We know it can be very frustrating for homeowners if your property has been on the market for a while without attracting any offers.
If this sounds familiar, here are a few common pitfalls that could be preventing potential buyers from making an offer on your home and how you can fix them.
It’s Overpriced
A common mistake among homeowners is wanting to overprice their home deliberately to let a buyer haggle to get the true asking price they’ll be happy with. The biggest issue with this is that when a property is overpriced, it excludes several potential buyers. It’s far better to allow your estate agent to price the property correctly in the first place!
It’s Lacking Kerb Appeal
Be honest with yourself, does your property look attractive from the outside? Research has found that many buyers decide about a property before they even step through the front door, so if your home looks tired and worn on the outside, it could be putting buyers off.
It could be as simple as cutting the front lawn or moving the wheelie bins so they’re not directly on show.
It’s Not Being Marketed Properly
Most buyers will go online at the start of their property journey, utilising social media, estate agents’ websites, and property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Your estate agent should advertise your property across various online and offline media to ensure you reach a rounded audience. Check with your estate agent to ensure that your property is being listed to its full potential. If not, it may be time to find a new agent!
It’s Cluttered
Few things are as off-putting to a potential buyer as a house full of clutter.
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property, so even though you’re still living there, ensure it’s as clean and tidy as possible before any viewings occur. Aim to give buyers a blank canvas to work with so they can picture where their furniture and possessions might go.
You’re In a Long Property Chain
If you’re moving into a property that’s part of a long chain, this could be enough to deter some buyers. Consider whether you can do anything to break free of the chain, such as renting a property temporarily while you wait for your purchase to go through.
Buyers Aren’t Seeing Its Full Potential
When living in a property daily, it can be easy to forget how appealing it might be to a fresh set of eyes. Make subtle changes to ensure your property is displayed in its best possible light. Some minor changes can make a significant difference, whether that’s using bright and airy colours to redecorate or hanging up a mirror to make a room feel more prominent.
It’s Poorly Maintained
Letting things slide at home is easy, particularly if the issues aren’t causing you significant headaches. So before your next viewing, ensure all those little odd jobs and easy fixes are completed, as they could make a more considerable difference than you realise.
Talk to the Experts
Is your home up to scratch and ready for the market? Let us advise you. We are Properly your local property experts.
Call us on 0207 459 4400 or email [email protected] to find out how we can help you sell your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Your Home
Why is my house not selling?
There could be several reasons why your house isn’t selling. Common issues include overpricing, poor presentation, lack of marketing, or a long property chain.
How can I improve my home’s curb appeal?
To improve your home’s curb appeal, consider power washing the exterior, planting flowers, and mowing the lawn. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also make a big difference.
What can I do to make my home more appealing to buyers?
Declutter your home, clean thoroughly, and depersonalise the space. Consider staging your home to showcase its potential. Good-quality photos and virtual tours can also attract more buyers.
How can I speed up the selling process?
To speed up the selling process, consider pricing your home competitively, working with a reputable estate agent, and being flexible with viewings.
