Staging Your Home: Five Most Common Reasons Your Home Will Not Sell

| December 28, 2013

Staging Your Home - Five Most Common Reasons Your Home Will Not SellThere are several factors that contribute to selling a home. Location, market conditions and timing are all a part of it. When a home does not sell it can be a combination of many things. Below are five issues that may be a contributing factor.

1. Priced too high or too low

The home may be overpriced. Listing a home too high can alienate potential buyers looking for similar homes. Similarly, if the listing price is too low that may send the wrong signal that something is wrong with the home. It is important to do your research and compare prices of similar properties nearby. Just because you heard that the house down the street sold for $350K does not mean that yours is worth that  much. Even if you plan to sell the home yourself, you should seek an independent appraisal. Homes that remain on the market too long have a less likely chance of selling. Your pricing may depend on the time of year that you sell, and the economic situation your city is in. If you plan on selling in September, for instance, you may need to discount the price to attract a buyer. If a large business relocates near your home, you may be able to command more for the same house, but mass job losses might have the opposite effect on prices.

2. Buyers Cannot See Themselves In The Home

Homes that are too cluttered can be a turn off. Staging an empty or occupied home can help. Be sure to target your staging efforts for the type of buyer you hope to find. If you think your home may be more attractive to parents of young children, you should be sure to make your home look child friendly and livable. Regardless of who you choose to target, the details are critical. Make sure that all simple repairs that can be made are taken care of. Paying attention to details from everything up to a squeaking door is important. It ensures some of the more tedious items will not be overlooked. When staging, simple tool sets can help. Many professionals recommend galvanized lag bolts as you look to tighten and secure entry ways. Sites like http://www.wholesalebolts.com/carriage-bolts.aspx can guide you to ensure proper choices for installation.

3. Ineffective Marketing

Spend some time on your ads. If you are marketing where a good number of first time home buyers are looking you should market specifically to them. Take the same approach if you are marketing to investors. Give the targeted audience something to want from your home. Look into information on school districts if you want to target young families. Put commute times if you are targeting professionals. Make sure that your intended audience sees what they want to see in your ad.

4. Difficulty getting in contact with owner or agent

Being available to answer calls or emails promptly is very important. Some buying is impulsive, so the quicker someone of interest can see the home and love the home the faster they will put in an offer. Even with selling one’s house customer service is very important. If you are rude, evasive, or difficult to contact, buyers will look elsewhere.

5. Misinformation

Often when people are reviewing your ad they assume the information given is correct. If they find that incorrect information has been provided through a buyer or listing agent, other buyer’s agents may hesitate to show your home to avoid wasting time. The less people view your home the longer it remains on the market.

As you work to stage your home and market effectively, do not underestimate the value of the customer service you provide. This includes giving the correct information and being available when prospective buyers call. The combination should get your home sold within your desired time frame.

 

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Category: Family Finances, Housing

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