6 Reasons Your Home Won't Sell

Are you ready to sell your home and want it to have a great first impression on the market? Or maybe your home has been listed for a few weeks or months, and you can't figure out why it won't sell, and you know your agent is working hard to market it. I’ve listed below the top 6 reasons your home may not make a good impression and end up stagnant on the market.

1. IT'S OVERPRICED

To be clear, an overpriced home is the #1 reason a home won't sell. We often times want our homes to be worth a lot more than we may see based on the data, but if you put your home on the market for the number you wish it will bring instead of the price it actually needs to be, your home can sit on the market for months without getting a single showing. If you're thinking you need to price high to leave room for negotiations, statistics show that views for your property, for buyers in your price range, can drop a whopping 90% if it's priced too high. Discuss with your broker or me what the market says the value of your home is, then price it competitively to potentially get a bidding frenzy instead of low offers or having it expire.

2. LOW SHOWING AVAILABILITY

Making sure the house is clean and having to leave on a daily basis for buyers to tour the home may get a little overwhelming, but it is crucial to have open availability to have your home shown. You could end up missing out on the perfect buyer if you decline too many showings. The longer it sits on the market, the less value buyers will see in it. Talk with me or your broker about having a 24-hour notice period if the extra time is needed, but make sure your home is available to be shown as often as possible.

3. CLUTTERED SPACE

Buyers want to walk into a house and envision their lives in that home. This is difficult to do if your home is cluttered with personal belongings. They are instantly given the feeling of invading someone else's personal space, instead of the satisfaction of being able to see a future in your home. Make sure your property is clutter free before putting it on the market; and store away any family photos.

4. UNPLEASANT ODORS

If you smoke or have pets, it's easy to get used to the smell to the point that you don't even notice it anymore. But it's important to understand that the scent can be picked up by new people visiting your home, and it can really turn them off from making an offer. Before a showing, make sure to dispose of any garbage, don't cook fish or other strong-smelling food, and ensure the home is freshened up so there are no pet or smoke odors.

5. UNWILLING TO MAKE REPAIRS

Selling your home as-is may sound appealing at first but being unwilling to make repairs could cost another mortgage payment that far exceeds the cost of repairs if you refuse to work with the buyer on their requests and the home goes back on the market again. It's wise to be open to repair requests, and simply go over with your agent what you can afford to do and make a reasonable counter offer during the repair negotiations.

6. UNWILLING TO NEGOTIATE WITH BUYERS

It's important to have an open mind about requests that will come from buyers when it comes to purchasing your home. These requests can come in the form of price negotiations, repair requests, or even requests to cover closing costs or home warranties. With your agent on your side advising you of the best steps to take, it's best to be open to working with the buyers on some of their requests to ensure a successful closing.

PickingThe Real Estate Broker That Fits Your Needs

You're ready to sell or purchase a home, but not sure where to start and who to call for help. You reach out to friends, the internet to find someone you feel you can trust. The question that is always the hardest is who is a right fit your needs?

 In Quincy alone by doing a quick internet search there are 15 Real Estate Agencies within the city. How do you begin to narrow that down? Within those agencies the number of Broker's is just as high. To a seller or a buyer picking someone can be like picking a needle out of a haystack. Often clients have found the best source of help is from family and friends, referrals are the best support for people when choosing someone.

Yet, whether you have relied on a reliable source for your agent or went on pure instinct there are questions you should always ask to make sure that you are getting someone that will represent your wants and needs. Here are 5 common questions you could ask:

1. What are your credentials? Your Real Estate Broker should have his or her state mandated license to practice real estate, plus belong to a Real Estate Association, because that means your broker will have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) allowing them to list your home far and wide.

2. Does your Real Estate Agent know your Community? Your Agent should be able to sell your home but also sell your neighborhood as well. Placing a for sale sign in your yard and walking away doesn't get the job done. Marketing is key to any seller's agent.

3. What is their marketing plan? An agent should have a written plan that identifies where and how he/she will market your home, from listing services to open houses to social media.

4.How often will you communicate with me? Ideally, your Realtor should communicate with you regularly, updating you with any new information/concerns. They must inform you of all offers. They should have email and be reachable most of the time should you have a question or concern.

5.Why should I hire you over your competition?  Most consumers are looking for a real estate agent who is: Honest, readily available by phone or e-mail, Good communicators, Quick to return calls or emails, Friendly, Analytical & Successful in getting results.

Overall, setting up a meeting with a realtor should allow you to walk away feeling assured that your questions were answered, you and your agent were on the same page and most importantly that you feel that you were the utmost importance to his or her cliental. Making you a high priority throughout your home or selling process.

Real Estate is a big investment and your home is a piece of you don't just rely on anyone to handle the process. Hire someone from a reputable firm, that provides, training, advancement and marketing for all Real Estate needs.

Davis and Associates Inc., Realtors is just that place!

 Why Choose US?

Davis & Associates Inc., REALTORS® will show you the very best Quincy, IL and the surrounding area has to offer. We have the knowledge to guide you on this new journey of house buying, and we will take the time to answer your questions. Trust us to listen to your concerns and guide you in making solid decisions for the future.

If you own and want to sell your existing home, Davis and Associates is for you too. Our Brokers are experienced in selling homes. We know the Quincy, IL market and can offer suggestions to make your home more appealing to buyers. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you sell your home. We also work with customers who are selling other types of real estate as well.

Locally owned and making dreams come true since 1981, you can trust Davis and Associates for our experience and knowledge. 

 Why You can Trust me for your Real Estate Needs:  I have a strong work ethic, a "can do" philosophy and a charismatic, professional, business-like approach in facilitation of the personalized needs of each client; while working through the buying and selling process of each transaction. I am eager to offer new clients the assistance required to achieve success during every buying, selling or relocation situation. My growing knowledge in the field will lend exceptional assistance to a client's involvement in real estate transactions over any kind.