Saturday, June 7, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
Why Some Homes Sell in Days While Others Linger for Months—The Seller’s Secret
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Why Listing Your Property Right Matters: The Real Reasons Homes Sit—And How to Avoid Them
Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. While every seller dreams of a quick, top-dollar sale, many homes languish on the market for months. The difference between a home that sells fast and one that sits often comes down to how you list it.
Overpricing: The Silent Killer
Overpricing is the most common reason homes sit unsold. It’s tempting to aim high, hoping for a big payday or “leaving room to negotiate,” but this strategy almost always backfires. Today’s buyers are savvy—they compare your listing to others in the neighborhood and know when a price is out of step with the market or the home’s condition.
When you overprice, you get fewer showings and offers. Over time, this lack of interest forces sellers to drop the price, but by then, the damage is done. Buyers begin to wonder, “What’s wrong with this property?” and may hold out for even lower prices. Homes that start with the right price, on the other hand, often attract more interest and even spark bidding wars, sometimes selling above asking.
Key Takeaway:
Price your home based on recent sales of similar properties, current market conditions, and buyer demand. A realistic price out of the gate creates momentum and credibility.
Condition and Staging: First Impressions Count
A home’s condition and presentation are dealmakers or dealbreakers. Buyers want move-in-ready homes, not projects. If your house needs repairs or isn’t staged well, buyers will pass it over for alternatives that look better in photos or during showings.
Staging is more than just decluttering—it’s about creating an inviting space that helps buyers envision themselves living there. Staging can increase the price offered by buyers and significantly reduce the time your home spends on the market. Simple steps like fresh paint, deep cleaning, and depersonalizing can make a huge difference.
Key Takeaway:
Invest in curb appeal, staging, and small repairs. A well-presented home stands out and sells faster.
Location: The Irreplaceable Factor
Location is everything. Even within the same city, some neighborhoods are more desirable than others due to schools, amenities, safety, and reputation. Homes in prime locations often sell faster and for higher prices.
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for convenience, good schools, and access to shops, parks, and public transport. If your home isn’t in a sought-after area, you’ll need to compensate with price or condition to attract interest.
Key Takeaway:
If your home’s location isn’t ideal, focus on making it the best value in its area—price it right and present it well.
Accessibility and Marketing: Get Noticed
If buyers can’t see your home, they can’t buy it. Homes that are hard to show—because of tenant occupancy, strict showing hours, or poor marketing—lose out on potential offers. Effective marketing means professional photos, engaging descriptions, and broad exposure on major listing sites.
A strong online presence is crucial. Most buyers start their search on the internet, and if your listing doesn’t stand out or is hard to schedule, you’re missing opportunities.
Key Takeaway:
Make your home easy to show and invest in professional marketing. The more eyes on your listing, the better your chances of a quick sale.
Why Sellers Must List Their Property Right
Listing your property right isn’t just about setting a price—it’s about understanding the market, presenting your home at its best, and making it accessible to buyers. Overpricing, poor condition, and weak marketing all signal to buyers that something is wrong, leading to skepticism and lowball offers.
Priced Right - Multiple Offers
Closed in 35 Days
Here’s why getting it right from the start is non-negotiable:
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Momentum Matters: Homes priced correctly attract more interest and can sell quickly, sometimes above asking.
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Avoid the Stigma: Homes that sit on the market too long are seen as “problem properties,” making it harder to sell and often resulting in lower offers.
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Save Time and Money: The longer your home sits, the more carrying costs you incur and the more likely you are to accept a lower price out of frustration.
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Maximize Your Return: Staging and marketing your home effectively can increase your sale price and reduce the time it takes to sell.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home is a numbers game, but it’s also about perception and psychology. Buyers are drawn to homes that appear to be a good deal and feel like home. By pricing your property right, presenting it well, and making it easy to view, you set yourself up for a smooth, profitable sale.
Don’t chase the market—lead it. List your home right, and watch it become the one everyone wants.
SOLD this Beauty
Open House Buyer
Senior Buyer and Listing Agent Since 1997
“T.E.A.M”, Together Everyone Achieves More.
lela@CbSchmitt.com
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
International President's Circle Since1999
Senior Buyers/Sellers Agent, ABR
11050 Overseas Highway,
Marathon, Fl 33050
Land Line: 305-289-6492,
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