Why do some homes sell right away? Why do some sit on the market for months at a time? And why isn’t your house selling? In our latest post, we will help you to consider some reasons why your house isn’t selling, and what you can do about it!
Selling a home takes work. It is only when a price, a property and a buyer all lineup that you are able to achieve a sale. To make this happen as the seller, you need to take a good look at your home and the price you are asking.
Why Isn’t My House Selling in Southwest Michigan
Don’t Be Overly Ambitious With Your Asking Price
When it comes to selling a property, many people are quick to list it without giving enough consideration to the amount they’ll actually walk away with. Simply guessing at the property’s value and marking it up for commissions and other listing costs is not always accurate. Many sellers do not have a realistic value for their home, which can lead to frustration and delays in the sale process. Before listing your property, it’s crucial to run some comparative market analyses for recently sold properties in your area. You might even consider having an appraisal done to get a more accurate estimate of your property’s value.
If you need to lower the price of your house, this will be visible to potential buyers viewing your property on the MLS and other marketing sites. Lowering the price multiple times can also make people think that there is something wrong with the property. To avoid this, it’s essential to price your property appropriately from the start, based on market trends and recent sales in your area. Working with an experienced real estate professional or cash buyer can also help ensure that you get a fair and reasonable offer for your property, without the need to continually adjust the price. This way, you can avoid the negative perception that comes with lowering the price of your property repeatedly, and ultimately achieve a successful sale that meets your needs.
Your Clutter is Off-Putting
No matter how cute you think your stuff is, it’s still YOUR stuff. How can someone imagine your extra bedroom as an office if there are teddy bears everywhere?
- Put away any personal items.
- Clear away paperwork from tables and desks.
- Take pictures down.
- Put away things like your robe, your razor, and your toothbrush.
And while you’re at it, give it a thorough cleaning. To be blunt, your typical cleaning habits may not be on par with some of the people viewing your home. Now is the time to channel your inner neat freak.
You Aren’t Able to Compete
If you’re considering listing your property in Southwest Michigan, it’s important to be aware of the local market trends and competition. Before setting a price, it’s recommended to take a good look at properties for sale in your area and to know what your neighbors are asking for their homes. This can provide you with a better understanding of the local market and help you set a more realistic price. In addition to checking listing sites, it’s also beneficial to review county appraiser data to see what comparable houses have recently sold for.
When setting a price, it’s essential to look at what houses are actually going for, rather than what people are asking for their properties. Additionally, it’s important to consider the demographics of potential buyers. For example, if there are many families in the area, it may be helpful to make your yard conducive to outdoor fun. If the area has many young professionals, consider showcasing an area in the home as an office or gym. By understanding the preferences of potential buyers, you can make your property more attractive and marketable, which can help you sell it more quickly and for a better price. Working with an experienced real estate agent or professional buyer, like I Buy SW MI, can also help ensure that you receive a fair and accurate appraisal of your property, while also helping you identify the right marketing strategies to attract potential buyers.
It Needs Work
Honesty is key here. There are things you might have been overlooking for so long, that now they just seem normal. Get an outside opinion on what repairs should be made. Ask friends for candid opinions. Ask your agent. And consider doing an inspection on your own. Fixing the things in need of repair will improve your selling chances, and lower your potential buyer’s bargaining power over repairs.
Bad Photos
People use the internet to buy homes. In our opinion, nothing can destroy a listing faster than bad photography. On the flip side, well done, professional photos can make your listing skyrocket. Don’t settle for an agent who takes a picture of your home from the car. And going back to the above, there should not be ANY clutter in your photos. Seriously. Nothing. Even if you put everything back after the picture is taken… putting some effort into great photos will make or break your listing.
Your Agent isn’t Doing All They Could Be
Some agents will do the bare minimum and cross their fingers for a sale. They might have gotten their license in hopes of making a quick buck. Then there is I Buy SW MI. We are real estate professionals that genuinely want to help people! We believe everyone should love the real estate they own.
Title Issues
It is very difficult to sell a property with liens or other title problems. Maybe your great aunt gave you the property, but it was never properly put in your name. (AKA, transfer without conveyance.) To sell a property in Southwest Michigan do whatever you can to clear this up before you list.