When you sell your house, the ideal scenario is for it to sell at the highest possible price, and for the process to be swift and seamless. You want to maximize the return on your investment while minimizing any headaches or complications along the way.

Even in today's competitive housing market, where demand outpaces supply, there are still factors that can lead to delays or prevent a home from selling altogether. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as one in three sellers had to take their home off the market before it eventually sold.

The reasons some houses don’t sell can vary, but a few common themes tend to stand out. If you’re struggling to sell your home, here are the top three challenges that might be holding you back—and how a skilled agent can help you overcome them.

1. Priced Too High

In today's high-mortgage rate environment, overpricing a home is the biggest factor that keeps properties on the market longer than usual. As U.S. News Real Estate notes, price is a crucial consideration when selling a home. Homeowners must price their properties competitively to attract buyers and facilitate a timely sale.

““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.”
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— U.S. News Real Estate

Overpricing your home can actually work against you. While the temptation may be to list it at a higher price to maximize your return, this approach can backfire. Potential buyers may be turned off by an inflated asking price and choose to look elsewhere. Additionally, the longer your home stays on the market, the more suspicious buyers may become, even if there's nothing inherently wrong with the property. It's important to price your home competitively from the start to attract serious interest and avoid your listing languishing.

Pricing your home accurately is crucial in today's real estate market. Buyers have access to a wealth of information and tools to research home prices in your area. If your asking price is set too high, you run the risk of deterring potential buyers from even considering your property. It's important to price your home competitively to attract serious offers and ensure a timely sale.

If you’re wondering if this might be the case with your listing, ask your agent about the feedback they’re getting from open houses and showings. If there’s a pattern, it might be time to take another look at your asking price.

2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing

You only get one shot to make a great first impression on buyers. That’s why giving your home a little extra TLC can be the key to selling it instead of having it sit on the market.

Start by considering your home’s curb appeal. Simple updates to your landscaping can make it look clean, inviting, and leave a great impression. As Realtor.com points out:

““ . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more.”
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— Realtor.com

Don’t stop at the front door! Simple changes like decluttering, removing personal items, and cleaning the floors can help buyers imagine themselves living there. Plus, affordable upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos that match the season can really add that wow factor.

If you’re unsure, turn to your real estate agent for expert advice—they can help you decide if it’s time for a new strategy to seal the deal.

3. Limited Access

Limiting the days and times that buyers can view your house is another big mistake you can make as a seller. After all, if buyers can't take a look around, your chances of selling the property will decline significantly.

Here’s another thing to keep in mind: out-of-town buyers are often highly motivated, but they usually have less time and flexibility than local buyers. To attract them, make sure your home is as available and visible as possible.

Bottom Line

You deserve to cross selling your house off your to-do list this year. If your home isn’t getting much attention or your listing feels stale, talk to your trusted real estate agent about how to refresh your strategy.