Selling a home can feel like a big adventure. You put it up for sale, full of hope, imagining someone walking in and falling in love with it. But what happens when weeks turn into months, and your house still hasn’t sold? If your home has been on the market for a long time, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge. The good news? There are simple, proven steps you can take to make your home more appealing and get it sold faster.
Before we dive into solutions, let’s figure out why your home might be stuck on the market. Understanding the “why” can help you fix the problem. Here are some common reasons homes don’t sell quickly:
Buyers want a good deal. If your home costs more than similar houses in your area, people might skip it. Pricing is tricky—it’s tempting to ask for a lot, hoping someone will pay it. But if the price doesn’t match what buyers expect, they’ll look elsewhere.
A home that looks tired or needs repairs can scare buyers away. Cracked walls, leaky faucets, or an old roof might make people think, “This will cost me too much to fix.” Even small issues can add up in a buyer’s mind.
First impressions matter. If your online listing has dark, blurry photos or the front yard looks messy, buyers might not even come see it. Most people start their home search online, so your house needs to shine in pictures.
Location is huge. If your home is far from schools, stores, or jobs—or near noisy roads or run-down areas—it might take longer to sell. You can’t move your house, but you can highlight its best features.
Sometimes, it’s not your fault. If there aren’t many buyers out there (like during a slow economy), homes can sit longer. Timing matters, and you might need to adjust your plan.
Selling a stuck home doesn’t have to be hard. With a few smart changes, you can turn things around. Here’s how to make your house irresistible to buyers.
If your home’s been sitting for weeks, the price might be the problem. Talk to your real estate agent and look at what other homes nearby have sold for. Dropping the price even a little—like 5%—can catch buyers’ eyes. A lower price doesn’t mean you’re losing; it means you’re getting serious about selling.
For example, if your home is listed at $500,000 but similar homes sold for $480,000, cutting it to $485,000 might spark interest. Buyers love feeling like they’re getting a bargain.
You don’t need a full renovation, but small repairs can make a big difference. Walk through your home and look for:
Fixing these shows buyers the home is cared for. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color (like white or beige) can also brighten rooms and make them feel new. Spend a weekend on this, and it could pay off big.
The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make it welcoming! Here’s how:
A neat, pretty yard says, “This home is loved.” It doesn’t cost much but can pull buyers in for a closer look.
Great photos sell homes. If your listing pics are dull, hire a professional photographer. They know how to use light and angles to make rooms look big and cozy. Add lots of photos—inside and out—so buyers feel like they’ve already toured the place. A video walkthrough is even better if you can swing it.
Staging means setting up your home to look its best. You don’t have to empty it out—just make it feel inviting. Here’s how:
If your home is empty, consider renting furniture for a few months. Buyers struggle to imagine living in a blank space, so staging helps them connect.
Is your home being seen? Ask your agent how they’re promoting it. It should be on popular sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media. Share the listing yourself on Facebook or Nextdoor—your friends might know a buyer! Open houses and virtual tours can also draw a crowd.
Buyers have busy lives. If you say “no” to showings too often, you might miss the perfect person. Let your agent know you’re open to visits, even on short notice. The more people who see it, the better your chances.
Offer something extra to tempt buyers. You could:
These bonuses can tip the scales if a buyer’s on the fence.
Once you try these tips, keep an eye on results. Are more people asking to see the house? Are you getting offers? If not, tweak your approach. Maybe drop the price again or fix one more thing. Selling takes patience, but small changes can speed it up.
While you’re working to sell, watch out for these traps:
Stay open-minded and proactive—you’ll get there.
Here are answers to common questions homeowners ask when their house won’t sell.
How long is “too long” for a home to be on the market?
It depends on your area, but if it’s been 60-90 days with no offers, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Most homes sell faster than that.
Should I take my home off the market and relist it later?
Maybe. A fresh listing can grab attention, but talk to your agent. If the market’s slow, waiting might not help.
Does lowering the price make my home look bad?
No! It shows you’re serious about selling. Buyers won’t judge—they’ll see value.
Can I sell my home “as-is”?
Yes, but expect a lower price. Buyers will factor in repair costs. Fix a few things if you can—it’ll pay off.
What if my home’s location isn’t great?
Focus on what you can control: price, condition, and marketing. Highlight nearby perks, like a park or quiet street.
Should I switch real estate agents?
If your agent isn’t working hard—few showings, no ideas—consider it. A fresh perspective might help.
Having your home sit on the market too long can feel stressful, but it’s not the end of the story. By tweaking the price, sprucing up the place, and marketing it smartly, you can turn a slow sale into a done deal. Buyers are out there—they just need to see why your home is worth their time. Try these tips, stay patient, and soon you’ll be handing over the keys.
Steve Ridge
Jessica Evans
CA DRE# 01998765