The Kind of Home That's Hard to Sell (And What You Can Do About It)

Thinking about selling your home in St. George, but concerned it might be a tough sell? It's true that some properties are harder to sell than others. As an experienced St. George realtor, I’ve helped many homeowners successfully market and sell properties that initially seemed challenging to move. Understanding what makes a home harder to sell (and how to overcome those hurdles) can make a world of difference in your selling experience and final sale price.

What Kinds of Homes Are Harder to Sell?

Not all homes move off the market quickly. Here are some common factors that can make a home harder to sell in the St. George market:

• Unusual Layouts: Homes with unconventional floorplans or room placements can deter buyers looking for functional flow.
• Outdated Interiors: Dated kitchens, old carpet, or aging fixtures can make a home feel tired—even if it’s structurally sound.
• Poor Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Overgrown landscaping or a worn exterior can turn off potential buyers before they even walk in.
• Overpricing: Pricing a home above its market value often leads to longer days on market and reduced buyer interest.
• Unique or Niche Features: Pools, large acreage, or custom designs may limit your buyer pool depending on the current demand.
• Location Drawbacks: Homes near busy roads, commercial areas, or less desirable school zones may be harder to sell.

What Can You Do to Make Your Home More Marketable?

Fortunately, there are strategic ways to overcome most hurdles in the selling process. Here are some of our proven steps that can help you sell a harder-to-sell home in the St. George market:

1. Work with a Local Expert

This is a non-negotiable. You need a team of experts to guide you through the selling process. A local real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the St. George area can help you position your home effectively. From pricing to marketing, expert guidance can make all the difference.

2. Invest in Key Updates

You don’t need a full remodel. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, new lighting, or modern cabinet hardware can refresh the look and increase buyer interest. Kitchens and bathrooms often offer the highest ROI.

3. Stage Your Home

Professional staging—or even DIY staging with a little guidance—can help buyers visualize themselves living in your space. Clear clutter, depersonalize, and use neutral tones to appeal to the broadest audience.

4. Price It Right from the Start

Overpricing is one of the top reasons homes linger on the market. I’ll provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you price competitively while maximizing your return.

5. Highlight Unique Strengths

If your home has special features like energy efficiency, upgraded systems, or proximity to trails and outdoor recreation, make sure those are front and center in your marketing. Let us know what features your home has to offer so we can highlight them. Buyers looking in St. George often value lifestyle amenities.

6. Offer Buyer Incentives

Consider offering closing cost assistance, a home warranty, or flexibility on move-in dates to help set your listing apart.

Our Erika Rogers says, "With years of real estate experience in Southern Utah, I understand what makes local buyers tick—and how to attract the right ones. Whether your home is a bit dated, unusually located, or has a niche layout, we can craft a strategy that gives it the best chance to shine in today’s market."

No home is unsellable—but some require a more thoughtful and strategic approach. If you’re worried your St. George property might fall into the "harder to sell" category, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact us any time to learn more.