Listing Killers In Todays Market
In todays’ market, selling your home can be a bit of a gamble. The home could sell in the first week with multiple offers, or sit more than 60 days on the market. You could get offered over your asking price, or have several counter offers and low offers until you accept an offer. If your home has been sitting on the market for a few months with no offers, it could be likely that something is wrong with the home, or your strategy. You may want to rethink your tactics. Here are five common listing killers and reasons that your home isn’t selling.
1.Your Online Pictures Are Terrible
Most if not all real estate agents use the internet to advertise homes for sale. This usually comes in the form of a multiple listing service or MLS for short. These can be and are great tools to advertise your home. Listing your home on the internet allows it to touch as many people as possible and gives maximum exposure. However, this can also be a disservice to your home if the pictures are not done well. If the photos are poorly lit, and out of focus for example, can make rooms look smaller.
Photos that are constantly different sizes or taken on an iPhone, it is a turn off to potential buyers. If there are things in the photo that are not being sold with the home, that is a problem too. This can include dirty rooms and clutter, pots and pans in the kitchen, and even family members in the pictures. They don’t come with the house, and detract from the overall quality of the home.
2.You Have Out-Priced The Neighborhood
If you have the only house in a mile radius that has an elaborate in ground pool with a waterfall, a guest house, or a $20,000 movie theater room it’s possible you won’t get a fair offer quickly. With all of these upgrades that don’t compare with the neighborhood, you might need to consider lowering your price, or wait for the right buyer to come along. A house that has more renovations that anything else on the block will be attractive to a few buyers, but the problem is that it could take time for them to find it. This can turn into an unfortunate waiting game that increases your days on the market. Make sure your upgrades are the focal point of the listing and photographed well. This will ensure that potential buyers are seeing it right away and justify why your home is worth more than the area.
3.Your Home Is Stuck In Past
Unless you have intentionally and carefully crafted a retro style to your home, a dated house can sit on the market for months! Many buyers are turned off by shag carpet and “far-out” wall paper in the bedrooms. Let’s not even talk about wood paneling. Avocado green bathroom counters may have been cool back in the day. However most buyers don’t want to think of guacamole when they’re at the bathroom sink. You may want to consider replacing the counters or the golden fixtures. It might even be a good idea to take down the beaded curtains as well. Older homes do have their certain charm and character, don’t get me wrong. But dated trends from decades gone by gives the appearance of little to no maintenance. Keep your homes character but bringing it closer to todays trends, can really help get as much for your home as possible.
4.You Have Bad Neighbors Or There’s A Creepy House
It seems that every neighborhood has “that” neighbor or “that” house. You know what I mean. The neighbor that is a little off or creepy. The one that hardly ever comes outside or when they do its only at night. Or the house that is unkempt or boarded up. Sometimes the boards don’t keep out unexpected tenants. Unfortunately, you can’t do much about these two things. However, what you can do instead is make your home really shine! Make sure your landscaping is top notch. If you have grass, make it super green and full. Plant new bright colorful flowers. Maybe add a few beautiful trees to your yard. Just do whatever you can to make your home look tasteful and keep buyers eyes on your yard, and not your neighbors.
5.Your Home Has A Smelly Odor
Of all of the listing killers listed here, this is probably the one that no real estate agent or buyer will talk about, but it can still cost a lot of sales. You may not be able to smell the musk in the basement because you’re used to it. If you have dogs (I’m one of them) you may not smell dog in your home anymore because you’re used to it. You could be a smoker and not realize your home smells like smoke. Just because you don’t smell it, doesn’t mean that a buyer wont.
Anyone entering the home will likely smell it just as they walk through the door. If you are unsure, ask somebody to be honest with you when they come over if the home has a smell. If they say yes, try to solve the problem. It could help to have the carpets and furniture cleaned or apply fresh paint. It could be something as simple as plugging in an air freshener. These can really help with the smells. Just make sure that it is something neutral smelling. Not everyone likes the same scented candles!
In Closing
Trying to sell your home is a difficult task all on its own without any additional worries. Look at your home before you decide to put it on the market. See what you would like highlighted or what you may need to address. For any tips about where to get started, call the John & JP Stone Real Estate Team. We take professional pictures on all of our listings and do a comprehensive walk-through before we list the home. This way you can maximize your exposure and minimize listing killers! We will provide you also with an in depth list of things to get your home ready! Spending some time and energy up front can save you a ton of headaches later, and give you a big reward on closing day!
