Why Hasn't My House Sold?

Home sellers are very concerned when their home has been on the market for some time. The offers presented, if, any, have been too low to even consider. The home hasn't sold. Quite naturally they want to know “What's Wrong"

1st- Slow down. Don't panic. Take a rational look at the market and make the most of it. Smart home sellers are moving their home... and right now, today. But they recognize the market today is different from last year.

2nd- The smart home seller comes to the obvious conclusion that with cautious buyers looking at more homes, you have to be more competitive, flexible, aggressive, and do a better job of merchandising to generate offers. You home can also sell, and quickly.

3rd- Sit down with your real estate professional and rethink your marketing plan. There are a number of actions to consider beating out your competition.

Price:

Reviewing your asking price is the most difficult, painful and personal part of answering the question. “Why aren’t we getting any action?”. This is typically the single most critical element in the new marketing plan. Get fresh comparable sales in the area. Forget the asking prices of homes that aren’t selling. Check out the homes that are selling. Your home must be priced right to meet today’s market or all the other elements of your marketing plan won’t make a difference.

Terms:

How flexible are you really prepared to be? · How big a second can you take? · Can you offer a fast escrow?

Merchandising:

Are you offering incentives like a “ Home Warranty Plan” to the buyer? · How about assisting with paying for closing cost? Are you offering a sales commission that is attracting the most Buyer’s Agents that will bring the most amount of buyers. · Today, buyers are picky. Give them something extra. Grab their attention.

Appearance:

Remember the old advertising slogan, “Even your best friends won’t tell you!”? Well a good Realtor, will level with you. Have a Realtor give you a set of ideas on how to spiff up your house. Put aside what you think is nice or adequate. Listen to your professional. Paint, clip, cut, clean, deodorize, send to storage, toss out, caulk, mow, paper, cement, repair, add, scoop, weed, tear down, and scrub. Little things do count. A minimum of time, effort, and money spent now can bring back larger rewards.

Atmosphere:

There are also some “Do’s” and “Don’ts”, which can be helpful in creating a selling atmosphere.

• Leave the home when it is being shown. Take pets and children with you.
  
• If you have to be at home, do not talk with the buyer, just disappear.
  
• Tune the FM radio to quiet, soothing music.
  
• Be careful of cooking odors.
  
• Turn on all the lights
• Fresh flowers are always a plus.
• Keep the temperature at a comfortable level
• Open the windows and doors if weather and security permit.
• Pick up children’s toys and all clutter

Help your Realtor by creating a warm, pleasant, and private sales environment.