Top 6 Ways to Keep Your Home from Selling

While there are several things you can do to increase the value of your home, there are also numerous things that can reduce the value of your home or make it more difficult to sell. By becoming aware of the traits that can get in the way of a sale, you can more effectively find ways to address the problems and increase your chances of a sale.

#6 Overpricing

Asking too much for your home can make it impossible to sell. Resist the temptation to inflate your asking price. This may seem like a good way to put more money in your pocket, but it will actually make it more difficult for you to sell your home. In fact, many potential buyers won’t even consider your home because it is overpriced when compared to other homes. To make certain you are asking the right price for your home, it is best to seek the advice of an appraiser or a real estate agent. Or, complete an on-line evaluation to determine your home’s value.

#5 Pools Aren’t for Everyone

While a pool can help you increase the value of your home, they can also make it more difficult to make a sale. Families often avoid homes with pools because they are concerned about the safety of their children. Similarly, having a pool requires paying more for house insurance and paying for upkeep. For many people looking for a home, these added costs are quite unattractive. At the same time, a person that is looking for a pool will be willing to pay extra to have one. Therefore, you should consider your location and the overall value of your home in order to determine if a pool will be a help or a hindrance.

#4 Lack of Garage Space

Homebuyers are drawn to homes with a garage. Therefore, unless you live in a historical area where garages are not part of the neighborhood or you live in a condo, you will have more difficulty selling your home if you don’t have a garage or if you have a small garage. Ideally, you should have at least a two-car garage to offer to potential buyers.

#3 Outdated Systems and Appliances

Having an outdated plumbing or electrical system is a real negative to potential buyers. Similarly, homebuyers look for homes that have updated appliances, particularly in the kitchen. The added expense of purchasing new appliances that are in good working order can go a long way toward increasing the value of your home.

#2 Poorly Maintained Home

A home that is obviously maintained poorly will be quite unattractive to potential buyers. If one part of the home, such as the roof, is obviously in poor shape, potential buyers will instantly wonder about what else is in disrepair. If something needs to be fixed, take the time to make the repairs. It doesn’t matter how well you have updated your kitchen if your paint is peeling or if the siding is falling off of your house, potential buyers won’t even consider purchasing the home if there are obvious problems with it.

#1 Décor that is Highly Personal

The more personalized your décor, the more difficulty you will have selling your home. Your goal is to help the buyer see him or herself living in the home. If you have created a very personal décor, it will be difficult for the buyer to see someone other than you living in the home. The same is true with really unique colors. While purple may be your favorite color, potential buyers may have a strong distaste for the color and will have a hard time seeing beyond it. Therefore, it is best to paint your walls in a more neutral tone.


About the Author:
Shannon Kietzman is a well known author and trusted resource. Shannon regularly writes for www.ByOwnerMLS.com, a For Sale By Owner MLS service, the leading real estate search engine of homes for sale by owner (FSBO). For more information, please visit www.byownermls.com.