What stops a house from selling?

Selling a property can be a complicated process, influenced by various factors that can either enable or hinder its success. In Australia's real estate market, understanding the elements that can negatively affect a property sale is crucial for both sellers and prospective buyers.

In this article, we will explore some of the common factors that may hinder the sale of a property and what you can do to avoid these kinds of situations. 

Mistakes to avoid when selling your house 

Overpricing your property

Setting an unrealistic asking price for a house is a common mistake that can hinder its sale. Overpricing can discourage potential buyers, leading to a prolonged time on the market, possibly months or even years. During this time, it can gain a reputation as difficult to sell or unappealing to buyers. 

It's important to be realistic and set an appropriate price from the start to avoid these challenges and secure a successful sale.It is essential for sellers to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice from a real estate agent to determine an appropriate and competitive price that aligns with market conditions.

Not using a real estate agent

Selling a property without the expertise and guidance of a real estate agent can pose significant obstacles. Real estate agents possess in-depth market knowledge, negotiation skills, and a network of potential buyers, making them valuable assets throughout the selling process. By choosing not to engage a real estate agent, sellers may encounter the following challenges

• Limited Market Exposure: Real estate agents have access to various marketing channels and resources to promote a property effectively.
• Pricing Challenges: Agents conduct thorough market research, analyse comparable sales, and consider current market trends to set an appropriate price.
• Negotiation and Documentation: Agents possess strong negotiation skills and can provide guidance on navigating complicated documentation.

Neglecting home staging 

Neglecting home staging when selling a property can have a significant impact on its marketability. Home staging plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of a property, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Without proper staging, a property may lack the wow factor and fail to stand out from the competition. This can make it challenging to generate interest and attract motivated buyers. 

Additionally, staging helps showcase the functionality and potential of different rooms, increasing the perceived value of the property. By neglecting home staging, sellers may struggle to create a positive and lasting impression, leading to longer selling times and potentially lower offers from buyers.

Inadequate marketing

Effective marketing strategies are crucial for attracting potential buyers to a property. Inadequate or ineffective marketing can significantly hinder the sale process. 

A comprehensive marketing campaign should include:

• Professional photography
• Virtual tours
• Online listings
• Social media posts
• Exposure on various real estate platforms

It is essential for sellers to partner with experienced real estate agents who have a strong marketing presence and can effectively showcase the property's unique features

Market oversupply

Some situations may simply be out of your control. An oversupply of properties in a particular area can potentially hinder the sale of individual properties. 

When there is an excess of available properties, buyers have more options to choose from, which can lead to increased competition among sellers. This oversupply may drive down prices and increase the time it takes to sell a property.

However, you are more than likely to overcome this by following the advice of a real estate agent and taking action with things that are in your control.

Home fixes you should complete before selling your house

Neglecting necessary repairs and improvements when selling a property can significantly hinder its sale. Buyers are often looking for properties that are move-in ready or require minimal work (though this may not be the case with developers).

Failing to address essential repairs can raise concerns and discourage potential buyers from making an offer. It can also lead to a perception that the property has not been well-maintained, potentially affecting its overall value and market appeal. 

Some repairs or improvements that might be worth investing into include:

• Fixing leaky taps
• Repairing visible damage
• Organising and decluttering your home 
• Professional cleaning 
• Eliminating unpleasant odours 
• Improving curb appeal 

If you’re curious about things you should NOT fix, read here.