Most homeowners want a quick sale when they decide to put their property on the market. After all, they may be in a hurry to move to their new place — especially if their offer is contingent on selling first. However, there are many reasons why your home might stagnate on the market. Fortunately, there are solutions to any slow-selling home’s problem. Here are three reasons your home may not be selling fast and how to help prompt a quicker sale.
Problem 1: You Have Zero (or Very Little) Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to how welcoming and desirable your home looks from the outside. And while what’s on the inside counts, too, you might be missing potential buyers because of unflattering outward appearances. Many elements factor into the curb appeal equation, but a major one is the condition of your fence — or lack thereof.
Many prospective buyers have children or pets — or both — and safety is a priority. Therefore, an attractive and functional fence might be vital to getting your home to sell. Make sure to budget fence installation into your selling prep costs; homeowners pay $2,753 on average to install a wood fence. Your costs can vary based on the size of the yard and the materials used, with lumber averaging $7 to $15 per foot and labor costing $10 to $30 per foot.
Investing in a wood fence can boost your home’s value, but there are other, less costly projects to explore. For example, HGTV recommends quick DIYs like painting the front door, mowing the lawn, washing the windows, and updating light fixtures for better visibility and aesthetics.
Problem 2: The Interior Isn’t Inviting, Either
As noted, the curb is what draws people in. But if the outside of the property makes big promises and the interior fails to deliver, you won’t make a sale. However, it’s particularly challenging to prep for a sale when you’re still living in your home. Clutter naturally builds up, the home looks lived-in, and your personality is everywhere. This is why experts recommend clearing your home of personal items and staging it to look more neutral. Focusing on the major living areas — like the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom — makes the process a bit easier than overhauling the entire house.
One strategy for staging is to begin packing your belongings for the impending move. Paring things down in the main living areas helps a home feel more open, and removing bulky furnishings is a big help, too. If you don’t want to rent a storage unit or fill up the garage, consider moving furniture around to create the illusion of more space.
Problem 3: The Price Just Isn’t Right
Referencing comparable properties when settling on an asking price is a critical part of selling your house. Recently sold properties in your area with similar characteristics give you an idea of the right price, but the key is finding the right comps. For example, your comparison criteria should include things like similar square footage (within a 10 percent difference of your floorplan’s), a comparable number of bedrooms, and a nearly identical lot size.
If you or your real estate agent fails to source the appropriate comps, you could be pricing your home way too high. The worst mistake is to price too high, notes the Balance, because the property will remain stagnant if buyers don’t see its value. One solution to this problem is to boost value by tackling home projects.
For sellers who are really hoping to get more out of their home sale, putting in the work can help. Upgrading flooring, repainting in neutral tones, and replacing light fixtures can all help with perceived value. Bigger upgrades like new appliances can also heighten your profit margin. Enhance the value and get the price right, and you might be moving sooner rather than later.
Dealing with a house that fails to sell is frustrating. But with the right expertise — and a bit of elbow grease — you can complete projects and take steps to get your home buyer-ready. In no time, you’ll be moving out, cashing in, and enjoying life.
Written by: Suzie Wilson A Happier Home