Why is My House Not Selling?
So you have read all the posts online. You have your home offered at
what you think is a fair market price. You have painted and spruced up your home’s curb appeal,
yet still your house is not getting the attention or bids you had hoped for. It
is not uncommon for some homes to stay a bit longer on the real estate market than others. Still there are frequent “Deal Breakers”
that realtors often see that may be stopping your home from being on potential home
buyers’ wish lists.
DEAL BREAKERS
An Unclean Home
A
home does not have to be dirty to appear unclean. Frequently an
"unclean" label is simply given in instances of clutter.
While preparing to show your home invest in some storage bins for extra
appliances and counter top items that are not frequently used. The same goes for
a closet overflowing with clothes (they will look there), bulging book shelves
and stashed items. Place
overflow bins in the garage or even better rent a storage space for a month or
two. In any case do not leave bins sitting around to give the idea that there
is little storage space.
After you have done an organizational once over, consider hiring a
one-time cleaning team to come in to detail clean your home or
throw a house cleaning party. Have friends and family help give your home a
good cleaning, making sure to get all the crevices and corners often
overlooked, then serve pizza afterwards.
Too Personalized
Yes, your house is your home, but if you do not want it to be your home anymore than
you need to de-personalize it. Remove all the family photos and personal
mementos. Downplay thematic design choices that are particular to your tastes. Yes, this includes the Star Wars room.
Freshen paint up with neutral tones that
appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Pets, Pets, Pets
Nothing can turn potential buyers off quicker than being greeted by
your charming 100 lb. pit bull, Killer, at the doorway. I have seen it all,
iguanas hanging from the refrigerator top, rabbits hopping across the floor and
a cat fight right in front of potential home buyers. We all love our pets but
need to realize sometimes others may not have the same shared passion for our
fur babies. Limit the roaming area of your pets while attempting to sell your
home. Consider crating your pets on a screened
porch, in the garage or gated outdoors (if weather permits) during home tours.
Keep reptiles in their aquariums. Stow away food dishes and discretely deal
with cat boxes. Keep pet hair vacuumed up and add some air fresheners to the
home.
Failed Home Inspections Checklist
I see this all the time. A home has failed inspection on certain items
and when it comes to the negotiations neither party will budge. The truth is,
if your home is failing inspection during
the Due Diligence period on major items
such a poor roof, electrical issues or a bad HVAC unit, you ARE going to have
to make the repairs if you wish to sell the home. However, do not lose hope. If
there are other less urgent items such as older single-pane windows or home
siding issues in which you have no funds to make repairs, consider bargaining
for a reduction on the home price to accommodate the change out without laying
out the funds directly yourself.
The Price is NOT Right
Too many times home sellers have a set price in mind that they will not
negotiate on. Listen to your realtor. If your house pricing is priced too high for the real
estate market of your area (taking any upgrades into mind) no amount of
house staging is going to get it sold. Your realtor will listen to your goals and
can advise you of your home's best market price. A realtor can also advise you
of potential pitfalls in your home's offering as well as tips to help you sell
your home faster. Remember your realtor is there to help you get the best
return on your investment. 
Too Much Emotional Attachment
Our homes are most often directly related to our memories; new
marriages, bringing home babies and graduating children. Frequently families are so tied emotionally
to their home that they will subconsciously sink their sale by making common
mistakes.
- Not allowing home tours at convenient times.
- Discussing home issues or personal family details in front of potential buyers.
- Not keeping the home picked up when visitors arrive.
If you are at the definite time of needing or wanting to sell your home,
address the feelings your family may have of moving on. Create a memories book
of your time in the home. Talk with elderly parents and children about the
adventure of moving on to a new lifestyle.
In the end remember the common goal you share with your realtor AND
your buyers, is to sell your home. By addressing the "Deal Breakers"
of home buyers you can make the most of your family's investment and be off to
your new journey with no regrets and great new enthusiasm.
If you are looking for help with figuring out the Deal Breakers to
selling your house or you are in search of your new dream home, please visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro.com/. You can also
contact me at 678-656-6627. As an experienced member of both the
National and Georgia Board of Realtors, I can answer any questions you have about
local market conditions, financing or selling your home for the best market
value.
Remember, no one
sells a home like a Mom!
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