It can be frustrating when your home has been on the market for a long time but still hasn’t sold or had much interest. If you have found yourself in this situation, it might be time to start questioning why and fix the issues.

Lack of Marketing

It’s really important when selling a property that you choose an Estate Agent who is going to do everything they can to market your home. 

Your property should be featured on their website, be pushed out on social media, and most importantly, featured on the most popular selling platforms such as Rightmove or On the Markey. The majority of people when searching for a property to buy will be looking on the likes of Rightmove, so if your property isn’t on there then fewer people are going to see it. Your Estate Agent should create this listing for you, ensuring the correct imagery, descriptions, and tags are being used to give your property the best chance of appearing in searches.

The Quality of Your Photography 

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words”, well this couldn’t be truer when selling a property.  

The photographs on your listing are the first thing potential buyers see and will often be the factor that determines whether your property is even worth exploring. If the photographs are blurry and low quality, think about getting them professionally retaken to increase your chances of a sale. When selling through an Estate Agent, this is something that should be taken care of. Most Estate Agents have in-house photographers or have been trained to take professional-looking images. 

Good lighting is key when it comes to photos. It can make a room look larger and more open, which is often at the top of every buyer's checklist. 

It’s also important that you capture photography of all areas of your home. People want to be able to build a picture of your property before deciding whether to book a viewing. By not showing key areas of your home through the photography, there’s also the risk that people see something during the viewing that they weren’t expecting, putting them off making an offer.

The Price is Wrong

One of the most likely reasons your home isn’t selling is the price. If your asking price is too high it can be difficult to get viewings, let alone offers on your property.  

The first week or two, when your property is on the market, is critical. It’s the time when you’ll see the most buzz and interest around your listing. If you price your home too high, you often won’t see that initial buzz which results in your property being sat on the market. The longer your property is sat on the market, the less interest you will receive overtime. Plus, many buyers question why your property hasn’t sold. Is the property worth the money? Are there major issues with the building? What are they hiding? 

A common mistake sellers make when it comes to pricing is going with the Estate Agent who gives the highest valuation on their home. Although it’s the highest valuation, it doesn’t always mean it’s the most accurate or realistic. A good Estate Agent will give their valuation based on the property itself, the market at the time, and how other properties in your area have performed.

A Lacks Curb Appeal

The outside of your house is the first thing people see when viewing your property. If your home doesn’t look smart from the outside, it often gives the impression that the property hasn’t been well maintained. 

A study done by the HomeOwners Alliance found that well-maintained windows, and a roof that appears in good condition, were the most important to buyers. They also found that a well-maintained front garden, pathway, and fence are crucial to improving curb appeal and making a good first impression. That means no rot, flaking paint, chipped tiles, or weeds/moss in gutters.

Updating the exterior of your house with a lick of paint, a new front door, and a general “facelift”, will make your house look smarter, cleaner, and more attractive to potential buyers.

Your Home Needs De-Cluttering

When people go to view your home, they need to be able to imagine themselves living there. General clutter is just one of the many reasons potential buyers could be put off.

Clutter tends to make rooms look smaller and gives the impression that there is a lack of storage or space. Large furniture and poor lighting can also make rooms look small and uninviting too. When selling your home, I’d recommend de-cluttering and putting some of your sentimental/personal items, or large pieces of furniture into storage to give a sense of space and create a more "neutral" interior. 

If you’re struggling to sell your home, get in touch with our friendly team today on Tel: 01423 582020 or Email: enquiries@tlc-properties.co.uk. With years of experience and knowledge of the housing market, our Estate Agents will value your home, as well as giving their recommendations on the best strategy to sell your property.