If your home isn't selling, you're not alone. By the end of 2024, 73,000 homes were pulled off the market after failing to sell - a 64% increase from the previous year. The good news? Most issues are fixable.
Here's a quick breakdown of the 6 most common reasons homes don't sell and how to solve them:
- Overpricing: Homes priced too high can scare off buyers. Set a realistic price based on a comparative market analysis.
- Poor Staging: First impressions matter. Declutter, clean, and use neutral decor to make your home inviting.
- Lack of Marketing: If buyers can't see your home, they won't buy it. Leverage social media, high-quality photos, and 3D tours.
- Listing Errors: Incomplete or inaccurate listings can drive buyers away. Highlight key features and use professional photos.
- Hidden Problems: Unresolved issues like leaks or faulty systems will surface during inspections. Address them upfront.
- Neglected Repairs: Small problems like squeaky doors or leaky faucets can create doubts. Fix these to show your home is well-maintained.
Quick Tip: Homes that sell within the first 10 days often fetch 104% of their asking price, while those on the market for over 100 days drop to 97%. Start with a pre-listing inspection, price your home competitively, and focus on staging and marketing to attract buyers faster.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overpricing | Use a comparative market analysis or pre-listing appraisal. |
| Poor Staging | Declutter, clean, and add neutral decor. |
| Lack of Marketing | Use social media, professional photos, and 3D tours. |
| Listing Errors | Highlight key features and ensure accurate details. |
| Hidden Problems | Conduct a pre-listing inspection and fix major issues. |
| Neglected Repairs | Address small issues like squeaky doors and leaky faucets. |
Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but tackling these issues head-on can help you close the deal faster and at a better price.
6 Common Problems That Stop Home Sales and How to Fix Them
1. Setting the Price Too High
Overpricing is one of the biggest obstacles to selling a home. When the price is set too high, potential buyers might not even consider your property. In fact, 67% of real estate agents say poor pricing strategies are the most common mistake sellers make1.
The statistics are clear: Homes in Massachusetts that sold within the first 10 days on the market received 104% of their original asking price. But homes that sat for over 100 days sold for just 97% of the original price2.
When selling a home, nothing is more vital than pricing your home correctly. The right price will save time and effort. The wrong price has the exact opposite impact. – Bill Gassett, Massachusetts Real Estate News2
What you can do: Get a comparative market analysis to understand the value of similar homes in your area. A pre-listing appraisal can also help you set a fair price. Pricing just under round numbers (like $499,000 instead of $510,000) can make your property more attractive to buyers.
| Days to Sell | Sale Price vs. Original List Price |
|---|---|
| 1–10 days | 104% |
| 10–20 days | 100% |
| 20–60 days | 98% |
| 60–100 days | 97% |
| 100+ days | 97% |
2. Poor Home Staging and Appearance
First impressions matter, and buyers form them in seconds. A home should feel welcoming and allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Poor staging can turn buyers away and lower the offers you receive.
Some common staging mistakes include:
- Leaving clutter in visible spaces.
- Displaying too many personal items, like family photos.
- Overcrowding rooms with large furniture.
- Blocking natural light with heavy curtains.
- Ignoring small but noticeable issues like squeaky doors4.
Good staging doesn't look like the place is staged. It just looks like a warm, inviting home. – Debra Gould, Home Staging Expert3
Simple staging tips to try:
- Start by deep cleaning every corner of your home.
- Remove personal items and excess furniture to create a more open feel.
- Paint walls in neutral tones and use small decor items, like fresh flowers or throw pillows, to add subtle color.
Pro Tip: Keep pathways clear by maintaining 30–48 inches of space in main walkways and at least 24 inches in smaller areas3.
Budget-friendly ideas: While professional staging can cost between $1,500 and $10,000, you can achieve great results on a smaller budget. Visit discount stores for decor items, and focus on small touches like mirrors to make spaces feel brighter and larger.
3. Not Enough Marketing Exposure
If buyers don't see your home, they won't buy it. Limited visibility can leave even the most appealing properties unnoticed. In today's competitive market, getting your home in front of the right audience is critical.
Key stats to know:
Boost your home's visibility:
- List your property on major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia through MLS syndication.
- Build a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Share your listing in local online groups to reach more potential buyers.
I'm going to use the best technology in the marketplace to present your home - and people want to hear that. They want to hear what you are doing differently. Matterport absolutely makes me different. – Matt Grander, Owner of Grander and Associates7
4. Listing Mistakes and Missing Information
Incomplete or inaccurate listings can drive buyers away. Poor-quality photos, missing details, or incorrect information can make your property less appealing in a competitive market.
Common issues to watch for:
- Forgetting to mention key upgrades like new appliances or flooring.
- Providing inaccurate square footage or room counts.
- Writing vague descriptions that fail to highlight your home's strengths.
How to fix it:
- Invest in professional photography or learn how to take high-quality pictures yourself.
- Write descriptions that focus on benefits, not just features. For instance, instead of simply saying "granite countertops", describe them as "durable granite countertops, perfect for meal prep and entertaining."
- Mention nearby amenities like schools, shopping, and public transportation.
Double-check your details: Verify square footage, room counts, and tax information. Include practical details like parking, laundry facilities, and appliances that come with the home.
5. Hidden or Unfixed Property Problems
Trying to hide property issues is a recipe for disaster. Buyers will uncover these problems during inspections, and failing to disclose them can lead to broken deals - or worse, legal trouble after the sale.
Typical hidden problems include:
- Water damage or leaks.
- Electrical and plumbing issues.
- Foundation cracks or roof problems.
- Mold or pest infestations.
- HVAC system failures.
Be upfront with disclosures: A pre-listing inspection can help identify potential issues before buyers do. This gives you the chance to fix what's necessary and adjust your price for things you can't address immediately.
Repair strategically: Focus on safety concerns first, like electrical or structural issues. Next, tackle problems that affect daily living, such as plumbing or HVAC repairs.
6. Skipping Minor Repairs and Maintenance
Small issues can create big doubts for buyers. Things like dripping faucets or loose cabinet handles may seem minor, but they can make buyers wonder if the home has been neglected.
Quick, low-cost fixes include:
- Touching up paint on walls, trim, and doors.
- Tightening loose cabinet knobs and drawer pulls.
- Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets.
- Replacing burnt-out light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Cleaning or replacing dirty switch plates and outlet covers.
Focus on first impressions: Make sure your front door looks inviting by repainting it if needed and adding stylish hardware. Repair squeaky hinges, clean grout in bathrooms, and re-caulk around tubs and sinks.
Why Your Home Isn't Selling (And How to Fix It Fast!)
Practical Tools and Resources for DIY Home Sellers
If you're ready to tackle the home-selling process on your own, there are plenty of tools to help you succeed. One of the biggest perks of DIY selling? Skipping those hefty commission fees.
The Game-Changer: MLS Access
Getting your home listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a must for DIY sellers. Why? Because the MLS automatically connects your listing to major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Homes listed on the MLS tend to sell for about 18% more than those that aren't14.
The MLS is the powerhouse behind real estate transactions, offering FSBO sellers unparalleled access to buyers and real estate professionals. – HomeRise13
The Power of Professional Photography
Did you know that high-quality photos can make or break your listing? According to research, 61.3% of brokers say professional photography is critical for selling homes, and 83% of buyers rely on photos to decide which homes to visit15.
HomeRise Service Packages: Options for Every Seller
HomeRise offers three packages designed to suit different needs. Whether you're a confident DIY seller or someone who prefers expert help, there's an option for you.
| Package | Upfront Cost | Settlement Cost | Key Features | Best For | Problems It Solves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $95 | $495 | MLS listing, Zillow/Redfin exposure, ShowingTime® app | Experienced sellers | Pricing (#1), Marketing exposure (#3), Listing mistakes (#4) |
| Advanced | $495 | $995 | Essentials features plus professional photography, yard sign, lockbox | Sellers wanting maximum visual impact | Essentials issues plus poor staging (#2), limited access (#8) |
| Full Service | Free | 1% at closing | Licensed Realtor, expert price analysis, transaction management, premium signage, photography, video tour | First-time sellers or those seeking expert guidance | Addresses all eight common problems |
Pick the commission that works for you.
- Set your price
- List on the MLS
- Get on major platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com
- Cancel at any time
