‘I just can’t understand why it’s not selling…’
If you’ve ever been in a situation where you simply can’t sell your house, there’s a strong chance you’ve uttered those frustrating words.
Of course, most of the time, the reason your property won’t sell is down to market conditions or low buyer demand.
But have you considered factors under your control that could be stalling the sale of your home?
If not, then you should…
Here are ten things that could be putting buyers off your property:
1. Clutter, clutter, clutter
Storage is a massive must for pretty much any buyer.
So, if they are having to step over things like toys, shoes, or clothes that are scattered all over your home then the red flags will be rising.
In fact, they might not even get as far as your front door if your clutter is on show in the online images of your property.
Make sure you have a clear-out, or at least place the things you don’t use on a regular basis into storage.
2. An unruly garden
Of course, some buyers are green fingered and might even look at a garden that resembles a jungle as a welcome challenge or a blank canvas.
But the majority will find it hard to look past an unruly garden and long grass, out-of-control trees, plants and hedges certainly won’t be showing off your property’s outdoor space in the best light.
3. Outdated kitchens and bathrooms
The kitchen is the heart of the home for buyers in 2020.
They expect all mod cons and units and appliances that are up-to-date and on trend.
So, if your kitchen has seen better days, many buyers will be unable to shake off the large numbers running through their heads to put it right.
It’s the same with bathrooms, too. Both rooms are among the most expensive for buyers to bring up to scratch, so even if they can see past your 1970s kitchen units, the cost to remove them will almost certainly be reflected in their low offer.
4. An old heating system
As with dated bathrooms and kitchens, ageing heating systems can be costly to upgrade.
Any buyer worth their salt will examine your property’s boiler and heating system and if it’s been through several decades of use, there’s a strong chance it will put them off.
Energy efficiency is a huge thing for buyers in 2020, so your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could set some alarm bells ringing, too, if your home is costly to run.
5. A lack of square footage
Space is a big deciding factor with buyers.
So, if your rooms aren’t big enough to swing a (very small) cat, potential buyers will be likely to look elsewhere.
If your floor space is eaten up by hefty furniture, consider moving some of it into storage so show off your property and make it feel airy and spacious.
6. Bad smells
If you’ve been smoking, or have had dogs in your property for some time, you could be on a hiding to nothing with some buyers.
The smell of cigarettes, in particular, is extremely hard to shift.
If you can mask it before a viewing, do so, either with air freshener or by ventilating the property and not smoking inside for 48 hours before your potential buyers arrive.
7. No off-road parking
The one thing buyers will love more than their home is their car.
So, if your property has no off-road parking and others in your area do, yours will be at a distinct disadvantage.
8. Dirt and grime
When it comes to a dirty home, it’s often not the grime itself that directly puts off buyers.
More than that, it’s the lack of care and respect shown to the property.
After all, if you can’t even keep your property clean, what else have you neglected when it comes to its maintenance?
9. The property’s price
Okay, so we know, regardless of all of the above, that you love your property and see it as a real catch for a new buyer.
But if you love it so much that its asking price is vastly inflated and, frankly, unrealistic in the market conditions, all you’ll end up achieving is a long, painful and drawn out marketing process.
Be realistic with your pricing and don’t always go with the estate agent who values it highest unless you truly believe their suggested price is achievable within an acceptable amount of time.
10. You
What do you mean ‘me’?
If you’ve signed up with an online estate agent, there’s a strong chance you’ll have to do viewings of your home yourself.
That’s fine if you’re experienced, outgoing and very much a people person.
But if you’re not great at taking the lead in conversation and comfortable answering questions about your home, undertaking viewings yourself can be highly awkward for buyers.
And even if you’re the life and soul of the party (or viewing), buyers will often feel uncomfortable being shown round by the current owner and unable to be honest about their real feelings towards the property.
If you are struggling to sell your property, get in touch with your local CJ Hole office who can offer advice to help you find the perfect new owner.
