What To Do If Your Home Isn't Selling

Whether you're in a slow market or a sizzling hot one, if you haven't received any offers on your home, your probably feeling very discouraged.  A house that goes too long without selling begins to appear "stale" and can actually damage your future chances of a sale.  How long is too long?  It's not an exact science, but there are some helpful indicators.  In a slow market, a sale period of 6 to 12 months isn't unusual. In a hot seller's market, a house that hasn't sold withing one month indicates a problem.  In either case, there are several steps you can take before putting up the white flag.

Tips to Improve Your Selling Karma

1.  Videotape your house inside and out.  Watch the tape as if your were a buyer.  Is the lawn weedy?  Is the house cluttered?  Sparkling clean houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in or show an abundance of the owner's personality.
2.  Take a 2nd look at your list price.  Visit neighboring open houses.  How does your price compare to similar houses.  If you do lower your price, consider a figure slightly below those of comparable house if you want a speedy sale.
3.  Do whatever it takes to be away from the house during showings and open houses.  Leave some treats out for potential buyers, to make them feel more comfortable.
4.  Ask your listing agent to talk to the agents who have shown your house.  The feedback from their clients can help you in making home repairs, toning down your decor, making landscaping improvements, and the like.
5.  Hold an open house on a weeknight.  Competition is lower, and you may attract the interest of buyers who can't make a weekend open house.
6.  Have your agent rewrite your listing comments.  Freshen them up and while your at it take new pictures.  Be sure they reflect the current season!
7.  Take a look at your advertising.  Are you highlighting all the things that YOU love about your house?  Are there any out-of-the ordinary places you could advertise, such as trade magazines, company newsletters, churches, or schools nearby?
8.  If you've had offers but you consider them "low-ball", try adjusting your sights.  If potential buyers are telling you one number time and again, that usually indicates what the current market is willing to pay for your house. Sellers have tried, but it's a fact, you can't make your house worth what you think you "need" from the sale.  House are only worth what buyers are willing to pay for them in a given market!
9.  Have your agent put the listing in as a "new" listing in the MLS, sometimes that gives it a kick start.  It should show up on the "hot list" as new for 4 or 5 days.  Be aware that your market time will continue to show the total number of days on the market including the original listing time.
10.  How about sweetening the pot for the selling agent.  Offer a selling bonus or increased commission to the selling agent to make your house more desirable for them to show and sell.

Good Luck,                     Mary Reedy O'Connor   can help you to implement any of  these suggestions, just call her today at 630-205-6302!