Everyone keeps saying it’s a seller’s market. So you listed your home for sale. It’s been on the market for weeks, with no bites? Sound like a familiar scenario? You might just need to make a few small changes to see big results.
When it comes to selling a house, homeowners generally want three things: top dollar, a quick closing and the fewest hassles. (There are always some!) While today’s market is generally favorable toward sellers, there are some factors that could keep a house from selling. Here are some things to think about.
Limited Access
“If we can’t show your home, we can’t sell your home,” says Lee Schilare, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Access is key.” Are you putting limits on how often agents can show your home? Take a hard look at your schedule and see where you can free things up.
“Motivated buyers may be traveling in from out of town to see houses, and if yours is not available to them, they won’t buy it,” adds Schilare. “Minimal access equals minimal exposure.”
Curb Appeal
“You always want to make a great first impression,” says Schilare, “And that starts with curb appeal.” How your home looks on the outside could make or break a buyer’s decision to book a showing. Sometimes all it takes is a little more upkeep. Pull the weeds. Keep the lawn mowed. Add a few colorful plants or flowers. A little can go a long way for curb appeal.
Staging
Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that goes for the inside of your home too. Stage your front hall. Put away all of your coats and shoes. Make that first glimpse of your home clean and inviting. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home as soon as they walk through the front door.
Declutter
Don’t let it stop at the front door. If you’re having trouble selling, you may just need to declutter. Buyers have a hard time seeing how great the bones of your house are through mess. So clear away those piles of paper. Pack up all of your family photos. Less is more.
Priced Too High
We know you want top dollar. Everyone does. But is your sale price unrealistic? That could be why your home hasn’t sold yet.
“It’s tempting to list high in a seller’s market,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “But the fact is if it’s overpriced it will sit on the market and if it sits too long that could deter buyers.”
Bottom Line
There could be several reasons why your home isn’t selling. Fortunately the most common ones are easy fixes. An experienced real estate agent can help you identify your shortcomings and make sure your home is priced to sell. Lee Schilare or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.