Homes that just won't sell

A couple of months ago a friend of mine was looking into buying a home, so she did what a lot of buyers do today...started spending hours online searching for "the one." Because I'm a professional home stager in Fort Wayne IN and I love looking at homes, I offered to help her look. It was funny to watch her sometimes because she'd come across a home online that caught her eye, but when she looked at the pic's of the inside, within seconds she'd leave the listing and look at the next one. She just couldn't imagine living there, even when I would tell her it's not bad, just a bad picture or it could work if she changed a few things...she just wasn't "feeling" it so she'd move on. Those homes she passed up, won't sell for a loooong time because most buyers do exactly what my friend did...pass it up to see what else is out there.

The point of the story is this; your home has less than 20 seconds to make a good impression online (less in person) if your home doesn't attract buyers online, it's highly unlikely buyers will take the time to come look at it. So make that first impression count! Second point is, buyers today do not want to spend a lot of money after they buy it, so it's a good idea to make small inbestments to make necessary updates before listing it, so it sells faster and you can avoid a possible price reduction.

Here's some examples of homes that won't sell in Indiana or will just sit on the market for months, costing sellers hundreds and thousands of dollars!!


Exhibit A Exhibit B


Exhibit C





A. This kitchen needs some updates, but even if that wasn't possible, clearing the counter before the picture was taken would've helped. This picture implies there's not enough storage in the kitchen...

B. This is a really nice large living room, but the poor fireplace is competing for attention with the large tv which distracts buyers from appreciating it. There is also too much furniture in the room, making it appear crowded and small. Some rearranging and modernizing would've helped tremendously.

C. If the paneling was painted a neutral color (yes, paneling can and should be painted when possible), a slip cover on the couch and all that clutter to the left was gone...it would help increase buyer interest easily. If the floors can't be changed, then a nice large rug are would be a good idea too.


Now, here are some homes that will bring in buyers and possibly multiple offers!




Both pictures show off space, there's just enough furniture to define the room, enough accessories to make it feel like home buyers and lots of natural light. You can also clearly see that the fixtures have been updated which helps modernize the space; fixutres are an inexpensive investment that make a huge difference!

You have to understand what buyers are looking for in order to market it well and ensure buyer interest! Otherwise, your home maybe one of those homes that just won't sell.