Has it been months since you listed your home and you’re still not getting any movement? A stale listing can be a source of frustration for any homeowner looking to dispose of their property. And the thing about homes that don’t sell is that the longer they stay on the market, the more likely people are going to think something’s wrong with it, which only makes it even harder to get offers.
If you haven’t found a buyer after months of trying to sell your home, here are 4 strategies to get yourself out of this rut.
Strategy #1: Bring Down Your Asking Price
Although this might sound like a no-brainer solution, price is a factor many sellers struggle with. Often sellers make the mistake of pricing their home based on how much they paid for it and adding a little extra for home improvements and appreciation—after all, homes increase in value over time, right?
Not always.
Ultimately, it’s the market that decides how much your home is worth, which is why it’s important to get an impartial appraisal of its value. Your listing agent will also help you figure out factors such as neighborhood, location, and accessibility to public transport among other things, all of which will influence your asking price.
Strategy #2: Pay for a Deep Clean
If all you did to stage your home was to vacuum the floors, dust the furniture, and wipe clean your counters, you may not have cleaned it as thoroughly as you thought. Consider investing in a deep clean of your home, which will include a complete cleaning of the interior and exterior, a fresh coat of paint, and steam cleaning or replacement of carpet.
Strategy #3: Work with a New Listing Agent make
If you feel your listing agent has never spent a considerable amount of time working with you in all the months your home was on the market, it may be time to look for another agent. Many home sellers make the mistake of going with brokers with the lowest fees or promise to get the highest price for your home.
A good agent is someone who’s an expert in the area, understands the market value of homes in neighborhood, and has a tried and tested marketing plan. Before you switch to another agent, however, be sure to do it according to the stipulations of your contract.
Strategy #4: Spruce Up Your Advertising
Today’s buyers do a lot of research before buying a home, often doing so for months—even years—at a time. If your listing and marketing details remain unchanged for months, potential buyers will notice and see that nothing’s “happening” in your home. That said, minor refreshes such as new photos, updated property descriptions, and special limited-time promotions are great ways to make your listing look fresh and more relevant.
If you have a home you need to sell right away and don’t have time for these strategies, sell it as is to Blue Hen Homebuyers. As an investor, we buy all kinds of houses, regardless of their age or condition. Call our offices today at 910-802-2222 to learn more about how our services can help you.