5 things I almost always find in homes that are sitting on the market...

1) The home is overpriced

Not "a little high," not "testing the market." Overpriced. Buyers know the comparable homes. They are running the same searches we are. If your home is $20K-$50K above similar homes on the market, it is going to sit no matter how nice it is.

2) Clutter is the main character

Not dirty or messy, just too much stuff in the photos or during a showing. Too many appliances on the counters, too many mismatched rugs etc. Keep your home decluttered and uniform.

3) Deferred maintenance is showing

Peeling paint, loose doorknobs, water stains, dusty corners. First impressions mean a lot to a buyer. If they are noticing differed maintenance during a showing or in the photos of the home they will wonder "what else have they been neglecting?" This is a major turnoff.

4) No emotional connection

Rooms with no staging, furniture pushed against the wall, etc. Lighting that feels like a department store. When a home has rooms that feel intentional and functional this helps a buyer picture how they would use the space. If there is an empty room with bad lighting they will skip to the next house.

5) Unedited, low quality photos

I have said it before and I will say it again. The quality of the photos of your home are KEY to getting buyers in the door. If your photos are dark, unedited, taken at the wrong angle, etc. buyers will just skip your home all together.

None of these things are about spending a lot of money to freshen up your home's listing. They are about removing friction. When a buyer feels clarity, possibility and good energy they want to engage with your home. When they don't, they scroll to the next home. If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home soon or the home is currently on the market and not selling, give me a call and I would be happy to help figure out the "why."

As Always...

If you have any additional questions about real estate, mortgage rates/programs or have any needs for vendor recommendations (painters, designers, window cleaners etc.) OR

If you have a friend, co-worker, family member who has real estate needs...

I am here to help!

Jessica Sternberg

206.459.1970

Jessica@DawnRushton.com