Many times I am called by sellers who have had their home previously listed with other Realtors©. These sellers want to sell their house but want to know what I will do differently than what has been done already.
One of the questions I always ask is "How many showings did you have?" If they only had a few showings than one, some or all of the following were not in proper alignment:
Marketing
Marketing is an extremely important part of the process. In a buyers' market we have many more houses for sale than we have buyers. Therefore, it's always a challenge to ensure that potential buyers are not only aware that your house is "For Sale", but also to have a description that makes them want to see the house.
The marketing campaign needs to appeal to the demographic that will purchase the house. And of course, they need to see it. It doesn't matter how great your house is...if the person who may want to buy it doesn't even know it's for sale.
The marketing is controlled by your Realtor©.
Price
The price is extremely important as well. If your house is priced too high, you will have little to no showings. If it's priced too low you will leave money on the table. An experienced Realtor© who tracks current market should be able to suggest a realistic sales price.
The problem with price is that many sellers want to start higher the drop it later. This is a bad idea. By listing your house above current market value you will limit or maybe even eliminate any showings. Why? Because your house is overpriced.
You say, "They can always offer a lower price". Well, not if they don't see it.
Curb Appeal
The way your house looks when the potential pulls into the driveway is very important. I can't tell you how many times I have pulled up to a house with buyers and they said they didn't like the house.
The potential buyers made a snap decision that they didn't like the house based on the way it looks from the outside. Typical issues are; over grown yard, paint peeling, house needs to be pressure washed, weeds all in the flower bed, etc. The thought is that they don't want to spend that much money on a house that isn't maintained. It makes the potential buyers think that they may incur unexpected expenses because it isn't properly maintained.
Again, if a potential buyer rejects your house based on the exterior it doesn't matter how great the inside is. Because they never came in to see it.
Of course there are other reasons why your house may not have been shown but these are the three biggest reasons.
David C Recker, Associate Broker, Realtor ® licensed in North Carolina. Reach David at: 252-442-2687
Copyright © 2008 By David C Recker, Rocky Mount Real Estate Guy. All Rights Reserved.. *Nobody Is Looking At My House*
Related Articles:
Why Days On Market Matter
The Six Things That Count Most When Selling Your Home
Good Landscaping Draws Buyers
