We all go through the home selling process with high hopes. We imagine holding open houses and having a lot of interested buyers. Optimistically, we expect to sell our property within the month. However, this is not always the case. At times, a home will sit on the market longer than anticipated. You may have listed your property during a bone dry market or you have unappealing features, such as price or location.
Whatever the reason may be, there are ways to improve your home’s ability to sell. Below we discuss common reasons why your home may not be selling and suggested a few improvements to help you.
1. Know Your Market
One of the most common reasons a home may not sell is because it is priced too high. Emotional attachment tends to make sellers over-price homes and most sellers want to make back the original purchase price, plus renovation expenses. Unfortunately, you have to go with what the market in which your area dictates. Get a list of comparable homes and price your house competitively.
2. Fixer-Uppers are Hard to Sell
More and more buyers these days are looking for move-in ready homes that need few repairs and updates. This doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands remodeling before you sell, but it does mean that you should avoid letting your home look like a “fixer.” Try painting or refinishing cabinets to make them look updated. Landscaping, fixing damaged areas, and painting are some things you can do to make your home fresh and inviting.
3. It’s All About Location
The location of a home can be a big problem for many buyers. Unfortunately, it is a problem that is impossible to fix. Obviously, you cannot move your house away from the freeway or evict the noisy neighbors. Instead, advertise the good things about your location – broadband access, nearby amenities, and other positive points. Consider a privacy fence, landscaping difficult hills, or taking other measures to enhance unsightly surroundings.
4. Make Buyers Comfortable
Potential buyers are not likely to have the same tastes as you and probably won’t appreciate all of your precious family memories. When you are decorating a house that is for sale, try to imagine a place that anyone could live. Keep things neutral, simple and uncluttered. Even though it is still your home, you want the buyer to feel like it is their home as well.
5. Think Style When Decorating
In correspondence with making buyers comfortable, you want to make sure the overall theme of your home is neutral. Loud wallpapers, gaudy carpet, or wild paint schemes might put off buyers. Peruse some booklets at your local home center to get sense of trendy, yet muted color schemes and décor ideas. You don’t need to spend a lot redecorating, but some new paint and a nice slip cover over the tacky sofa might give you the edge you need.
6. Be Available
Buyers have schedules to work around just like you. Being picky about viewing times might be enough to lose a sale. Consider working with an agent that can show your home even if you are not available, keep your house ready to view and learn to expect the unexpected.
To successfully sell your home think of potential buyers the same way you would about a job interview or a first date. Your home needs to put its best foot forward in order to be competitive with comparable homes in the area. Follow these 6 guidelines and you will be one step closer to selling your home!
About Guest Author Wendy Papasan: Wendy Papasan is the owner and Realtor at Papasan Real Estate Team with Keller Williams Realty in Austin, Texas. Connect with her team on Facebook.
