What To Do When Your House Didnt Sell

If your listing expired and your house didnt sell, its totally natural to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. And as youre working through that, youre probably also wondering what went wrong and what you should do next.

If you still need to move and want to get it back on the market, here are some things to consider as you look back.

Was It Priced for Todays Market?

Setting the right price from the start is key. While it might be tempting to try shooting high with your price,that can slow down the selling process big time. If your house was priced higher than others similar to it, it may have turned away buyers. And thats 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. Thats why its 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 homes 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 when 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. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers.ShowingTimeadvises:

. . . 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 werent interested in your house, its worth taking another look at your home through their eyes. Are there outstanding repairs that may be distracting them? Even if its a small thing, some buyers may see it as a sign the maintenance on the home is falling behind.

Just remember, you dont always need to make big upgrades. Selective small repairs or touch-ups go a long way. Things like tidying up your landscaping, a fresh coat of paint inside, or removing personal items and clutter can work wonders in sprucing up the house for potential buyers. You could also consider staging the home.

Were You Willing To Negotiate?

If there were offers coming in, but you werent ready to negotiate, that may be another reason why it didnt sell. While you want to get top dollar for your house, you also need to be realistic about what your house can net in todays market. The market is still tipped in a sellers favor, but the supply of homes for sale is growing and buyers are feeling the sting of higher mortgage rates. So being willing to play ball can make closing a deal a whole lot easier. A skilled agent can help. As Ramsey Solutions explains:

If you dont 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 experts advice on why it didnt sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. Whether thats the agent you used previously or a new one once the listing has officially expired, a great agent will sit down and take the time to talk it over with you. Theyll want to hear your honest opinion on what worked and what didnt, and where you want to go from here.

Then, theyll offer their perspective. This includes 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:

If youre frustrated with the timeline of your sale, chat with yourreal estate agent. Agents want what is best for you and the sale ofyour home, and having open communication about any frustrationswill be key.

Bottom Line

Its natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didnt sell. Connect with a reliable real estate agent to determine what happened, and what changes you should make to get your house back on the market.