9 Reasons your home has not sold! and how to solve it

There is no denying that in today’s world most people do almost everything online – Shopping, learning, working, dating, house hunting! Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, email, and social media, connecting with millions is just a click away. With that in mind it was only natural most agents stopped supplying brochures. However It is likely that the buyer viewing your property has scheduled in 2 or 3 other properties to see on the same day. They then start to develop viewers fatigue, all the properties start merging into one another and they can no longer distinguish one from the other. Was it your property with the lovely bathroom or was it that other property with the smaller garden that had the nice layout? 

A good brochure will remind the buyer of all best features, aspects and details of your property. 

In today's property landscape, there's a baseline standard for marketing properties, and while it's not rocket science, it's essential. If your home isn't meeting this standard, finding a buyer quickly might be a bit of an uphill battle. At a minimum, your property should boast quality photos, detailed floorplans, highlighted features, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a well-crafted description, and visibility on at least one property portal. It's these basics that lay the foundation for a successful marketing strategy and a speedy sale. 

One thing worth considering is that the photos of your property play a big role in attracting the interest you're hoping for. Poor photography is not just dark images, wonky angles, or blurry shots – it’s also when they are overly enhanced or look unreal, the use of super wide-angle lenses might not give the best impression either. Remember, these photos are the first glimpse a potential buyer gets of your property. Making them warm, inviting, and true to life is key to capturing their attention!

Yes, the longer a property stays on the market (with the same agent), the trickier it can be to attract buyers. Buyers favourite question “is how long has the property been on the market for?” if it been on the property for a few months they instantly think “what is the issue with the property. If no one else wants it neither do I”. Worse still are people looking online who simply disregard anything that they deem too old. 

A simple price reduction might not be the solution you're looking for.

When it comes to determining the value of your home and setting the marketing price, there's a bit of an art to it. Your agent, after establishing the true value of your home (what buyers are genuinely willing to pay), should have guided you on the best marketing price. This involves considering various factors, such as property portal price bracketing for maximum exposure, stamp duty thresholds, competing properties, and the strategic use of a price prefix.

A skilled agent can leverage the marketing price to spark interest and encourage viewings. The price prefix is that little message before the price—whether it's "Guide Price," "Offers in Excess Of," "Asking Price" etc.—is a effective tool that your agent can use to generate enquiries.

You've probably heard it mentioned on TV shows—the importance of curb appeal when it comes to selling a property. Now, your home might have oodles of curb appeal—flowers in the front garden, clean windows, neatly trimmed hedges, and a spick-and-span driveway. But what about the neighbours? If their properties lack that curb appeal, it might unintentionally impact your home's overall impression.

And let's not forget about the timing of viewings—a crucial factor in curb appeal. Are potential buyers arriving during rush hour or the school run (especially if you're near a school)? Are the bins out because it's collection day tomorrow? Is your car usually parked in the driveway? These seemingly small details can significantly shape a viewer's first impression. It's all about making that positive initial impact!

You've lovingly transformed your home to match your unique style and preferences. Every wall is painted in colours you adore, adorned with pictures of your cherished moments—it's truly a space that reflects you and your household. However, the challenge arises when potential buyers, each with their distinct tastes, come for a viewing. The personal touch that makes it feel like home to you, might make it a bit challenging for them to envision themselves living there. It's a common hurdle, but fear not, a few strategic adjustments can help strike a balance and make your home appealing to a broader audience. 

The timing of when you decide to sell can play a role in how quickly your property finds its new owner. Keep in mind that potential buyers might be a bit scarce during seasonal holidays like Christmas or school summer breaks. Additionally, the ebb and flow of your local market conditions can influence the timeframe and the level of interest in your home. Your trusty estate agent is your go-to for navigating these nuances. They can fill you in on how the local market is doing and even share insights into the market absorption rate—a nifty numerical figure that gives you an idea of how long it might take to sell the remaining properties in your area. And, of course, a lower absorption rate is the golden ticket. 

It's a known fact that potential buyers can be a bit reserved when it comes to providing feedback. There are various reasons for this—maybe they don't want to risk offending the homeowner, or they simply didn't connect with the property and don't see the need to articulate why. Some may even be a bit apprehensive, fearing that expressing any reservations might be misconstrued as interest, leading to unwanted persuasion from agents.

However, valuable feedback offers a window into the thoughts of your property's visitors. If you consistently hear concerns about the workload, perhaps it's time to consider how you're presenting your home. If, for instance, the feedback repeatedly points out that the third bedroom feels too small, it could prompt you to explore ways to maximize the space—whether that means rearranging furniture or creating a more spacious feel. It's these insights that can guide you in making thoughtful adjustments to enhance your home's appeal.