Is Your House Stuck on the Market?

Some of the possible reasons why it’s not selling

Are you finding it difficult to sell your home despite it being on the market for an extended period? Selling a home can often be filled with stress and frustration, particularly if the process is taking longer than anticipated. There could be numerous reasons why your property isn’t finding its new owner swiftly. The key to a quick sale at the right price lies in maximising your home’s appeal and marketability from every perspective.

However, you might be surprised to know that many of these challenges are within your control. In this article, we look into the possible reasons why your property isn’t selling and suggest actionable steps you can take to rectify the situation.

Factors that can affect the sale of your property

Influence of pricing and market value

One of the primary reasons a property may not sell is its asking price. If your home is priced too high for the market, it might not attract sufficient interest from potential buyers. Ensuring the listed price falls under specific thresholds like £250,000 or £300,000 is crucial. Going over these limits could cause your property to be overlooked by people.

Impact of location, location, location

Unfortunately, you have little control over your property’s location, which can significantly influence its appeal. For instance, commuters often prefer homes near railway stations, while those without vehicles might avoid houses in remote rural areas. 

Similarly, attracting buyers with school-age children may prove challenging if your property isn’t near a reputable school or within its catchment area. Consider highlighting different selling points about your property’s location that may appeal to potential buyers.

Timing and seasonal influences

The time of year when you choose to sell your property can also impact its appeal. Spring is generally considered the optimal time for property sales due to longer daylight hours facilitating house viewing. Properties tend to look more appealing in natural light, and potential buyers appreciate the ability to move during the summer months.

Other potential barriers to selling your property

Importance of kerb appeal

First impressions count, and this is particularly true when selling a property. Buyers often form an opinion about a house before they step through the front door. It can deter potential buyers if your property lacks kerb appeal due to an untidy garden, overgrown weeds, peeling paint or an unsightly skip on the road outside. Enhancing your property’s kerb appeal with simple improvements like repainting gates and tidying the exterior can make a significant difference.

Role of photography

Underwhelming photography can also hinder your house sale. Your estate agents will provide high-quality photographs that showcase your property in its best light and may engage professional photographers for this purpose. If you believe the existing photos don’t do your property justice, your estate agent will retake them.

Boosting your chances of a sale

While no one can guarantee the number of offers or viewings a property will attract, certain ‘quick wins’ can enhance its appeal to prospective buyers. One of the most straightforward yet effective strategies is ensuring your home is clean and tidy.

Importance of a clutter-free environment

Potential buyers want to envision their lives within the property, which can be challenging if they’re stepping over children’s toys or navigating a kitchen overwhelmed by dirty dishes. Similarly, dusty skirting boards and cobwebs can reflect poorly on sellers, suggesting a lack of care and maintenance.

Preparing for viewings

If a viewing is on the horizon, it’s certainly worth making an extra effort to spruce up your property. Everyone has different definitions of what constitutes ‘clutter’, so it’s best to err on the side of minimalism when preparing your home for a viewing. A clean, spacious environment allows potential buyers to imagine their own belongings within the space, fostering a personal connection to the property.

Considering home staging

You might want to consider hiring a home staging company to enhance your property’s appeal further. These professionals can optimise your space, highlighting its best features and creating an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers.

Ensure seamless property viewings

Estate agents usually prefer to schedule property viewings when the property is unoccupied to guarantee a smooth process. Ideally, viewings should be conducted when children or pets are not present to avoid distractions.

Preventing unexpected interruptions

If you’re overseeing the viewings yourself, take steps to avoid any unforeseen interruptions. It’s worth brushing up on common viewing turn-offs to ensure you evade them. A touch of courtesy can go a long way – offering potential buyers a cup of tea or coffee can make them feel comfortable and at home, which is, after all, the ultimate goal.

Incorporating floor plans for enhanced perception

Including floor plans in your property listing, though not standard in estate agents’ sales packs, can significantly enhance how your property is viewed. After a viewing, the specifics of a property can quickly become hazy in memory, but a floor plan provides a clear reminder of the property’s layout and room sizes.

Helping buyers visualise the space

By providing a detailed floor plan, potential buyers can better understand the property’s size and layout. This allows them to organise their furniture and personal items within the space mentally. Any extra information that helps remind buyers of your property’s unique features and layout will undeniably be appreciated.

Ready to discuss your next mortgage requirements?

The process of selling a property can be intricate, but with the right strategies and guidance, it can be significantly simplified. If you need more information, have additional questions or want to discuss your mortgage options, we’re here to help! Contact our specialists here.

Please note: a mortgage is secured against your home or property. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. 

Author:
Lauren Kelly
Mortgage Adviser
CONTACT

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