Mistakes That Keep a Home from Selling (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling your home can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking process, especially if it sits on the market longer than expected. Avoid the dreaded experience of scratching your head wondering why it hasn’t sold by watching out for these common, and usually avoidable, mistakes. Here’s a guide to understanding why a home might not be sell quickly—and how to prevent these issues before listing.

Overpricing Your Home

One of the most common reasons a home doesn’t sell is that it’s priced too high. While it’s tempting to aim for top dollar, an inflated asking price can scare off potential buyers.

The best thing you can do to avoid this is work with a real estate team that knows the local market. Our Erika Rogers explains, "Pricing your home is more complicated than it might seem. Accurate pricing, based on updated local market information, is key. As much as possible, you want to avoid making price adjustments by reflecting the true market value from the beginning."

We will help you set a realistic price based on comparable sales, market trends, and your home’s unique features. And remember, while it's not ideal, it's okay to lower the price if needed. If your home isn’t generating offers, be open to adjusting the price.

Poor First Impressions

Because St. George is such a desirable place to live with strong demand for homes, it's easy to assume you don't need to focus on a strong first impression because you're in a hot market. However, first impressions still really matter even in a market like this. 

The first thing buyers see—whether online or in person—can make or break their interest. A home with outdated photos, cluttered rooms, or lacking curb appeal might not grab attention.

Put in the effort to boost curb appeal. Clean up the yard, paint the front door, and add inviting touches like potted plants or a new welcome mat. Take some time to declutter and stage. A clean, well-staged home looks more spacious and appealing to buyers.

Ignoring Repairs

Your buyer is expecting a home in good condition, unless you're selling in the as-is market. Buyers will notice even small maintenance issues, and a home that feels neglected can raise red flags. A leaky faucet, chipped paint, or broken appliances can give the impression of larger, hidden problems.

To avoid hiccups in the selling process based on home maintenance issues or lacking repairs:

• Do a pre-listing inspection: Identify and address potential issues before listing your home.
• Take care of minor repairs: Fix anything noticeable, from squeaky doors to cracked tiles.
• Highlight upgrades: If you’ve made recent improvements, mention them in the listing.

Lack of Flexibility with Showings

If your home is hard to see, buyers might skip it altogether. Limited availability for showings or a home that’s messy during visits can deter interest. We know that living in your home while it is listed can be a hassle, but as much as possible, work to let potential buyers see you're home when they want to.

Make your home available for showings as much as possible, including evenings and weekends. This will be easier to do, especially when you are accommodating last minute showing requests, if you keep the home clean and tidy. Maintain a clean, neutral, and inviting space at all times to stay showing-ready. 

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful or drawn-out. By pricing it right, addressing repairs, and making your home as appealing as possible, you can avoid common pitfalls and attract the right buyer. Working with us will give you the guidance and support needed to navigate the process with ease. Ready to learn more about selling your St. George home? Contact us any time.