Help! Why isn't my home selling??!!

Price

Price is the number one reason why houses don't sell. Especially in this market! Your house is worth what the market says it's worth, period. The numbers speak loudly - your home will sell for approximately what your neighbor's home sold for.

The market doesn't care what you owe on your mortgage, it doesn't care about what you think you "need to get out of your house" and it only cares somewhat about the improvements you've made.

You can't force the price no matter how badly you want to, ultimately the market will decide.

Your solution is to either set it at the right price or wait until prices increase and try to sell again later.

Condition

You need to look at your home like a buyer, not a seller. A home that is dirty, has carpeting that needs replacing, has walls that need repainting, has cat litter boxes that need cleaning, and so on will not sell as well as a house that looks model perfect.

Unfortunately it doesn't work nearly as well to offer a credit for new carpet. It's best just to go and replace the carpeting right off the bat. The old myth that people will want to pick out their own carpeting is just that - a myth.

Personally, I don't know why this is but people want YOU to pick the carpeting and they want to see it when they come to view the house the first time.

I think it has something to do with a feeling. Yes, you thought you were selling a home but when it comes down to it you're selling a feeling and new carpeting, new paint and a super clean house just feels good and buyers will respond in a good way.

Location

If you live in a home that backs to a busy street, or is next door to messy neighbors or is in a high crime neighborhood you may have to offer a lower price or owner financing or a lease with options.

Ease of Showing

In order to become an "A-list" home you need to have a lock box and a home that is easy to view at just about any time. That way, when the agent has clients from out of town, for instance, you'll be at the top of the list.

Incentives

Make certain you're offering the proper incentives and don't be afraid to increase them if necessary. You might ask your Realtor about offering a higher commission to the buyer's agent, paying closing costs, including a home warranty and so on. Your Realtor should be able to provide ideas on the appropriate incentives.

If your contract with your Realtor has expired without selling your home and you'd like a FREE, no obligation, opinion as to why it didn't sell please don't hesitate to contact me at 303.887.1883. I'd be happy to offer my opinion.

If you're thinking about putting your home on the market but would like to get an estimate as to how much you can get for it I'm also more than happy to offer a FREE, no obligation, opinion as to how much you'll be able to get and what you can do to increase your chances of selling quickly.

Beth I. Skinner, Associate Real Estate Broker, Making dreams come true one house at a time.

(photo courtesy of www.freephotosbank.com)