Top Reasons That Homes Fail To Sell

Is your home sitting on the market after weeks or even months of numerous showings? Are you struggling to understand why the traffic is there, but no offers are coming in?

Here the top reasons that homes fail to sell.

1. Overpriced- No matter what you feel your home’s value is worth, the market in reality dictates how much your home will actual sell for. Buyers are looking at homes that are comparable to yours, and will compare how yours stacks up.  If you are priced a significant amount above those around you, this will work against you.
2. Timing- When it comes to buying a house there are more buyers looking to purchase a home in the spring, summer, and fall. During the cold months of winter the number of active home buyers drops off.  This is not to say that you cannot sell a home during winter, you just need to take into consideration what season is it when you list your home. It may take longer than you anticipate if you list your home for sale during winter. However, the good news is that buyers who are looking to purchase in the winter tend to be very serious and are ready to act quickly.
3. Not Visible- In today’s market buyers are looking for homes online. If your home is not marketed in all the places they are looking, they may just be passing you by. Using an experienced Realtor can prevent this from happening.
4. Bad Photos- Are the photos of your home doing it justice? If a buyer does stumble across the listing of your home, and comes across very few photos that make your home appealing, they are less likely to arrange to view it in person. The photos need to be well-lit and show of the best your home has to offer.
5. Fixer Upper- There are some buyers who are willing to take on the work needed to fix up a home that is need of a little TLC. However, if your asking price is comparable to homes that do not need repairs this can be a big turn off. Before listing your home for sale fix everything that you can so that when potential buyers view it they can focus on what your home has to offer and not how much it will cost them to repair it.
6. Personalized- Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in your home, and they have a hard time doing that if you have too many personal touches throughout. Remove those family photos from your shelves, and the heartfelt drawings from your children off the fridge. Declutter by removing any knickknacks you may have.
7. Curb Appeal- If buyers are not happy with the state of your home on the outside, then more than likely they will not schedule an appointment to view the inside. The outside of your home is the first impression a potential buyer gets of your home. Spruce it up by making sure all pathways are swept, the lawn is well kept and mowed, paint is not chipping, and it looks overall well maintained.
8. Out Of The Norm- The idea of turning your garage into a play room for your kids may have sounded like a good idea at the time, but when it comes down to it, it is out of the norm. Changes that you have done to your home that are not customary may be hurting you. If possible undo changes, or be realistic in that you may have to take a lower price for you home.
9. Don’t’ Smother- Curiosity may be getting the best of you, but do not smother a buyer when they are viewing your home. Let your professional real estate handle things.  There is no need to stay in the home while there is a showing. It is in the hands of a professional and will be well cared for.  Buyers tend to feel they cannot express their real opinions when the sellers are around. However, you need to know what potential buyers think so that you can work to make your home more appealing.
10. Solo- It’s true that a Realtor’s fees can impact the total amount you will walk away from with the sale of your property. However, trying to do it yourself puts you at risk of lowering your total proceeds, especially if the home doesn’t sell at all.  An experienced Realtor is trained in the skill of negotiation and is familiar with all the legal aspects of selling a home.

Hiring an experienced Realtor that is familiar with your local area can help get your home sold in a timely fashion. The Siva Group is experienced in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey real estate market, and we are ready to help you get your home sold today.  Contact Us now to see how we can help you sell your home!