9 Things to Do if Your House Won’t Sell
Reviewed by: Brandon Brown
Selling a house can be a stressful, drawn-out process, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, the offers just don’t come. If you listed your home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) and it’s been on the market longer than expected, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are actionable steps you can take to improve your chances of a sale. And for homeowners who need to sell quickly, cash home buyers like FlipSplit offer a hassle-free alternative that can get you moving forward without the traditional roadblocks. Here’s a guide to getting your house sold, even when it seems impossible!
Tip 1: Consider Selling to Cash Home Buyers
One of the quickest ways to get your house off the market is to sell to a cash buyer. Cash buyers can close deals faster and often purchase properties as-is, which saves you from making costly repairs or going through lengthy negotiations. Unlike traditional buyers, cash buyers are usually ready to close quickly, making this a practical route for sellers who need a fast turnaround.
Tip 2: Reevaluate Your Asking Price
Sometimes, the reason a property isn’t selling is the asking price. If your home has been on the market for a while without much interest, consider adjusting the price based on recent sales in your area. Look at comparable homes and current market conditions to ensure your listing price aligns with buyer expectations. Even a slight price reduction can often attract more potential buyers, especially in a competitive or slow real estate market.
Tip 3: Refresh Your Home’s Online Presence
In the digital age, your home’s online presence matters a lot. Update the listing photos with high-quality, well-lit images and consider rewriting the description to highlight unique features. Make sure your home stands out among similar homes by focusing on what makes it special –– whether it’s a spacious backyard, newly updated kitchen, or nearby amenities. An updated online presence can draw in prospective buyers who might have overlooked it before.
Tip 4: Improve Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, and a home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see. If you’re selling a house that needs repairs, invest in curb appeal with upgrades like fresh landscaping, a new front door, or even a coat of paint on the exterior to significantly boost its value. These small changes can make your home look more inviting, helping prospective buyers visualize themselves there and sparking greater interest before they even step inside.
Tip 5: Stage the Interior to Appeal to Buyers
Home staging is a proven technique for making spaces feel more welcoming and livable. A well-staged home allows buyers to imagine themselves living there, which can be a powerful motivator in the decision-making process. You don’t need to go overboard—focus on decluttering, arranging furniture to maximize space, and adding a few tasteful touches that highlight the home’s best features.
Tip 6: Address Necessary Repairs
Visible issues can be an instant red flag for buyers. Minor repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching up cracks, or repairing broken fixtures, can make a difference in how your home is perceived. By addressing these problems, you’re not only improving the appearance but also reassuring buyers that the house has been well cared for, which can increase its appeal and help with a smoother sale.
Tip 7: Consider Offering Incentives
Incentives, such as covering closing costs or including appliances, can make your home more appealing to traditional buyers. Consider covering part of the closing costs, including appliances, or offering credit for upgrades. These types of incentives can make buyers feel like they’re getting added value, which could help set your home apart in a crowded market and encourage a quicker offer.
Tip 8: Explore Different Marketing Strategies
When a property isn’t selling, sometimes a fresh marketing strategy can make a difference. Consider social media ads, virtual tours, or even a second open house to reach new buyers. By exploring different channels and being creative with your marketing, you’re increasing the visibility of your home, which could attract a buyer who otherwise might not have seen it.
Tip 9: Be Open to Feedback and Adjustments
Feedback from showings can provide valuable insights into what interested buyers are looking for. Small changes, like decluttering or making minor adjustments, can sometimes sway prospective buyers. Maybe it’s an adjustment to your asking price, or perhaps a small renovation that could increase appeal. Listening to feedback and being flexible can show buyers you’re serious about selling and willing to make improvements. If you followed any of these tips and finally got an offer, don’t forget to consider the tax implications of selling a house, as they can impact how much profit you make.
Ready to Sell Faster Without the Hassle? Choose FlipSplit
If your house just won’t sell, don’t lose heart. From rethinking your asking price to refreshing your online presence, there are plenty of ways to improve your chances of a sale. But if you’re ready to skip the hassle and sell with confidence, consider working with a cash buyer like FlipSplit. Why wait on an unpredictable market when you could move forward with a clear, straightforward offer? At FlipSplit, we make it easy to sell your home as-is, without repair costs, showings, or closing fees. With a unique profit-sharing model, we’re dedicated to maximizing the value of your property, and if our renovations increase the resale value, you’ll receive a share of the additional profits. Ready to skip the stress and uncertainty? Request a no-obligation cash offer today and experience a transparent, hassle-free path to selling your home.
Reviewed by: Brandon Brown
As a long-time Asset Manager, Investor, Real Estate Agent, and Broker/Owner of BayBrook Realty in Orange County, Brandon Brown is one of FlipSplit’s lead Real Estate experts. Having worked on over 2,000+ real estate transactions, Brandon brings a depth of knowledge that ensures clients are appropriately treated with honesty and integrity. His insights and advice have been published in numerous blogs beyond FlipSplit, and he keeps a close eye on market trends and statistics, which are updated weekly on his social media pages. Outside work, you can find him participating and serving at church, cycling, mountain biking, surfing around Orange County and beyond, and enjoying time with his wife and two daughters.
Sources:
- Chen, J. (December 2020). Curb appeal. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/curb-appeal.asp
- Porter, T. (September 2023). Should I sell my house for cash? Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/selling-your-home-for-cash/
- Kerr, A. (August 2024). 12 tips for selling your Home – HomeOwners Alliance. HomeOwners Alliance. https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-selling/top-tips-how-to-make-your-home-more-saleable-and-valuable/
- Bodnar, K. (September 2021). 10 Real Estate Social Media Marketing Strategies That’ll Bring in New Business. HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5911/social-media-dos-and-don-ts-for-realtors.aspx