3 Big Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling (and What You Can Do About Them)

In many cases, a home that hasn’t sold just needs a thoughtful reset.

Seeing your home sit on the market for weeks on end can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you see other homes in the neighborhood go under contract.

According to Bianca D’Alessio, founder of The Masters Division at Nest Seekers International, there are three common reasons your house may not be selling: You may not have priced the home correctly, you may not be showing the home in the best light, and you may not have an effective market strategy.

Fortunately, you can fix all of these problems. Let’s take a look at these home-selling faux pas — and how to correct them.

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Learn how to price a house

Many homeowners think their homes are worth much more than buyers are willing to pay. This was true during the pandemic years, when homes were scarce and buyers were willing and able to overpay to secure their dream home. But today’s market is much different.

“If a home is priced even slightly above where comparable properties are trading, it can lose critical early momentum,” D’Alessio says.

Reviewing recent home sales and market activity in your area with your real estate agent can help you set a competitive price. Just remember to be open to making adjustments if needed.

Maximize your home’s appeal

First impressions matter, whether it’s on a date or while touring a home. Most people start the search for their next home online, so you want to ensure you display your property at its best. Staging the home, taking high-quality photos and decluttering can allow buyers to “emotionally connect with the space,” D’Alessio says.

Maximizing appeal also extends to exterior spaces. If you have a yard, ensure it is well-kept and landscaped. Clear away any debris and replant flowers and shrubbery if needed. Enhancing curb appeal creates a positive impression on anyone who is touring the home.

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Create a strong marketing plan

Listing your home on the internet and hanging a for-sale sign in the front yard may have worked in the past, but not anymore. Buyers are looking for homes that stand out, so you want to make sure you aggressively market your home.

Strategies you should consider include creating digital marketing campaigns, doing broker network outreach and crafting compelling storylines around the home to capture the imagination of anyone who sees the property online. The goal is to place your home in front of as many eyes as possible to find the right buyer.

Interview several agents, ask how they plan to market your home and go with the one you feel has the best strategy (and who you’re comfortable with). If the original plan isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adapt it.

In many cases, D’Alessio says, a home that hasn’t sold just needs a thoughtful reset. By adjusting your pricing strategy, improving your home’s presentation and refreshing your marketing plan, you can “quickly re-energize buyer interest and put a property back on track for a successful sale,” she adds.