Overcoming a Failed Listing: How to Sell Your Home This Time

By Misty Darling

Professional service with an emphasis on guidance, planning, and dedication to my clients’ needs are my top priority.

Are you frustrated by your home sitting on the market with no offers? You’re not alone—many homeowners face the disappointment of an unsold property. But what if the key to selling your home faster lies in just a few strategic adjustments? Today, I will explain why homes don’t sell and what you can do to relist it for a successful home sale. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Pricing. Unrealistic pricing is one of the most common reasons a home doesn’t sell. In today’s fluctuating market, it’s easy to get carried away with escalating property values and overestimate your home’s worth. However, setting the right price is crucial to attracting serious buyers. Overpricing can deter potential buyers who might otherwise be interested, as they’ll find more accurately priced homes that meet their expectations. Remember, competitively pricing your home attracts more buyers and helps prevent your property from becoming a stale listing.

2. Accessibility. Another factor that can significantly impact your home’s ability to sell is how easy it is for potential buyers to view it. Inconvenient or limited showing times can turn away buyers who are ready to make an offer. It’s essential to be flexible with showings, even if it means adjusting your usual routines. The more accessible your home is, the more potential buyers will walk through the door, increasing your chances of a quick sale.

3. Staging. First impressions are everything, and that’s especially true when it comes to selling a home. If your home wasn’t properly staged or appeared cluttered and personalized, it could have turned off potential buyers. Buyers need to visualize themselves living in your space, which means depersonalizing, decluttering, and perhaps even investing in professional staging to make your home as appealing as possible. Remember, a well-presented home not only attracts more interest but also allows buyers to see its full potential.

4. Negotiation. A successful sale often hinges on your willingness to negotiate. Whether it’s addressing issues that arise during inspections or being open to price adjustments, flexibility can make or break a deal. If your home didn’t sell the first time, it could be due to a breakdown in negotiations—either by not addressing inspection concerns or by holding firm on terms that deterred buyers. Being open to negotiation and willing to offer incentives, such as covering closing costs or making necessary repairs, can help keep a deal on track.

5. Professional advice. If you want to sell your home quickly and for the best price, you need to listen to your agent. Agents bring invaluable market knowledge and experience to the table, and their advice is crucial for setting the right price, staging the home, and negotiating effectively. Clients who follow their agent’s guidance tend to see better results, as demonstrated by sellers who, after taking their agent’s advice, sold their homes for more than they expected.

If your home didn’t sell the first time around, don’t be discouraged. By reassessing your strategy, making necessary adjustments, and working closely with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can position your home for success on the market. Remember, the key to selling your home lies in a solid strategy.

For any questions or if you want my expert help in getting your home off the market, please don’t hesitate to call me at 515-575-9950. I would love to make your home sale journey a success. I look forward to hearing from you!