You’ve finally taken the plunge and have your property on the market, but it seems to have been on the market for a long time and it just doesn’t seem to be selling. It could be that there is just no interest, or at least not many viewings or that there have been plenty of viewings, but no offers. These situations can be frustrating and in this article, we will take a look at some of the things that you can do if your property is not selling.
No viewings
There are a few reasons why no-one is asking to view your property in the first place:
- The estate agent isn’t marketing the property in the right way. This could be that they don’t have the right people on their contact lists, don’t have your property listed on the national websites like Rightmove or Zoopla or the estate agent is prioritising other properties for viewings. It could also be that the advert is lacking in photos or doesn’t have the right information on it putting potential buyers off. In this case, you need to have a frank conversation with the estate agent and decide whether you should move to another agent.
- The photos don’t do your property justice. This could be that the photos look dark, make a room look small or cluttered or just generally don’t make your property look at its best. Ask some friends and family for feedback on the photos and, if needed, get the agent to take new ones to post on the advert. Make sure the photos present a light and airy property which is appealing.
- The asking price is set incorrectly. Setting the asking price either too low or too high can put potential buyers off before they even think about looking at your property. Make sure that you do your local market research to ensure that your property is priced correctly.
- You have low kerb appeal. Most prospective buyers will drive past your property before phoning the estate agent. If it doesn’t look inviting from the outside then you have no chance of them wanting to look inside. Sort out your kerb appeal, sort any maintenance issues, spruce up the garden or the drive, give the doors and windows a good clean and make sure the area is neat and tidy.
- It could be that it is just the wrong time of year. Spring is the most active time for selling properties and there is a lull in summer and over the winter, so make sure that, when you come to sell your property, you sell it at the right time.
Viewings but no offers
There might well be plenty of viewings but no offers forth coming. Reasons for this can be:
- Your estate agent isn’t vetting viewers to make sure that they are serious and can afford the asking price. This means you might simply be getting “tourists” through the door. Talk to your agent about how they are vetting potential buyers to make sure that they are serious. Again, if needed, look to move agent if you don’t feel you are getting the service you need.
- The inside of your home is not appealing to buyers. Whilst you should never sell a sterile property that doesn’t look lived in, your personal tastes in décor and ornaments might not be to everyone’s taste so they just can’t picture themselves in there or think there is just too much re-decorating to do. It might be too cluttered which might be cosy to you but might be viewed as untidy and will make the rooms appear small or there might just be too many small maintenance tasks that need doing. We’re not saying you need to rip everything out and start again as if it is a show home, but make your home inviting to others so they can see themselves in it.
- It could be, that after chatting to your agent the potential buyer learns that there is a big upward chain that they really don’t want to be in. Try to minimise your chain as much as possible.
Whatever the reason is for your home not selling, we at Newton Fallowell are here to help you. With over 30 sales and lettings offices across the Midlands we are your local experts and our knowledge of the local market is second to none. Why not pop into one of our offices and we will be glad to help you in any way we can.
