Reaching the decision to put your home up for sale is a big step in anyone’s life. Maybe you’re looking to downsize from your current property or maybe you’re looking to kickstart a whole new adventure in a different part of the UK. Whatever the reason, we know you didn’t come to the decision lightly, so it can be pretty disheartening when your house just isn’t selling.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom, as there’s always something that can be done to boost the chances of getting your house sold.

In this blog, we’ll talk you through the five most common problems sellers are facing. More importantly, we’ll show you how to avoid making these mistakes, so you can finally stop asking yourself ‘why hasn’t my house sold.’

Your Asking Price Is Off

One of the most important things you can do when selling your property is set a reasonable price. Having an emotional attachment to your house or simply not agreeing with the ceiling price for your area can influence how much you want to put your property on the market for, but none of that matters to a buyer. You have to remember that they’re simply looking for a solid house and a fair deal.

Alternatively, having a very low selling price can set alarm bells ringing. You may just be looking for a quick sale, but some buyers could be thinking the house may have a few hidden problems, such as mould or flood risks. If it’s a quick sale you’re after, you might want to put some thought into going off-market instead.

It’s recommended that you get at least three valuations from local estate agents and set your price accordingly, as valuing property isn’t an exact science. You need to find an amount that piques interest without putting anyone off and is fair to both you and the buyer.

To get the most accurate valuation possible, make sure to ask local estate agents to view your property. Their knowledge of the local area is paramount in setting a fair price, and they’ll be more likely to point out the community’s best aspects to prospective buyers.

Your Marketing Isn’t Doing Your Property Justice

Chances are there are no major issues with your home. We see countless properties in Prestwich and Whitefield that are perfect for buyers across all walks of life. The only problem is that these properties aren’t advertised properly, so they don’t stand out and get ignored.

Your online ad needs to be as thorough as you can possibly make it. Think about how many rooms you have and their dimensions, list any key features that will have huge appeal and show how well you know the local area.

Don’t neglect the importance of photos, either. High-quality images will highlight the best assets of your property while giving buyers a realistic idea of what your property looks like.

Just make sure to use professional photography equipment when taking snaps. As good as your smartphone camera may be, nothing compares to tech designed for the job.

You Haven’t Prepared Your Property

When buyers are looking around your home, they need to imagine how their lives will be much better if they purchase it from you. It can be tough to present your property in a way that makes this possible, but there are several things you can do to make this easier for them.

• Keep your house clean and tidy. Filthy carpets, dusty shelves and greasy kitchen worktops will make it look like you’ve neglected the property. Roll up your sleeves and give your home a thorough going-over;
• Do a little maintenance. Believe it or not, it’s the minor things that can stick in a person’s mind, so fix any squeaky floorboards, make sure there are no rattling doorknobs and repair those cracked tiles;
• Create an ambience. Your home needs to feel inviting and homely. Open the windows to let some fresh air flow through the house, pop some vibrant flowers in a vase and play some easy-listening music at a low volume in the background.

Our Sales Manager Danielle wrote a full blog on this subject not too long ago, so check it out for more in-depth tips on preparing your property for sale.

Your Home Needs Kerb Appeal

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling property. You’ll find that most serious buyers will fall in love with your home the second they lay eyes on it. If your humble abode fails to take people’s breath away from the get-go, the rest of the viewing will be a long slog.

Before anyone comes to see your house, you should take some time out to tidy up your front garden. Dirty windows and unkempt grass doesn’t really scream ‘buy me,’ so get a bucket of soapy water ready for the windows and break out the lawn mower for the grass.

As important as it is to keep the garden in order, the whole street you live on will reflect on your house, too. If you notice some litter on the pavement, don’t kick away from your property, pick it up and throw it in the bin. If your neighbours have children, it’ll be worth politely asking them to be mindful of the potential buyer’s car if they’re playing ball games or they’re riding their bikes.

Remember, the appeal of your property goes far beyond the four walls, so the more you can do to spruce things up outside, the better.

You’re Using The Wrong Estate Agent

Not all estate agents are cut from the same cloth, and it can be hard to find one who cares more about you than themselves. At Philip Ellis, though, we always put the needs of our clients first.

By selling your home through us, we’ll provide you with a service that simply can’t be beat by any other estate agent in Greater Manchester. From the moment you inquire about our free property valuation, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.

So, if you want to stop pondering ‘why hasn’t my house sold,’ get in touch with a member of our team today at the best lettings agent Manchester has to offer!