So, you’re planning on selling your house. You fix it up, you put it out on the market… and nothing happens. You’ve done everything you can, but it won’t sell and now it’s out of your hands, you think. But is it, really? Here are 10 things you can do when your property doesn’t sell.
Tweak your price
Your price expectations won’t always align with the reality of the current market. Don’t be too set on an ideal price because otherwise your house runs the risk of remaining unsold for a long time.
Try a new look
Make your first impression count! Presentation is everything when you’re selling a house, so make sure it looks good, clean, comfortable, that it smells nice, etc. Remember – your potential buyers are looking for a new home, so make it easy for them to imagine themselves in yours.
Ask for advice
Professional or amateur advice – it’s all welcome. Sometimes, you need a fresh pair of eyes or a new perspective when you are no longer able to be objective about what’s going right and what isn’t. Listen to what others tell you; they may be seeing something you don’t.
Step back
The longer your property is on the market, the less likely it is you’re going to sell it. Three months is generally the mark when you have to start thinking about making a tactical retreat. A house that’s been for sale for too long will seem like it has something wrong with it and will mostly get passed over. In addition, buyers may try to use that as leverage to get you to drop the price.
Don’t lose patience
Whenever you take on such an endeavour like selling a property, be prepared for it to be a long, difficult and time-consuming process. Don’t expect it to sell right away, because you will be disappointed. Be patient.
Try a new advertising angle
A lot of times, it’s not the house that’s wrong, it’s the way it’s marketed. Instead of a typical, boring ad, try introducing something new and fun. Attract buyers’ attention with photographs and beautiful backdrops.
Compare & contrast
Don’t get too caught up in your own way of doing things – take a look at other properties on the market and see how they are presenting themselves. You might get an idea or two, and it’s always good to scope out the competition.
Time for an upgrade
If your property isn’t attracting enough attention as it is, try tweaking some things, adding and updating others – a spruce or an upgrade always attracts more attention and drives the price up.
Enlist professional help
Don’t try to do it yourself; entrust your house to a capable realtor. They have the experience and the necessary knowledge to make the most of this transaction.
Spread the word
If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, try letting more people know about your property. Post it on every website you can think of, ask family and friends to tell people they know, etc. You never know where potential buyers may pop up from.