Although some homes sell in the blink of an eye, others sit on the market for months – if not years. There are a variety of reasons for slow-selling homes, many of which are outside the control of homeowners and real estate professionals. However, this isn’t to say that you should simply resign yourself to a perpetually-unsold home. Even if there’s no definitive solution to the problem, there are a number of ways you can generate interest and get the ball rolling. Making an effort to avoid the following blunders is among the most effective steps you can take toward selling your home in a timely manner.  

Overvaluing the Property 

For many people, a home is the priciest investment they’ll ever make. That being the case, there’s little wonder as to why so many sellers overvalue their homes. In addition to all the money they’ve poured into these properties over the years, the houses themselves carry a tremendous amount of sentimental value for most homeowners. Furthermore, wanting to get the highest possible price for your home is only natural. 

However, if your home isn’t located in a highly desirable area code or has been sitting on the market for a long time, bringing down the asking price can be among the most effective ways to attract prospective buyers. As many sellers quickly discover, the gap between what they think homes are worth and what homes are actually worth is substantial. If you’re attempting to sell your home within a fixed timeframe, setting an unreasonable asking price is unlikely to prove helpful. If you need help determining a more agreeable price, sit down with an experienced realtor and explain your situation.    

Leaving Problems Unaddressed 

With the obvious exception of property flippers, few people are amenable to purchasing homes that require a fair amount of work. Not only does attending to problems left by the previous owners entail spending additional money, it’s also just plain inconvenient. So, if the property you’re looking to sell has any outstanding plumbing, electrical or structural issues, you’d be wise to take care of them before placing it on the market.    

Failing to Clear Out Clutter 

When touring prospective homes, many buyers form a picture of what their lives would look like in these houses. Unsurprisingly, the less cluttered your home is, the easier it will be for buyers to form a clear mental picture. On the flipside, if a home is packed to the brim with assorted clutter, buyers are liable to have a hard time forming the images they need. With this in mind, make sure your home is as open and uncluttered as possible before allowing tours. 

If you’re looking for a convenient place to store the items you clear out, consider renting an outside storage unit. These units are secure, affordable on virtually any budget and able to accommodate a vast array of personal possessions. Californians searching for good storage in Los Angeles are sure to find a bevy of attractive options after firing up their favorite search engines.     

Neglecting Curb Appeal 

Curb appeal should be among the foremost priorities of any home seller. First impressions are important in many areas of life, and this is doubly true in the world of real estate. Regardless of what your home has to offer, prospective buyers are unlikely to request a tour if they’re unimpressed with the exterior. To ensure that your home is able to retain a high degree of curb appeal, meticulously tend to your yard and mow your lawn on a consistent basis. Additionally, if your home’s paint-job is cracking or has become noticeably faded, take this opportunity to slap on a fresh coat. Just remember - the better the property looks, the more interest it’s likely to draw.   

After placing your home on the market, it’s only natural that you’d want to find a buyer as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, unless your residence is in a highly desirable locale, there’s a good chance the property won’t sell as expediently as you’d like. Needless to say, this can prove frustrating for sellers who are looking to relocate in a hurry. To help increase your odds of selling your home within a desirable timeframe, take care to avoid the mistakes discussed above.