Easily 90 percent of sellers are hopeful for a quick sale when they first put the house on the market. Then, as the months pass and the house remain on the market, you begin to worry and wonder why you have not received any offer – or any real offer. Let’s examine the various possible reasons and take corrective steps to fix the problem and, finally move on.
- You overvalued your property – you overpriced it. Too often, sellers have sentimental values about their property and they tack this sentimental value to the selling price of the property. Unfortunately, sentimental values have no dollar value.
- You’ve added on the cost of renovation to the value of the house. Not every renovation adds value to a house. A house with renovations that are too customized may actually reduce the dollar value of the house.
- You are always present at showings. This makes the prospective buyers uncomfortable. Give the prospective buyers and their REALTOR space. Give them the privacy to make comments and discuss. Give the prospective buyers the chance to visually move into the house.
- You have not bothered to clean your home. First impressions are important.
- You have too much clutter. Even if you’ve cleaned, your home may still be too cluttered. Removing the unnecessary furniture or picture can make a room larger and more spacious.
- There are just too many repairs needed. Prospective buyers are generally prepared to make some repairs to suit their individual style and taste. However, a house that shows too many needed repairs can turn buyers off. Buyers will then wonder what other repairs are needed that they cannot see. A well-maintained home shows to prospective buyers that you care for your home.
- You chose the wrong REALTOR. The REALTOR has not bothered to market your house positively. The REALTOR has not bothered to post attractive photos of the best features of your home.