Problems selling your house? These are the reasons why houses are not selling

If your house has been on the market for many months without receiving any offers, what could be the problem? Of course, when the economy is down, houses don’t move as fast. But right now the housing market seems to be coming back. A lot of houses are moving pretty fast. If you are frustrated by the lack of interest being shown in your home, perhaps you should consider the following suggestions.

Is your house competitively priced? Today, many homes are selling quickly because prices are still low and interest rates are at an all-time low. This is not a good time to ask for more for your home than its true market value. Buyers are spoiled for choice in homes, and most couples won’t overpay for a home, even their own!

How do you know if your home is priced fairly? The method used by most real estate agents is to compare your house with similar houses that sold in your neighborhood. It is important not to compare apples with oranges. If your house is a ranch, you cannot compare it to a two-story house. Comparable homes must have approximately the same square footage and lot size, the same number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and must be approximately the same age and construction.

Homes that sold often did so for a variety of prices. For example, your agent may tell you that one house sold for $200,000, while another sold for $250,000. When that happens, you should look at the two houses and compare other features. For example, the highest priced home may have had an updated kitchen with new appliances, new hardwood floors, and perhaps a finished basement.

The lower-priced house may not have had any of it. You may think that you can automatically price your home at the higher end of the price range. If your house has all the same new features, you can probably do it. However, if your house is more like the lower priced house, then you need to face reality.

Should you make improvements to your home to raise the price? Yes and no. You don’t want to spend $50,000 on a new kitchen and a finished basement if all you’re going to get back is your initial investment. However, there are improvements you can make that give you good performance.

Curb appeal is very important. Make sure your lawn is in top shape and is mowed and edged. Flower beds should be free of weeds and freshly covered. Shrubs and hedges should be trimmed and no debris should be found in the garden.

Fresh paint is a cheap upgrade, but it will make a world of difference. Also, be sure to deep clean the house by the hour from top to bottom. If for some reason you can’t do this, spend a few hundred bucks and have the professionals come in and clean everything down.

If your home is priced fairly and everything is sparkling, fresh, and clean, your home will sell. Before you get frustrated and do something rash, follow these simple tips and then watch for all the new interest as potential buyers view your home.