If you’ve had your house on the market and it didn’t sell I’m certain you’ve asked yourself this question. There are 3 reasons a house doesn’t sell: Condition, Price and Marketing. They are all things you can control.
The condition of your house is a touchy subject with many sellers. It’s time to put ego aside and look at your house with new eyes. Your house must stop being your home and become a product you’re trying to sell. That means all the clutter and family photos must GO! It means everything has to have a fresh new look. New paint in neutral colors, clean carpets and restored hardwood floors are imperative. Consider hiring a Stager. This is a person who “stages” the major rooms in your home to improve the flow and emphasize the best features of those rooms.
The second reason is Price. This is a tough one because sellers usually believe their homes are worth more than the market will currently bear. There is an art (backed by hard research) in pricing your home competitively without leaving your beloved equity on the closing table. This is where a qualified real estate agent can help. Ask for a Comparative Market Analysis from more than one Realtor. These analyses are NOT created equal. Now once you’ve done this, listen to the Realtor you trust and act on their advice.
Finally, Marketing is another reason a home doesn’t sell. Find out what your Realtor’s marketing plan consists of and make certain they are not just placing your home in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and putting a sign in your yard. Find out where your Realtor will advertise your home and to whom. Some realtors do very little – don’t hire them. You want someone who has an effective plan to get your house in front of a lot of potential buyers.
Now it’s up to you! Can your house sell in this market? Absolutely. Consider the three reasons above and act on them today.