Struggling to sell your house can be stressful.
The first step is identifying what is causing it.
In this blog, we’ll explore 12 reasons you might be struggling to sell your home.
And we’ll look at what you can do about them.
1. Your asking price isn’t right
One major factors in homes not selling is starting at the wrong asking price.
(Note: asking price is different to selling price.)
When you get a valuation for your home, take an honest look at comparable properties in your area. How do they compare in:
- Size
- Condition
- Location
- Amenities.
Don’t rely on a single estate agent to estimate the current market value. Get multiple quotes.
And consider getting a conveyancer for a more accurate valuation. This will cost you, but in the long-run the more accurate valuation may save you money.
2. Your estate agent is ineffective
A good estate agent markets your property well, which brings many relevant viewers.
Your estate agent should also have have good relationships with other local estate agents. And a large client base of prospective buyers.
They should also be pro-active with communication and transparency.
3. Bad photos
Photos are one of the main ways buyers get a first impression of your home.
Dark, blurry or inaccurate photos are off-putting and could be hinder interest.
Optimal photos boost online engagement. Professional photographers have the skills and equipment to stage and light your property. They can make it look its absolute best.
4. Too much personalisation
It’s crucial that buyers can envision themselves living in the property when viewing.
If your home is too personalised with your style and taste, it’s harder for others to see past it.
Declutter, depersonalise and neutralise the décor. If it’s painted an unusual colour, consider re-painting it to a neutral one.
Staging your home can also help buyers picture themselves living there.
Remove family photos, bold wall colours, and décor with a distinctive style. These distract buyers from seeing the home’s potential.
5. Market Conditions
Certain market conditions, such as:
- Rising interest rates
- Inflation
- Stock market changes
- Economic uncertainty
- Make selling more complicated.
Buyer demand fluctuates based on market forces, which are out of your control.
When markets are slow, you may need to adjust your expectations on price and timescales. Set a competitive asking price and consider accepting a lower offer.
6. Local factors
Each area’s local property market is unique.
For example, there many new builds are being constructed in your area.
Buyers could be more tempted by these options, which feel more current and modern. Your older home may seem dated in comparison.
Existing or potential issues can deter buyers. Examples include:
- Flight paths
- Power lines
- Planning disputes
- Noisy neighbours
- High local crime rates.
Be upfront about any negatives impacting your home or area. You must disclose important issues when selling.
Surveys will likely uncover them anyway, and if they don’t, you might face legal action from buyers later on.
8. Wrong time of year
Property market activity is seasonal. There are better – and worse – times to sell a house.
List your home during more active spring or autumn markets if possible.
However, a well-priced, well-marketed home in a popular area can sell at any time of year.
Work with your estate agent to identify the best periods to list your property.
Be aware of local events or holidays that cause dips in buyers. Remain patient and flexible when listing near slower seasons.
9. Property condition
This may seem like an obvious point.
After all, most buyers want to buy a property in good condition.
But renovating property before fixing it is not always in seller’s best interests. There might not be a good return on investment.
There are plenty of buyers willing to buy property in bad condition.
But exactly what level of bad condition is important, as it will inform which buyers you target. It can range from:
- Faded paintwork (on the house, doors, or windows)
- Unkept garden
- Damp
- Pest problems
- Structural issues
- Squatters.
10. Lack of flexibility on your part
In a tough market, buyers expect negotiation and compromise.
Being too rigid over price, completion dates, or other terms and conditions can put buyers off.
Show you’re willing to negotiate – getting a reduced offer is better than not.
Stay open-minded to reasonable offers and requests to build rapport with buyers. Compromise on small concessions that help seal the deal.
Flexibility shows motivation to sell, but don’t accept an offer you’re unhappy with.
11. Poor marketing
Ineffective marketing makes it harder for the right buyers to find your listing. And it doesn’t inspire those that do find it.
As well as great photos, emphasise your home’s best features in the listing description.
Boost visibility by advertising on social media. And get quality online exposure on free home listing websites sites.
You may also consider hiring a copywriter or marketing professional. They can produce creative, enticing listings for full impact.
Plus, invest in video tours so buyers view rooms online before visiting.
12. You haven’t lived in the property long enough
Some buyers are put off property that has been on the market too frequently.
This happens when sellers sell properties soon after purchasing them. There can be legitimate reasons to do this.
But many buyers will suspect that that it’s because there is something wrong with the property or neighbourhood.
To reduce this negative impression, your estate agent should explain clearly your reasons for selling to potential buyers.
Selling your house fast for the right price
Selling a home fast and for the right price on the open market is time-consuming.
Or you could work with a cash house buyer, like We Buy Any Home.
We can buy homes in any condition or location.
We don’t rely on third-party lenders or property chains to complete sales. So, we can complete sales in as little as 7 days.
Get in touch today for your free, no-obligation cash offer.
