you? Are you turning down offers with no negotiation? Could you be what’s holding your home back? Talk to your REALTOR® and ask that they be honest and open with you, and make sure to do the same with them! If you don’t want to take showings on certain days or times, make sure they know that. And if you have an idea of what you’re looking for in an offer, tell them that too!

Have questions about getting your home ready for the market and priced right? Send me an email at guro.midtsund@exprealty.com!

Guro Midtsund is a Realtor with eXp Realty, LLC in Birmingham, AL. This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.