When homes sit on the market for an extended time, it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. Many sellers assume the market is shifting, or they need better listing photos, but there is usually more to the story. Because a listing’s time-on-market can quickly shape buyers’ perception of the property, it’s common for agents to panic and adjust the price. However, a hasty price cut might not always be the best next step. If your home isn’t selling, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture.

DeLand is a very competitive real estate market right now; local homes usually don’t sit around for long, even if interest rates are elevated. If a home isn’t selling quickly, it usually comes down to a few key drivers: pricing, positioning, and the experience of the real estate agent.

A lack of foot traffic or lowball offers are signs you may have a pricing, positioning, or experience problem. Below, we’ll tell you what’s likely going wrong and what experienced real estate agents are doing differently in the DeLand real estate market.

The Reality Most Sellers Don’t Hear

Sometimes sellers don’t want to hear it, or agents are too afraid to say it, but a home that isn’t selling is usually overpriced, positioned poorly, or has poor representation.

1. Overpricing

Overpricing homes is common because sellers don’t want to leave money on the table, so many consider starting high and dropping the price if they don’t get any attention. The problem with this approach is that when homes sit on the market too long, buyers often think there may be hidden problems.

Therefore, setting the right price is key. A good DeLand real estate agent will use comps (comparable sales) to price your home based on similar homes within a small radius of your home. Pricing your home with real data and market trends is the best way to sell quickly without sacrificing your return.

2. Poor Positioning

Home shoppers have a short attention span, especially when browsing online. If your home doesn’t capture the buyer’s attention within a couple of seconds, they’ll likely scroll to the next one. Positioning and marketing your home are the keys to widening your reach and driving foot traffic.

Some common causes of poor positioning:

• Poor listing photos
• Weak descriptions
• A lack of staging
• Personalized interior

The key to positioning your listing is to create an interior that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the space and an outdoor facade that makes your listing photos pop.

On the inside, you should prioritize a pristine living space with neutral staging and decor. This means removing any personal items and avoiding bold color preferences. Give home shoppers a blank slate.

On the exterior, don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, add some plants and flowers, and make sure your lawn is looking its best.

Staging is both an art and a science. It’s often helpful to consult with a professional during the process.

3. Real Estate Agent Experience

Navigating the terms of a home sale can be incredibly difficult for anyone without experience. Not every real estate agent operates at the same level, and it can be challenging to find a good one. You don’t want an agent that simply sets your home up on the MLS; you want one who is constantly monitoring buyer feedback, marketing your listing, and capable of negotiating a deal when the time comes.

What Actually Moves A Property In DeLand

Homes are selling fast in DeLand, and successful sales strategies usually have a few core themes in common:

• Strategic pricing based on the local market:One of the biggest mistakes is pricing your home emotionally. Be strategic instead. The right price creates urgency and competition.
• Strong listing photos, staging, and overall presentation: Stick to neutral decor, clean staging, and professional listing photos.
• Proper exposure, marketing, and visibility: Don’t just have your home set up on the MLS. Your listing should also be promoted via social media and word of mouth.
• Experienced execution: Choose a real estate brokerage with extensive experience navigating the DeLand real estate market.

If you’re able to bring these four winning factors together, odds are you’ll have a successful home sale.

Why Experience Changes The Outcome

Pricing and marketing are very important, but the experience of your DeLand real estate agent can truly make or break your deal for two reasons.

1. Complex Negotiations

Real estate transactions are complicated. There are so many moving pieces. Partnering with an agent who can construct the right offer and negotiate the right terms is so important, especially when there are multiple contingencies on the table.

2. Closing Process

You also want to be sure your agent can help you navigate the contract and paperwork as well as inspections, appraisals, and other processes that need to occur before you hand over the keys. A good real estate agent is equipped with a wide network of professional resources and can recommend the right third parties to help you along the way.

What A Proper Listing Strategy Looks Like

A lot of work goes into preparing a home for the market, and the pre-listing phase is the most important. A proper home-selling strategy for Florida residents often includes:

• Making repairs and upgrades
• Tending to landscaping
• Staging the interior
• Taking listing photos
• Developing a pricing strategy
• Creating a marketing strategy
• Defining an execution timeline

You need a real estate agent who has been through this process before and knows how to navigate each item with ease. For example, a good real estate agent can help you determine which repairs and upgrades actually matter, the ideal buyer profile for your home, the right strategy for driving the most foot traffic, and how to land the best deal.

Bee Realty Corp Can Help

If your last attempt to sell your home didn’t work and you need help, don’t just search “why home isn’t selling” or “sell my house DeLand.” For an experienced REALTOR® that DeLand residents can trust, give the real estate agents at Bee Realty Corp a call. Our agents have been selling homes in DeLand for many years, and we know how to navigate the complexities of this market. If you’re ready to give the market a second chance, give us a call today.