When trying to sell your home, a house that sits on the market for too long will only end up working against you. In our latest post, we will help you learn how to sell quickly, avoiding a dreaded stagnant listing.
When a house sits on the MLS of weeks or months at a time, the odds of it selling decrease astronomically. It will drop down the list of available properties, getting viewed by less and less people. When it sits stagnantly for a period of time, people will begin to assume there is something wrong with it. Even if it is in great shape, properties that stay on the MLS for a long time often become overlooked. We pay cash for houses in Seguin, TX, and are able to help homeowners who want to avoid the long listing process.
On the MLS and listing sites such as Zillow, prospective buyers can easily see price changes and how long it has been on the market. Repeatedly dropping your price can make you appear desperate, making people feel as if they can offer a low price and you will accept. Below, we offer some insight as to why your house isn’t selling and what you can do about it.
Why It’s Not Selling
Priced Too High
If a home is priced too high initially, people will pass on by. The listing will slowly make it’s way down the list so even if you drop the price to something more reasonable, you won’t have as many prospective buyers seeing the listing.
Setting your asking price makes a huge difference in how fast your house will sell. Many prospective buyers will not even bother with houses that they think are over-priced.
Bad Photos or Description
Any aspect of a bad listing or advertisement will make people look the other way. Quite often, you will see a listing with bad or limited photos. In today’s market, most home buyers start their search online and great photos are your chance to make a good first impression.
In order to have a successful listing, you should take the time to clean the clutter out of the house. Make sure there is a lot of light in the photos and even opt to bring in a professional when needed. Paying a little upfront will make a big difference in how your listing is received. You should also make sure the ad copy is on point. Highlight the positive features and amenities of the house, being sure not to leave anything out.
Dark and Dreary
When people come to view the house, they shouldn’t feel as if they are in a cave. Open all the curtains and let in as much light as possible. Your prospective buyers will feel more comfortable in an open space as opposed to a confined and dark area.
Change out all the burnt-out lightbulbs and use daylight bulbs so that you get a bright, clean light.
Major Repairs Required
Many lenders won’t grant loans for people to buy properties in need of major repairs. If your property is run-down or needs a good amount of cosmetic work, a direct sale might be a more realistic way for you to go.
Traditional homeowner usually are not looking for a fixer-upper. They would like a home that they can move into and be comfortable from day one.
What A Stagnant Listing Is Costing You
The longer your listing sits on the market, the more the house ends up costing you. You will be sinking money into the house for the continued expenses such as utility bills, homeowners insurance, and property taxes. You will also have to consider the time and money you put into the house getting it ready for the MLS, sometimes all for naught.
What You Can Do About It
Avoid The MLS Altogether
You do not have to use a realtor and you do not have to list your home on the market. Many people in Seguin and across the country are opting to sell their homes to buyers directly. The process will free them from commissions, repair costs, and not knowing when the house will sell. At Sell My San Antonio House, we are a team of direct buyers who can make an offer on your house almost immediately. There is never any obligation. If you have tried to sell in the past without any luck, or if you simply want to sell without any cost or waiting, a direct sale is an option you should seriously consider.
Upgraded Marketing
If you decide to relist the property, you may decide to do things differently the second (or third) time around. If you are going to do it, do it right. Make the investment in a professional photographer or videographer. Pay the costs for the featured and upgraded online listing options. Do whatever you can to quickly get your house in front of as many people as possible.
Set The Price Right From Day One
Nothing can destroy a great listing faster than an unrealistic price. People will immediately assume the house is out of their league or that you don’t know what you are doing. Either way, your listing won’t be taken seriously. By pricing it right from the start, you will have a better chance of attracting prospective buyers and selling the house in as little time as possible.
Do you have a house you want to sell in the Seguin area? Whether or not you have tried to list the home in the past, we can help you avoid the waiting, hassles, and costs of a traditional MLS listing. Find out what a direct sale can mean for you! We always make fair and honest offers for Seguin houses! No pressure, just give us a call if you think we can help you (210) 201-6644.
Want to sell your house in Seguin without the fear of a stagnant listing? We can help you! Contact us today for more information!