What To Do When Your House Didn’t Sell

What To Do When Your House Didn’t Sell

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, it’s natural to feel frustrated and disappointed. As you process those feelings, you might also be wondering what went wrong and what your next steps should be.

If you still need to move and want to get your house back on the market, here are some things to consider as you reflect on the situation.

Was It Priced for Today’s Market?

Setting the right price from the start is crucial. It might be tempting to aim high with your price, but that can significantly slow down the selling process. If your house was priced higher than comparable properties, it may have deterred buyers. That’s likely why it sat on the market. As Rocket Mortgage explains:

“Buyer interest in your home is highest when it first comes on the market. That’s why it’s so important to start with the right price on day one. . . If you overprice your house, buyers may just raise an eyebrow and move on to the next listing without even coming for a showing. . . It can be easy to think your home is worth more but try not to let sentimental value color your judgment. Your home’s true value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it.”

Was It Easy for Buyers To Tour?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is overly restricting the days and times potential buyers can tour it. Even though it might feel stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see your house, being flexible with your schedule is important. Minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:

“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

Was It Set Up To Make the Best Impression on Buyers?

If buyers weren't interested in your house, it’s worth re-evaluating your home from their perspective. Are there outstanding repairs that may be deterring them? Even minor issues can signal to buyers that the home's maintenance is lacking.

Keep in mind, you don’t always need to make major upgrades. Small, selective repairs or touch-ups can have a significant impact. Tidying up your landscaping, applying a fresh coat of paint inside, or removing personal items and clutter can work wonders in making your home more appealing to potential buyers. You might also consider staging the home.

Were You Willing To Negotiate?

If offers were coming in but you weren’t ready to negotiate, that could be another reason why your house didn’t sell. While aiming for top dollar is important, being realistic about what your house can net in today’s market is crucial. The market still favors sellers, but the supply of homes for sale is increasing, and buyers are feeling the impact of higher mortgage rates. Being willing to negotiate can make closing a deal much easier. A skilled agent can assist you with this. As Ramsey Solutions explains:

"Working with an experienced real estate agent is key. They can help you set a realistic price, negotiate offers, and guide you through the process to ensure your home sells quickly and for the best possible price."

“If you don’t have the money or time to fix home issues, consider offering some other form of incentive to buyers. . . An experienced real estate agent can help you arrange a deal where you and your buyer both come out on top.” 

Did You Listen To Your Agent?

If you want an expert’s advice on why your house didn’t sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. Whether it’s the agent you used previously or a new one after the listing has officially expired, a great agent will take the time to sit down and discuss it with you. They’ll want to hear your honest opinion on what worked, what didn’t, and your goals moving forward.

Then, they’ll offer their perspective, including tailored advice and effective strategies for re-listing your house to get it sold. As Better Homes & Gardens says, an agent should be your go-to resource in this situation:

"A seasoned agent can provide invaluable insights into market conditions, pricing strategies, and marketing plans that can make all the difference in getting your home sold quickly and at the best possible price."

“If you’re frustrated with the timeline of your sale, chat with your real estate agent. Agents want what is best for you and the sale of your home, and having open communication about any frustrations will be key.”

Bottom Line

It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing expires and your house doesn’t sell. Connect with a reliable real estate agent to determine what went wrong and what changes you should make to get your house back on the market.