Additional Coverage:
- Realtors Share 11 Reasons Your Home Won’t Sell (#2 Can Be Hard to Hear) (financebuzz.com)
Is Your Home a “Stale” Listing? Here’s Why It’s Not Selling – And How to Fix It!
So, you’ve had your “For Sale” sign up for over a month, and… crickets? If your home has been on the market for 30 days or more, potential buyers might be seeing it as a giant red flag. In the fast-paced world of real estate, listings that linger for 30 to 90 days are often dubbed “stale,” sending a silent signal that something might be amiss with your property.
While many factors can contribute to a slow sale – some completely out of your hands, like buyers tightening their belts – a stale listing can seriously jeopardize your chances of getting that asking price you’re hoping for.
Fear not, homeowners! We chatted with several real estate pros to uncover the common culprits behind a lingering listing and some savvy moves you can make to get your home off the market.
1. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter!
One of the biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers? A home that lacks curb appeal.
Ashley DeHart, a real estate agent with Realty from DeHart, emphasizes that even small fixes can make a huge difference. “Simple updates like planting flowers or trimming bushes can make a big difference,” she advises, suggesting a fresh coat of paint or minor repairs can also work wonders.
2. Over-Personalization: Tone it Down
Your home is your sanctuary, but when it’s for sale, too many personal touches can actually deter buyers. Pete Evering, business development manager at Utopia Management, notes that highly distinctive features like unique lighting, doorknobs, or even furniture, while appealing to some, might alienate others. Consider swapping out highly personalized items for more generic options that allow buyers to envision themselves in the space.
3. Bad Photography: Your Listing’s Glamour Shot!
In today’s digital world, your listing photos are your first (and sometimes only) chance to hook a buyer. Jennifer Okhovat, a real estate agent at Compass, is often surprised by the number of listings with blurry, low-resolution pictures.
Her advice? “It’s important to hire a professional photographer to capture high-resolution images and multiple angles and really show off the house.”
4. Busy Street Blues: Location, Location, Location… Noise?
Living on a busy street might suit you, but it can be a major hurdle for many buyers. Adam Chahl, a real estate agent with Vancouver Home Search, suggests highlighting features that provide privacy, like double-pane windows to block out noise. Inexpensive additions like fences or strategic landscaping can also enhance a sense of seclusion.
5. Lack of Natural Light: Brighten Things Up!
A dark, gloomy home can feel small and uninviting. The good news?
This is often an easy fix! Haley Bartlett, a real estate agent at iGoRealty, recommends cleaning windows, removing screens, taking down dark curtains, and ensuring all lights are on with blinds open for showings.
Let that sunshine in!
6. Too Much Clutter: Declutter for Dollars!
Your clutter might be making your home feel cramped and unappealing. Jeremy Smith, a real estate advisor at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, stresses the importance of decluttering. “Clean, open surfaces make your home feel bigger and brighter,” he says, suggesting everything from clearing kitchen counters to tidying up bathroom essentials.
7. It Needs Work: Be Upfront and Invest Wisely
In a competitive market, homes needing significant repairs or sporting outdated features can struggle. Adie Kriegstein, a licensed real estate salesperson at Compass, recommends investing in small, impactful upgrades and being completely transparent about your home’s condition. “Be upfront in the listing so buyers’ expectations are in line and those coming are aware and willing to do work,” she advises.
8. Home Insurance Costs: Mitigate Buyer Concerns
Buyers often factor in ownership costs beyond the mortgage. Robert Washington, founder and broker at Savvy Buyers Realty, suggests talking to your agent about upgrades that could reduce insurance premiums for future buyers. For instance, in Florida, installing hurricane clips or window shutters can significantly impact attractiveness.
9. Power Lines: A View Issue? Plant Away!
While you can’t exactly move power lines, you can address the aesthetic issues they cause. Bartlett suggests planting trees and shrubs to obscure unsightly views from your yard.
10. Awkward Floor Plan: Stage for Success!
If your home has an unusual layout, you can still make it shine. Adam Chahl recommends staging areas and using furniture to define spaces. “For instance, if there’s a small nook or pass-through area, set it up as a reading corner or work-from-home space to show how it can be used effectively,” he explains.
11. Common Spaces (for Condos): Get Involved!
For condo owners, common areas can impact a sale, and direct control might be limited. Nikki Beauchamp, an associate broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, suggests being proactive by getting involved in your HOA. Joining or creating beautification committees to advocate for updates, furniture changes, or even simple flower arrangements can make a difference.
The Bottom Line: Turn Your Listing from Bust to Buyer’s Dream!
It can be frustrating when your home isn’t selling, but with a little effort and strategic thinking, you can transform your property into a buyer’s dream. Consider making these smart homeowner moves before you list your home to ensure a smooth, profitable sale when you’re ready to move on. A little work now can save you headaches and lead to a big payoff down the road!
Read More About This Story:
- Realtors Share 11 Reasons Your Home Won’t Sell (#2 Can Be Hard to Hear) (financebuzz.com)