Let’s talk about something sellers don’t always want to hear—but absolutely need to know. If your home has been sitting on the market with no offers, or worse, no showings… there’s a reason. And I’m here to break it down for you from the perspective of someone who’s been inside hundreds of homes and helped sellers across different markets.
Here’s why your home—or your client’s home—might be stuck on the market, and what you can do about it.
1. The Price Is Just Too High
Let’s be honest—price is everything. You can have the prettiest home on the block, but if it’s overpriced, buyers will skip it without a second glance. They’re looking at dozens of listings, and if your home doesn’t align with current market value, it’s game over before they even step inside.
My tip: Price it right from the start. A home priced correctly generates more activity, more showings, and in many cases, better offers.
2. Bad First Impressions (a.k.a. Curb Appeal)
Buyers form opinions the moment they drive up. Peeling paint, dead grass, or an outdated front door can give the wrong message: “This home hasn’t been maintained.” Even if the inside is beautiful, most people won’t make it that far if the outside turns them off.
What to do: Clean up the yard. Paint the door. Add plants. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just fresh and inviting.
3. Photos That Don’t Sell the Story
Your first showing is always online. If the photos are dark, cluttered, or poorly staged, buyers will scroll past. In today’s market, photography matters more than ever.
Agent POV: If your listing has more than 40+ photos of the same room with different angles (especially if it’s a basic 2BR), it’s not helping. Only include photos that add value and tell a visual story. Less is more.
4. Outdated or Over-Personalized Interiors
Bright purple walls, heavy drapes, 1990s furniture—it might be your style, but it’s not everyone’s. Buyers are trying to picture themselves in the home. If they can’t, they’ll walk away.
Pro move: Neutralize the space. Paint the walls a fresh, light color. Swap out bold bedding. Declutter and depersonalize. Staging isn’t just HGTV fluff—it works.
5. Deferred Maintenance
You know what buyers notice immediately? Grimy grout, scuffed floors, broken fixtures, or leaky faucets. These things say “the house hasn’t been cared for,” and that instantly lowers confidence—and your home’s perceived value.
Fix what’s visible. You don’t have to remodel the kitchen, but you should definitely clean it, repair what’s broken, and show pride of ownership.
6. It’s Just Not Marketed Well
Homes don’t sell themselves. If your agent isn’t proactively marketing your property—online, offline, social media, email—you’re missing out on potential buyers. Sticking a sign in the yard and uploading to the MLS isn’t enough anymore.
Solution: Work with someone who has a plan. Ask your agent how they’re positioning your home, what their marketing includes, and who they’re targeting. Visibility is everything.
Don’t Take It Personally
I know it’s tough to hear your home might be the problem—but the good news is, it’s fixable. Most homes aren’t “unsellable.” They’re just unprepared. If you take action on these areas—pricing, curb appeal, photos, staging, repairs, and marketing—you’ll give your home a fighting chance in any market.
Need help figuring out what’s going wrong with your listing? I’m always happy to give you a second opinion. You can drop your listing in my Facebook group or send me a DM. I’m here to help you sell smarter, not harder.
