Why Your Home Isn't Selling: 7 Common Mistakes and Solutions

            Are you frustrated because your home has been sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity? Selling a home can be a stressful process, especially when you're not seeing any offers come in. However, before you throw in the towel, it's essential to understand why your home might not be selling and what steps you can take to turn things around. In this blog post, we'll explore some common reasons why homes fail to sell and provide practical solutions to get your Home SOLD!

1. Overpricing / Underpricing: 

One of the primary reasons why a home doesn't sell is pricing. If your home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. Meanwhile, in some housing markets, pricing it too low could raise suspicions about the property's condition or result in financial losses. 

Solution: Work with your real estate agent to conduct a comparative market analysis and set a realistic listing/starting price based on current market conditions.

Get your FREE Comprehensive market analysis HERE: https://www.dawnnowak.com/evaluation 

2. Seller’s Motivation: 

a. Seller don’t really want to move

b. Availability for Showing

Limiting the availability for showings can be a major obstacle. Buyers may have busy schedules, and if they can't view your home at a convenient time, they might move on to other options.

c. Negotiation is Part of the Selling Process

If you're unwilling to negotiate on price, closing costs, or other terms, you may be turning off potential buyers.

Solution: Be open to negotiating with buyers and consider their offers carefully, even if they're not exactly what you were hoping for. Be flexible with showings, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and open houses to accommodate a broader range of potential buyers. Flexibility is key when selling a home, especially in a competitive market. The goal is to get as many potential buyers in the house as possible. This creates a bidding war.

Additional Tip: Seller should not stay for showing. This makes the buyers and their Realtors uncomfortable. They want to discuss your home & price strategies.

3. Staging - Nonexisting

a. Staging

If your home is poorly staged, cluttered, dirty, or has outdated interiors, it might be harder for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.

b. Curb Appeal

If your home lacks curb appeal, it may struggle to attract prospective buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and if it looks neglected or uninviting, it can deter potential buyers from even stepping inside.

c. Unaddressed Repairs or Issues

If your home has significant maintenance issues or deferred repairs, it can be a major turnoff for potential buyers or lead to lowball offers.  

Solution: Invest time and resources into landscaping, fresh paint, and minor exterior repairs or interior updates to enhance your home’s overall appeal. You may also consider hiring a professional stager to arrange your furniture and decor in a way that maximizes the appeal of each room. Be proactive in fixing any issues such as leaky faucets, peeling wallpaper, or electrical problems before listing your home for sale. A well-maintained home signals to buyers that it has been cared for and is move-in ready. Simple improvements can make a significant difference in creating a positive first impression. Details really do matter.

Get your FREE Homestaging consultation when you list your home with Dawn Nowak.

4. Poor Timing:

Timing can play a significant role in the success of a home sale. Factors such as seasonality, economic conditions, and local market trends can all impact how quickly a home sells.

Solution: Work with your real estate agent to identify the best time to list your home based on market conditions and buyer demand. Stay informed about current market conditions and adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Odor of any Kind

a. Cat/Dog odor

Use white vinegar & water on floors and subfloors. Carpets may also need to be removed. Keep litter boxes clean.

b. Cigarette Smoke:

Do not smoke in house or garage while the house is on the market, or even a few weeks before. Have carpets professionally cleaned.

6. Water Drainage/Mildew/Mold

Buyers know a roof leak with ceiling stains is a red flag and that replacing a roof is very expensive. If repairs aren’t made, it can lead to mold - an additional and expensive fix. 

If a basement is damp with mold or mildew, try to use hydrogen peroxide & water on block foundation. Use Drylok to “seal” the pores in the block.

Mold is extensive, contact mold professionals:

CMM Mold owner Ken Bird - 585.489.3666

7. Ineffective Inexperienced Realtor:

Not all real estate agents are created equal - and choosing the wrong one can hinder your home-selling efforts. 

a. Marketing Subpar

Discuss marketing first.

b. Lack of Marketing

Simply listing your home on the MLS isn't enough to attract buyers in today's digital age. Effective marketing is crucial for reaching a broader audience and generating interest in your property. 92% of buyers see the home and decide to see it or not depending on pictures.

Solution: Work with an agent who has a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes professional photography, drone pictures, video walkthrough, online listings, social media promotion, targeted advertising, signage, brochures, beautiful open houses and reverse prospecting to all the Realtor in your area with a potential buyer. Do your research and select an experienced, reputable agent like Dawn Nowak of the Dawn Nowak Team who has a track record of success in their local market.

Learn more about Dawn and our team at: https://www.dawnnowak.com/about

Check out our Client Testimonials at: https://www.dawnnowak.com/googlereviews

             Identifying the reasons your home isn't selling is the first step toward making positive changes. By addressing these common pitfalls and implementing the suggested solutions, you can breathe new life into your listing. Remember, selling a home takes time, patience, and a proactive approach, so don't get discouraged if things don't happen overnight. With the right adjustments, strategy and mindset, you can increase the attractiveness of your home and attract the right buyer.

Are you ready to sell your home? Give The Dawn Nowak Team a call at:

(585) 317-7749 (Rochester) | (716) 288-6881 (Buffalo)

Visit our website at: www.DawnSoldAnother.com