Why can't I sell my house ??? (incentive, recommendation, countertop, agent)

[millie61]

Please look at the MLS 670724, any advise would be great - Thanks

[middle-aged mom]

I just saw that it is a "showcased home" on realtor.com, right now. The presentation looks good and I like the pool.

I do not know your area so I could not even begin to suggest reasons why it has not sold, beyond the obvious overall market and time of year.

How long has it been listed and how does it compare to the competition?

[millie61]

We are on our third agent !!! they all only seem interested in listing it then never bring buyers around why is this ? It has been on the market since last May !!! Price is good compared to those around us, it is a good area excellent schools etc.

[MorningGlory]

That looks like a really nice home. I think your realtor did a good job with the listing and the photos look great. Is there a glut of homes on the market in your area?

Not that you should take advice from me. My house has been on the market since June.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by millie61

We are on our third agent !!! they all only seem interested in listing it then never bring buyers around why is this ? It has been on the market since last May !!! Price is good compared to those around us, it is a good area excellent schools etc.

I looked up your house. Here are my thoughts and recommendations:

Pic of the exterior of your house is not flattering. Perhaps it is the obstruction of the view b/c of trees; perhaps it is in the angle of the pic. This coupled w/ the tone on tone color of your house and its trim make it seem really bland, wh/ is too bad as it appears to be a very nice home. Any way to get a better angle on the house?

Interior - first picture, family room - looks dated. Neat as a pin, but the picture makes it look dated. I would take down the window treatments and consider putting up bamboo shades. Looks like some sort of runner on the cocktail table. Remove it - shows up as "granny's house" in the picture (even tho it doubtless doesn't look like that in reality). Remove the pillows on the sofa as they are distracting and chop up the picture. Change exposure or take the pic at different time of day as this pic is washed out, overexposed, and makes the room look bland.

Next pic: LOVE the color! however, this angle of pic only shows up the very sloping angle of ceiling and is not very attractive. I would paint the ceiling in same or 1/2 color intensity of the walls. Angle will not show up in pic if you do that. Again, pic was overexposed wh/ has washed things out and makes the window "glare."

Dining room - LOVE your furniture! The cabinet in corner looks cramped and is visually quite distracting. Move it or remove entirely from room. Trunk appears out of place - move out - and doll as well.

Kitchen - Appliances appear mis=matched. Black, stainless and white? Problem. Countertops - need to upgrade - i.e granite. Take the stuff off the fridge - again - distracting.

Pool - Gorgeous!!!! Wouldn't hurt to have some large plants in the area around the spa or over to the right of the picture frame. Put a towel, nicely folded, along w/ a tray w/ 2 glasses next to spa.

Eating area - looks very cluttered. Take placemats and lazy susan off the table. Whatever that is in the nook about the desk/computer - looks like bottles - very distracting and cluttered - remove bottles and replace w/ potted plant, books, and keep items minimal. Remove chair from desk (for picture). If you have another windsor back chair, it would look better there.

Bedroom - remove floral bedlinens and drape. Choose solid color for both. Maybe a chocolate or moss green as these would show up nicely in a pic and contrast w/ the finish on your bedroom suit.

Bathroom - Put a nice floral arrangement or potted plant on the sink counter in the middle. Again, pic overexposed. Looks washed out.

Last bedroom. Pictures are hung asymmetrically, wh/ is distracting. Line them up across top of bed and lower a bit. Curtains looks tired. Pull them to sides and let them hang straight down. Comforter on bed also looks tired in picture. Consider using nice sheets and folding comforter down and letting sheets and pillows show (Ralph Lauren style).

Your success w/ marketing your house depends greatly on the website pictures. People click on = and decide in a matter of seconds whether they are interested or not. Even tho your house doubtless looks wonderful in "real life" - these pictures are NOT showing it off. Change around these few details, snap those PERFECT pictures, and see if that helps!!!

I really like your home - and you must be a wonderful housekeeper - things are in such good order. I want to go sit by your pool!!!

Good luck!!!

[middle-aged mom]

Most listing agents do not sell their own listings. This is actually better for consumers when each party has their own agent looking out for their best interests.

The Realtor's primary role is that of marketing and defending your home's value. Can your agent adequately defend you home's price versus the competition?

It sounds like you need to have a heart to heart with your current listing agent. Have other comparable area homes closed since you have been listed, last May? If so, why? What made these home different than your own? Location? Style? Condition? Improvements? Updating? Lack of pool (safety and upkeep concerns) ? Price?

How many comparable area homes are for sale? What is the average time on the market for like homes? Does your agent agree that you are priced well compared to area homes?

In this kind of market, you have the choice to get sold or sell your neighbor's home. Only you can decide. Good luck to you- it's a tough market almost everywhere.

[ProLogic]

If its not selling then lower the price or offer incentives.

[sweetana3]

Have you sat down with your agent and reviewed comparable recent sales of similiar age and size of home? If there are any, how is your price comparing? The pool is wonderful but is there any room in the yard for kids? I just ask since the picture seems to show a backyard full of pool very close to neighbors.

Are there buyers in your area right now that can afford the price and utilities plus extras? A lot have been put on hold due to mortgage problems.

Here is where current data can help. Is anything in your area or price moving? Is mortgage money available? Have your agent provide details. They would much rather just make you happy but press them.

Your photos are very good and I get the sense of a well staged and clean home.

[elston]

Looks like a very nice home and well cared for. I agreed with most of what anifan said about the staging of the house. I know (believe me I know) how hard it is to live in a home and hve it open for showings....mine has only been on the market since late October...and it is driving me nutz. It is a hard time to sell a home.

I am not a real estate pro or even anymore familiar with the ins and outs than my current listing has made me. My initial reaction to your home was favorable, but not that I wanted to live there. I am not sure why. It is funny but I was a bit put off by your very nice offer to offset redecorating expenses....maybe that is common in Tx? It set me en guarde. I wish the pool didnt appear to be so close to the neighbors.

I wish you luck selling your lovely and well maintained home. This is so hard a process to go thru and it can't help but seem personal at times.

[hedwigger]

What a pretty home! If you were to spend money on changing anything, I would focus on the kitchen. People are wild about kitchens these days and I think it is in the kitchen that you get the most bang for your buck. The room seems rather pale/dull compared to the rest of the house. WOuld you consider new countertops or a new stainless fridge? I might change the valance as well.

By the way, I love roosters too and have several of them in my kitchen area and my realtor told me to put them away. When I did, I found the kitchen looked more like a "model home" and less cluttered.

Good luck!