What to Consider if Your Home Remains on the Market

Seller

There are four little words that you never want to have to ask: Why didn’t it sell? Do not let yourself become stagnant with the slowest moving house on the block. However, if you find yourself with a house that is not selling as expeditiously as you desired, ask yourself these questions.

Was it priced wrong for the market?

Re-evaluate the pricing and the overall market. If your house is on the upside of pricing for similar houses, it is on the downside of desirability.

What were the house’s features compared to other houses on the market surrounding it?

If your house is the same size and in same general area and shape as another that listed (and sold) at a higher price, ask about the features. Did the other house have a new kitchen? When was the roof replaced? Were the appliances replaced recently? Did the seller offer any bonus incentives? In a competitive market it is not unheard of for sellers to offer to help with the down payment, closing costs, and provide a redecorating budget. The tighter the Duval County real estate market gets, the better the incentives that may have been offered. Free riding mowers, bonus weeks at time shares, or a canoe might tip the scales on a sale.

Did it lack curb appeal?

Curb appeal lures in house-hunters who might otherwise keep driving. An untidy yard or profuse growth may cause potential buyers to believe that similar problems exist inside and keep on driving. Lure in buyers with a neatly trimmed yard. Make sure that trash is not visible and there are no drooping tree branches. Brighten up the yard by planting new flowers or growth and carefully weeding.

Did the house smell unpleasant?

We get used to the smell of our own homes. Unfortunately, buyers are all too aware of every little odor. Fluffy’s litter box may have cost you a sale. That gorgeous aquarium may remind buyers of the local fish market. When you put your home back on the market, steam clean the furniture along with any carpets. Resolve to empty the kitty litter box daily and toss in an extra cleaning if you find out a potential buyer is on the way. An investment in disposable litter boxes can save you thousands in lost sales.

Pour lemon juice and baking soda down the kitchen drain; run an orange or a lemon through the disposal. Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon cookies. These smells remind buyers of the holidays, home, and families, and leave a good impression of your home in their minds. These small actions help a buyer believe that they would be able to live happily in your comfy, cozy house.

Was it too crowded?

You have to pack to move. Do yourself a favor: pack up half your belongings and move them to storage before you try to sell. Cramped closets, overwhelmed bookcases, stuffed shelves, bulging drawers, and plastic storage crates make a house look too small for a buyer to want to invest. By removing half the clothing from the closets, part of the furniture, and most of the knickknacks, you draw attention to your house’s good features and convince the buyer it is home.