Are you wondering: “Why is my home not selling in a hot market?”
Hint: It’s not always about the price!
In today’s sizzling real estate market, where properties seem to fly off the shelves in a matter of days, it can be incredibly frustrating when your home lingers on the market without finding a buyer. You may find yourself scratching your head, wondering why your seemingly desirable property isn’t generating the buzz and offers you anticipated.
Fear not, for you are not alone in this predicament. In this blog article, we’ll explore five common reasons why your home might not be selling, even in a hot market. I’ll go over the potential roadblocks that could be hindering your home’s success. So, let’s uncover the possible culprits and arm you with the knowledge to make necessary adjustments, ensuring your home finally receives the attention and offers it deserves in this red-hot housing market.
Here are 5 Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling.
#1: Bad Photos
When you start interviewing agents to list your home, one of the most important questions you can ask them is: Who is your photographer? If the agent can’t give you an answer – Or worse, tells you that they DIY all of their own photos – Run!
Apps like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia, potential homebuyers have been trained to swipe left. When they see a home with bad photos, they won’t even bother coming to look at it in person. They’ll just keep scrolling.
Instead, make sure that your real estate agent hires a seasoned, professional, real estate photographer that knows exactly how to capture the best features of your home. This is the first step to driving tons of traffic to your home.
#2: Bad Decor
Unless they’re an interior designer with a trained eye, it’s really difficult for the average buyer to see past your decor. Even if you’ve chosen your pieces carefully and paid a premium price, it may not suit the buyer’s taste or needs.
The problem arises because, in order for a buyer to want your home, they have to be able to see themselves living in it first. But this is nearly impossible when they can’t get past a chair, rug, or tile selection that you’ve chosen that doesn’t match their style.
Sure, everyone knows that a rug can be replaced, but if the rug is so offensive that the buyer can’t get past it, it’s likely that they won’t be able to see themselves moving in either.
Eliminate this entire scenario by removing all unnecessary clutter, updating your furniture pieces, and using a neutral color palette that will appeal to the masses. If you don’t know how to do any of this, your Realtor® should be able to put you in contact with an amazing home stager.
#3: Bad Pricing
This is probably the most common culprit. The market determines the price of the home, not the seller, not the appraiser, not the Realtor. This means that a home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.
You may think that your home is worth [X] because you improved it, made memories in it, and took such good care of it. But none of that matters to a prospective buyer. They will be looking at the home objectively. And if they can’t justify your price, they’ll move on.
For all of my clients, I have a very candid conversation so they understand how to price their home so it doesn’t sit on the market unnecessarily. Your agent should have done the same.
#4: Bad Vibes
Sometimes, there are things you can’t even see that are holding back your home sale. It could be a funky pet smell, a dark and drab interior, an unusually hot or cold temperature, or even a weird creepy sound that spooks the buyer out.
Your agent should be collecting feedback from all of the agents and buyers who have toured your home. This feedback is essential to spotting trends and eradicating issues that are holding back the sale.
#5: Bad Communication
Sometimes, the home is perfect, but it’s a lack of communication that actually hinders the sale. It always baffles me when I encounter listing agents who don’t return calls or allow showings. Your agent should be available via text during normal working hours. If you can’t even get a hold of your agent, neither will a prospective buyer.
You also have to be flexible. I understand the inconvenience of keeping the home clean to show at a moment’s notice, but if you want to get the home sold, everyone needs to be flexible.
Final Takeaway
In sum, the key to selling a home fast is making a great first impression, and this is where a skillful agent can really help you. Before listing a property, I always make recommendations for my sellers, so we can sell the home for the most money, and in the shortest amount of time. The last thing you want to wonder is “Why isn’t my home selling in a hot market.”
If you’re thinking about making a move (or know someone who is), I can help!
Send me an email/text or give me a call. Click the link to get in contact with me today.
No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need!
And finally, if you’re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to bookmark this post for future reference, so you can come back to it!
P.S. Be sure to check out my free local Facebook Group. It’s a great place to connect with other community members and get monthly updates on the best events and happenings in and around town!
