You drive around the neighborhood, and tell yourself, "it really is the spring season"; the inviting weather, flora and fauna springing back to life, busy lawns with family and kids, and oh, let's not forget about those ubiquitous "for sale" signs at just about every corner, imaginable.
Just a week ago, it was reported that the Freddie Mac Survey showed a drop in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates, and is coupled with the welcome news that home sales for both re-sales and newly-constructed homes are surging. The real estate agents are very much up on their toes with the torrent of spring home buyers.
So, you decided you're going to sell your home. Your property is in the perfect location, you figured the reasonable price tag, you've done some spring cleaning and de-cluttering, and you're sure the listing would fly off the market in no time.
But, it didn't.
Most probably, you haven't got all the bases covered. Let's check out some reasons why your season's newest undertaking has gone awry.
The Home Is Too Personalized
Maybe, there's just "too much of you" about the house that puts off potential buyers. Remember, the buyers must be able to see themselves in the house and get convinced that it's really the right one for them. It won't help if the house reminds them a lot of the previous owner and how they live their lives according to CNBC's Diana Olick via Today.com. You may want to set aside those personalized curios, and tone down on the home design to make it look more generic.
Not The Perfect Time
It's once again the spring season, and that makes for the best time to list your property on the market. As much as most real estate experts would agree on this, you still ought to be more particular about what the perfect time really is.
Stan Humphries, Zillow's Chief Economist, says via CNBC.com that springtime is still a big window and you've got to find its sweet spot. He recommends listing your home after the first wave of home sales in February; and before the outpouring of buyers, preferably on the last two weeks of March.
Use of the Wrong Listing Images
Kelli Grant of CNBC also lists the use of photos as potential deal breakers in home sales. She mentions that most home buyers nowadays rely on the web via their mobile and tablets when looking up for properties as per Zillow and NAR. It pays to use professional-looking photos of the house, and making your home areas "picture-ready".
Not The Right Words To Say
Have you heard about that old adage, "the words of the reckless pierce like swords..."? Apparently, the saying holds true when it comes to your listing. You fail to use the right words and you'd probably end up getting stabbed with your own sword.
Humphries cites the example of using the word "unique" in one's listing. He said that this could give buyers the impression that the property is so one of a kind it doesn't appeal to others.
You've Got The Wrong Agent
"Experience in the marketplace is very, very valuable", says Chris Polychron, president of the National Association of Realtors, via CNBC. He recommends hiring a seasoned and full-time real estate agent to represent you -- one who understands the local market and has the credentials to make your listing stand out from the rest.
