When selling your home, the ideal scenario goes something like this: your home sells quickly, for top dollar, and with minimal hassle. However, even in today’s competitive market with more buyers than homes for sale, some listings struggle to close.
In fact, according to Zillow, 1 in 3 sellers in 2024 took their home off the market before it ultimately sold. If your home isn’t selling as expected, it’s important to identify the issues and make adjustments. Here are the top three hurdles that might be keeping your home from selling—and how an expert real estate agent can help you overcome them.
1. Priced Too High
In real estate, pricing is everything. Overpricing your home—especially in a market with high mortgage rates—is the most common reason homes sit on the market too long.
Why Selling Price Matters
As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high.”
When buyers see an overpriced home, they’re likely to move on to more competitively priced options. And with so many online tools at their disposal, buyers can easily compare your home to others in the area.
Additionally, the longer your home stays on the market, the more skeptical buyers become, assuming something is wrong with the property—even if there isn’t.
Columbus-Specific Pricing Challenges
Columbus neighborhoods like Clintonville, German Village, and Dublin have unique market dynamics that require precise pricing strategies. A home in Short North, for example, might command a premium for its location, but overpricing it beyond what the market supports could deter serious buyers.
How to Address Selling Price Issues
Work closely with your real estate agent to:
- Review feedback from open houses and showings.
- Analyze recent comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood.
- Adjust your asking price to better align with market conditions.
2. Not Freshened Up Before Selling
First impressions matter—especially in real estate. A lack of preparation before listing can be a major barrier to attracting buyers.
Boosting Curb Appeal and Interior Appeal when Selling
Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see, and as Realtor.com notes:
“For better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover.”
Simple updates like tidying up landscaping, planting flowers, and repainting the front door can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal.
Inside, small changes like removing clutter, depersonalizing spaces, and giving walls a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint help buyers imagine themselves living in the home. Additionally, updating listing photos to reflect the current season can help keep your home looking fresh and appealing online.
Columbus Buyers’ Preferences
In a city with diverse housing options, buyers in Columbus often look for homes that feel move-in ready. Whether you’re selling a historic home in Victorian Village or a modern condo in Grandview Heights, presenting your home in its best light is essential to standing out in this competitive market.
3. Limited Access for Buyers
Making your home available for showings is critical to selling it. Limiting access—whether by restricting viewing hours or failing to accommodate buyers’ schedules—can significantly reduce your pool of potential offers.
Why Access Matters
Buyers, particularly those relocating from other areas, often have limited flexibility. If they can’t view your home during their window of availability, they may move on to another property.
Maximize Showings in Columbus
With Columbus attracting buyers from across the state and beyond, ensuring your home is available for showings as much as possible is key. Consider:
- Being flexible with evening and weekend showings.
- Offering virtual tours for out-of-town buyers.
- Leaving a lockbox for easy agent access if you’re unavailable.
Bottom Line: How to Revamp Your Selling Strategy
If your home isn’t generating the attention it deserves or your listing feels stale, don’t lose hope. Making strategic changes with the guidance of a professional real estate agent can make all the difference.
Selling Your Columbus Home with Sell For 1 Percent Realtors
At Sell For 1 Percent Realtors, we specialize in helping homeowners in Columbus overcome selling challenges while saving thousands with our low 1% commission model. From pricing your home competitively to maximizing its appeal and accessibility, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
