The market is hot – so why isn’t your home selling? While you shouldn’t panic if your home has only been on the market for a few days without offers, you might want to take a closer look if those days turn into months. During my career as one of the top Realtors in the Arlington, Virginia area, I’ve helped clients avoid the following issues that can turn away potential buyers. If you’re wondering what’s keeping the offers from rolling in, this list might help:
BAD CURB APPEAL
Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers have of your home. Things like messy yards or peeling paint can make people wonder about the condition of the rest of your home and mentally start adding numbers for repairs and upgrades. Even worse, a bad first impression can result in an immediate “no” before they even get out of the car. Ask someone to give you an honest first impression of your home’s curb appeal and fix anything you might have missed.
LOW-QUALITY PHOTOS
If your listing photos aren’t good, your home won’t get the attention it deserves. In today’s high-tech smart-phone world, most buyers will see photos of your home on websites, on social media, and via real estate apps like Zillow at least several times before making the decision to visit in person. Make sure photos are high-quality, professional-grade images shot with plenty of light, wide angles, and showcasing your home’s best features.
ASKING TOO HIGH A PRICE
If your home is overpriced, it won’t sell, it’s as simple as that. An experienced Realtor can give you an accurate value of your home and help you decide on the best asking price that gives you maximum profit while still attracting buyers.
YOU’RE ALWAYS THERE
You might think you’re being helpful, but always hanging around during open houses, showings, and any time potential buyers are touring your home will drive prospects away. Let your agent handle the showings without you, and just let them know you are available by phone if there are any questions they can’t answer. Buyers want to feel they can talk freely, explore, and discuss the details of a home without worrying about owners hovering nearby and listening in.
YOUR HOME ISN’T READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT
Your home is cluttered and dirty. Your windows are streaked with dirt, your floors are tracked with the dog’s paw prints, and your teenagers forgot to clean their rooms – again! Dirty, cluttered, and messy homes will turn people away within minutes. It’s hard to imagine living in a home when you’re distracted by the mess. And buyers might make snap judgements and worry that the home hasn’t been taken care of either.
OUTDATED / NEEDS REPAIRS
Your kitchen tile was new and gorgeous – 20 years ago. The garage door is hanging slightly askew and the guest bathroom pipes make a weird sound when the sink is turned on. Small repairs like leaking pipes and off-balance garage doors should be done before putting your house on the market. Any upgrades should be discussed with your Realtor, who can give you advice on the best projects that will increase the value of your home and give you a profitable return for your investment.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT
You can see throughout this article how important it is to work with an experienced, local professional who has detailed knowledge of the area you are selling or buying in, the current state of the real estate market, and the right actions you need to take to improve your chances for a speedy and successful home-selling experience.
If you’re thinking of selling a home in Arlington, VA or the surrounding area, please feel free to give me a call at (703) 593-6320 or email me at mike@mikesellsvirginia.com for ideas, information, free resources and all the help you need.