Selling your home can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if it’s taking longer than expected. There are many potential reasons why your house isn’t shifting.
In this blog, we’ll explore ten common reasons to consider if you struggle to make that sale. And we’ll also cover what to do about them to give your property a better chance of selling.
1) Your Price Isn’t Right
One of the most apparent reasons your home isn’t selling is that it’s overpriced for the current market. When you value your home, take an honest look at comparable properties in your area – how do they compare in size, condition, location and amenities? Be realistic about what buyers will pay. You may need to lower your price to attract more interest.
Don’t rely solely on online estimated valuations – speak to your estate agent to get an accurate idea of the current market value. Overpricing is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. It’s essential to strike a balance between making a profit and setting a realistic price that appeals to buyers.
2) Your Estate Agent is Ineffective
A good estate agent markets your property extensively and secures as many viewings as possible. If you’ve had few views, it’s time to question how effectively your agent promotes and advertises your home. Discuss new marketing strategies and consider switching to a more proactive estate agent.
A proactive estate agent will have good relationships with other estate agents in the area and a large client base of prospective buyers to market your property. Your current estate agent may lack experience selling homes in your area. Look for testimonials and evidence that an estate agent has sold similar properties. An ineffective estate agent fails to sell your home and loses time you could have spent with an estate agent who gets results.
3) Photos are Poorly Taken
Photos are one of the main ways buyers get a first impression of your home. Dark, blurry or inaccurate photos are off-putting and could be hindering interest. Invest in hiring a professional photographer to take high-quality images and videos showcasing your home in the best light.
Optimal photos significantly boost online engagement. Professional photographers have the skills and equipment to stage and light your property, making it look its absolute best. Poor amateur photos can ruin your listings and damage your home’s appeal to buyers. Accurately showcase your home’s size, layout, features, and furnishings with great images.
4) Too Much Personalisation
It’s crucial that buyers can envision themselves living in the property when viewing. If your home is overly personalised with your style and taste, it’s harder for others to see past it. Declutter, depersonalise and neutralise the décor so buyers can imagine putting their stamp on it.
Staging your home can also help buyers picture themselves living there. Remove family photos, bold wall colours, and décor with a distinctive style that distracts buyers from seeing the home’s potential. Keep fittings neutral and create clutter-free, clean spaces for buyers to project their vision onto.
5) Market Conditions
Certain market conditions, such as rising interest rates, inflation, stock market changes, and economic uncertainty, make selling more complicated. Buyer demand fluctuates based on market forces, which are out of your control.
When markets are more challenging, you may need to adjust your expectations on price and timescales. Set a competitive asking price and be prepared to accept a lower offer in a soft market. Get advice from your estate agent on adapting your strategy to match the current market climate. While you can’t control broader conditions, you can control how you position and price your property within the market.
6) New Developments in the Area
If lots of shiny new-build properties are being constructed in your area, buyers could be more tempted by these options, which feel more current and modern. Your older home may seem dated in comparison.
Consider renovations or injecting contemporary features to freshen up your property’s curb appeal. Cosmetic improvements like new fittings, updated bathrooms/kitchens, exterior paintwork or landscaping can make your property stand out against new builds. Add a conservatory or extension to give your older home a fresh new look and extra space. Making your home appear more contemporary and turnkey can boost its appeal.
7) Factors Out of Your Control
Location limitations like proximity to flight paths or power lines can deter buyers. Other issues like planning disputes, noisy neighbours, or eyesores nearby can dampen interest. Be upfront about any negatives impacting your home or area. Offering a competitive price can help offset concerns.
While you can’t change external factors, honest transparency from the start prevents nasty surprises later on. Be proactive by suggesting solutions – could trees or fences mask eyesores or reduce noise? Issues out of your control can be spun into positives about peace and privacy.
8) Wrong Time of Year
Certain seasons are slower for property sales, especially over the winter and summer holidays. Fewer people house hunt during peak holidays when families are busy travelling and enjoying time off. List your home during more active spring or autumn markets if possible.
However, a well-priced, well-marketed home in a popular area can sell at any time of year. Work closely with your estate agent to identify the best periods to list your property. Be aware of local events or holidays that cause dips in buyers. Remain patient and flexible when listing near slower seasons.
9) Lack of Flexibility on Your Part
In a tough market, buyers expect negotiation and compromise. Being too rigid over your price, completion dates, or other terms and conditions can put buyers off making an offer. Show you’re willing to negotiate – getting a reduced offer is better than not.
Stay open-minded to reasonable offers and requests to build rapport with buyers. Compromise on small concessions that help seal the deal. Don’t let pride lose you a good sale. However, you must know your red lines for negotiation – your estate agent can advise where to stay firm. Flexibility shows motivation to sell, but don’t accept an offer you’re unhappy with.
10) Poor Marketing
Ineffective marketing makes it harder for the right buyers to find your listing and get excited about viewing your home. As well as great photos, emphasise your home’s best features, USPs and lifestyle perks in the listing description. Boost visibility by advertising on social media and get quality online exposure on home listing sites like Rightmove or Zoopla.
You may also consider hiring a copywriter or marketing professional to produce creative, enticing listings for maximum impact. Plus, invest in video tours so buyers view rooms online before visiting. Marketing is an investment that often reaps rewards in spiking buyer interest and achieving a faster sale.
Selling your house quickly for the right price
Selling a home quickly and for the right price depends on maximising its appeal and marketability from all angles. If your property has been struggling to sell, use the above points to identify and address any areas that could be letting you down.
You can turn your home’s fortunes around with the right strategy and marketing approach. Don’t lose hope – take proactive steps to get your property off the market faster. The process may take patience and persistence, but the ultimate reward will make it worthwhile.
Alternatively, you could contact a cash house buyer who can take the property off your hands for free, in an extremely short timeframe. Get in touch today to discuss if We Buy Any Home can do this for you.
