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What to Do if Your House Is Not Selling

October 8, 2024 | Selling Your Home | By: The Goodhart Group

Are you frustrated because your home is not selling as quickly as expected? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The real estate market is dynamic, and sometimes, it takes longer for properties to find the right buyer. However, there are proactive steps you can take to address this situation and increase your chances of selling your home. Let’s explore some options if your house sells slower than you hoped. Keep in mind that fewer days on the market generally correlate to higher sales prices, so pricing your home correctly from the start or adjusting quickly to the market is the best strategy to get your home sold quickly and for the most money.

Evaluate the Pricing Strategy

One of the first things to consider is the pricing of your home. The initial listing price may not align with current market conditions in a changing market. It is time to reassess and lower the price to attract more buyers. Pricing is crucial, and a competitive listing price can significantly generate interest. Often, we see a surge in interest after a price adjustment, sometimes even generating multiple offers. 


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Timing and Market Conditions

The time of year can also impact the speed of a home sale. If your property has been on the market for an extended period, consider taking it off briefly to reset the Days on Market (DOM) count. 61 days off the MLS here in the DC Metro area will allow the DOM to reset, allowing you to present the listing as fresh to potential buyers. While off the market, you can explore listing the property as a Compass Private Exclusive, which won’t affect the DOM count and can attract exclusive buyer interest.

For more on Compass Private Exclusive check out our article here

Listen to Feedback and Make Improvements

Feedback from potential buyers and real estate professionals can provide valuable insights into why your home is not selling. Pay attention to recurring comments about the property’s condition, such as issues with lighting, odors, or other factors that may deter buyers. Consider making necessary improvements or adjustments based on this feedback to enhance the appeal of your home. Some of these can be minor adjustments, like if buyers keep mentioning the home seems dark, improving lighting, or if an odor is installing an air filter. Some factors cannot be changed, such as steep stairs to the front door, a busy street, a sloping or small yard, or a bad view.  In that case, adjusting the price is the only alternative, as the price is the hidden objection.


Still have questions about selling your home? Here are a few more articles to check out next:


Accessibility and Showing Restrictions

Ensure that your home is easy to show and that there are minimal restrictions on viewing times. The more accessible your property is for potential buyers, the higher the likelihood of securing a sale. If there are too many showing restrictions in place, it could deter interested buyers from scheduling viewings.

Remember, patience is critical when navigating the process of selling a home. Be sure to be in constant communication. Being proactive and open to adjustments can enhance the likelihood of attracting the right buyer for your property. Whether it’s reevaluating the pricing strategy, making improvements, or seeking professional guidance, there are proactive steps you can take to address the situation if your house is not selling as quickly as anticipated. Stay positive, stay proactive, and remain open to adapting your approach to meet the evolving dynamics of the real estate market.

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If you’re looking to buy or sell in Northern Virginia, DC, or the MD suburbs, we’d love to help. Contact us today! You can call us directly at 703-362-3221, email us at sue@thegoodhartgroup.com or allison@thegoodhartgroup.com.

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