Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – Word on the street is that it’s a hot seller’s market – but your home isn’t selling. You’re probably guessing that something isn’t quite right. Here are several reasons why your home may not be selling and some tips on what you can to do make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Overpriced?
Pricing is critical in all markets – hot or not. Overpriced homes have a tendency to sit on the market a lot longer and grow stale over time. Make sure your listing is competitively priced. You don’t want to lose the interest of potential buyers by starting off too high and keeping it there without receiving any offers. Overpricing also helps your competitors sell their homes quicker because their home appears to be a better value than yours. Get a realistic understanding of where the price should be given competition and market conditions.
It doesn’t show well?
Something about the property may be deterring buyers. Now is the time to take stock of how you are presenting your home and its selling points. Perhaps you need to reevaluate furniture placement and/or de-clutter the space by placing items in storage. Have you taken care of all necessary repairs? Is there something you can do to make the décor more amenable to buyers – maybe consider a neutral color palette on the walls? What about landscaping? Is your lawn properly groomed and property maintained? Never underestimate the importance of first impressions and presentation.
Not marketed properly?
Just as pricing is critical to selling – so too is how your home is marketed. That is why working with an experienced Realtor is so important! Take advantage of their expertise in the field and their experience with buyers. Is your property description appealing to buyers and targeting key features? Are you getting maximum exposure by placing the listing in MLS (multiple listing service) and syndicating to all real estate websites? Make sure you follow your Realtor’s advice for how to best market your property for sale.
Easy to show?
Buyers may be interested in your home, but if they cannot easily schedule a showing, then you are limiting your exposure. Avoid complicated showing instructions and lengthy showing notices (i.e. Two days notice to schedule appointments). Active buyers who are ready to act will want to see your home fairly quickly. The easier you make that process, the better!
Above are just a few common reasons why your home may not be selling. Every property is a little different.
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
