Why Your House Isn't Selling - Condition

If your house hasn’t sold, review its condition and maintenance, inside and outside. Don’t sell “as is” or plan to give an allowance. The house should be updated, clean and move-in ready.

Today’s buyers want an attractive house in move-in condition. They don’t want to replace tired landscaping, do extensive cleaning or make repairs, nor do they want to update the kitchen and bathrooms, replace old carpeting and vinyl, remove wallpaper and repaint. It’s a strategic error to offer an allowance, or sell “as is”, expecting that a buyer will make a low offer to cover some of these costs. Buyers will just move on to the next house, because there are many choices.

Sellers of existing houses, especially older ones, must remember that their house is competing against every other house in its price range. The competition usually includes new houses in better condition, with more amenities, priced to sell. A house that isn’t updated, well maintained and attractive will have few, if any, showings and an offer, if there is one, could be much lower than you expect.

To make your house more competitive, you must demonstrate that it’s in sound condition. One way to do this is to get a seller’s home inspection. Not only will it alert you to any problems and give you a chance to correct them at the lowest cost, the inspection and repair bills can become part of your marketing materials to generate buyer confidence. Consider a radon test and get a termite inspection too, if you have any concerns. Inspections demonstrate your diligence, good faith and motivation to sell. 

Proper routine maintenance is also crucial. Buyers will see at a glance if the house isn’t immaculately clean, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. The inside must always look fresh, so prepare a showing checklist to be sure it’s ready for visitors. If the landscaping is tired or overgrown, the first impression of your house suffers and prospects could drive away without coming inside. If the exterior and decks have mold and dirt because they haven’t been pressure-washed, take care of it immediately.  If the entryway has dirt, leaves and spider webs, that’s a red flag that there may be other maintenance issues. How well you perform routine maintenance generates either buyer confidence or buyer concern.

Smart Selling Tip:
If your house hasn’t sold, review its condition and maintenance, inside and outside. Don’t sell “as is” or plan to give an allowance. The house should be updated, clean and move-in ready. A seller’s home inspection generates buyer confidence and helps the house compete.