Reasons Why Your House Didn't Sell

If your listing has expired without a successful sale, you may be experiencing some frustration and wondering where things went awry. Here are three questions to consider as you decide what to do next:

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

One of the most significant mistake you can commit while selling your home is imposing limitations on the days and hours available for potential buyers to visit. Maintaining flexibility with your schedule is crucial during the home-selling process, even though it may seem daunting to rearrange your plans to accommodate buyer visits. Remember, limited access translates to reduced exposure to potential buyers. According to ShowingTime's guidance:

". . . make every effort to maximize your flexibility when allowing access to your home for viewings."

Occasionally, the most motivated potential buyers could be traveling from a distance. Given their commitment to seeing your property, adjusting their plans might be challenging if you provide only restricted viewing times. Therefore, strive to make your home accessible as often as possible to accommodate them. It's a straightforward concept: if no one can view it, how can it possibly be sold?

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. News says:

When selling your house, it's important to remember that first impressions matter. The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior, so be sure to put in the work to make it look its best. One way to improve your home's curb appeal is to freshen up your landscaping. This could involve planting new flowers, trimming shrubs, and mowing the lawn. You could also add some new features, such as a patio furniture set.

According to U.S. News, "Curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of a home. A well-maintained exterior shows potential buyers that the homeowner takes care of their property, which can make them more likely to buy the home."

“A first impression is everything, and that includes your home's curb appeal. If buyers don't like what they see from the outside, they're unlikely to want to come inside.”

Don't just focus on your home's curb appeal when staging it for sale. It's also important to declutter and depersonalize the interior so that buyers can imagine themselves living there. A fresh coat of paint or clean floors can also make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a room.

Did You Price Your House Compellingly?

When selling your house, it's crucial to set the right price. It may be tempting to overprice your home to get the most money possible, but this can backfire and scare away buyers.

Pricing your home too high is the most common mistake sellers make.

If your house is priced higher than similar homes in the area, buyers are likely to lose interest. Pay attention to the feedback your agent receives at open houses and showings. If many buyers are saying the same thing about the price, it may be time to lower it.

To gain access to these valuable insights and beyond, place your trust in a reputable real estate agent. An excellent agent will provide expert guidance on re-listing your home, complete with effective strategies to secure its sale.

Bottom Line

It's understandable to be disappointed if your house didn't sell after your listing expired. To figure out what went wrong and how to improve your chances of success, talk to a trusted real estate agent.