8 Reasons Your Home Isn't Selling
While the real estate market shifts and fluctuates, one thing is always true: Having a listing sitting on the market is not good. Although interest rates, neighborhood size, and buyer demand all influence inventory availability — as the listing agent, YOU can take steps to avoid stagnation and improve the chances of attracting a buyer to the home.
1. Bad Listing Photos
Quality listing photos are essential and pretty much REQUIRED for making the all-important first impression. If photos have poor lighting, low resolution, show surfaces containing clutter and mess, buyers are highly likely to turn their attention to the next home. If hiring a professional Real Estate Photographer isn't in the budget, flood the home with as much natural light as possible. Open up those blinds and turn on all the lights.
2. Illogical MLS Photo Order
On real estate websites, buyers only see the first photo of each property. The first photo MUST be compelling enough to incite curiosity. Choose the best image of the front of the home for the first photo, and order the rest in a way that makes sense — front of property, kitchen, dining area, living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, den, and backyard.
3. Underwhelming Property Description
A home is a lifestyle — not just a house — and the power of a well-written property description should NOT be underestimated. You have the opportunity to inform and excite the buyer by highlighting key features and attributes of the home. Use sensory words and details to really explain the feelings, colors, textures and what it would be like living there.
4. Poor Curb Appeal
Optics matter. Potential buyers' first impression of a home is from the street, so it's critical that it looks well-kept. A front yard overgrown with weeds, peeling paint, and unwelcoming entry will force faint-hearted buyers to turn away almost immediately.
5. Optimistic Pricing
Overpricing is the NUMBER ONE REASON sellers have difficulty finding a buyer. If the listing looks overpriced compared to similar properties in the area, buyers won't bother checking it out!
6. Amorphous Rooms
Some homes have unique floor plans that can make for a harder sell. Staging the home to help buyers visualize the potential for each room is helpful. If there is a formal dining room, stage it as that! If every room is serving a different purpose, the buyer will leave confused.
7. Non-Existent Staging
A well-staged property can actually increase the perceived value of a home. More than half of listing agents report that staging helps homes sell faster, so it can be well worth the investment.
8. Lack of Networking or Social Media
One of the benefits of using an agent when selling a home is their large network. Posting about new listings on Facebook or Instagram is a great way to connect with potential buyers. If your agent is not utilizing the power of social media, you may need to consider your representation.
So if your listing is not moving, you may want to consider trying a new approach...