Why is my home not selling? Top 6 real estate marketing blunders that could be hindering your home sale in the Hudson Valley.
By Realtor Dino Alexander
The beautiful fall has finally arrived in the Hudson Valley. People are flocking from all around the world to watch the natural phenomenon of foliage and pick some pumpkins and apples on a farm trail plus do a wine tasting or two in a winery next door.
Fall is by far the busiest time in the Hudson Valley and rental real estate market is exploding during the peak season September-November accommodating all the tourists and visitors, however, the rests of the real estate market slows down dramatically.
I’ve noticed many price drops in the recent weeks and many properties are sitting on the market unsold, unlike during busy spring and summer months. Especially it is noticeable in Ulster County (Kingston, Highland, and Marlboro, NY).
So what could be the reason for your Hudson Valley home not selling, besides the seasonal changes in the local market? It might be time to rethink your marketing strategy!
If you want to sell your Hudson Valley home fast, you should look into everything you do including property staging, pricing, showings availability and of course the quality of your marketing materials such as professional real estate photography, aerial drone imaging, video walkthrough, and a virtual tour.
Top 6 Reasons why your home might not be selling:
Reason #1: Pricing Strategy. Your realtor should have had a frank conversation with you about the current market state and present you with a CMA (comparative market analysis) that would show you similar homes sold in the past 6 months in the 5-mile radius around your home. Why is it important? Because your home’s market value depends on those particular sales more than anything else. If your list price is higher than similar homes in the neighborhood than your listing will miss the range of buyer’s search and will take a lot longer to sell.
Reason #2: Your marketing strategy might be missing the target. Who is your target buyer? Is it a first-time home buyer or someone who is upgrading or downsizing their home? In each case, it’s a totally different demographic with very specific needs and demands.
Reason #3: Outdated interior design. Here is where you should get honest with yourself. Would you go outside in public wearing an outfit date back to the 80s? Fashion moves fast, so does interior design and cultural trends. Do not assume that your granite countertops will impress a homebuyer, especially the millennial generation. Do not assume that your marble bathroom screams a sophistication or has any value for today’s homebuyers. Nothing devalues a real estate property more than outdated interior design, outdated appliances or materials and finishes that look like a blast from the past. Hire a professional interior designer for a quick consultation on how to improve your home’s look and stop homebuyers from running for the hills.
Reason #4: Clutter. That’s a big one! We are all humans and have a bit of a horsing habit on the inside, but make no mistake and let the bad habit to keep you away from selling your home fast! De-clutter! An empty room with a few fresh and brand new accent pieces is a much better way to sell your home. Order a dumpster or two and get rid of anything that you haven’t touch with your hands for more than 1 month – those are things you don’t need and things that will hold you back from selling your home for a top dollar.
Reason #5: Overgrown landscaping. Even though landscaping usually not a deal-breaker in a home purchase, but it could definitely prevent potential and motivated home buyers from looking at your home. If you can’t improve the curb appeal, at least clean it up, trim it, pull out the weeds and throw some fresh paint on that porch!
Reason #6: Your Realtor. Not all Realtors created equal and not all of them have the skills needed to sell your home fast! As a seller, you should look for the best real estate agents in the area and do your research on their credentials and experience. Work with someone who has already had a career in other fields than real estate and is an expert in marketing, PR, design or sales. A solid formal education and at least a degree in something is a good sign that your Realtor can not only keep up an intelligent conversation with you but also can guide you through a complicated real estate transaction.
In any case, if you are selling your Hudson Valley home right now, or simply wondering what is your home’s value and if it’s a good time to sell, don’t hesitate to reach out to Maxwell & Dino Alexander – Hudson Valley’s best real estate team that can help you to sell your home fast and for a top dollar. With world-class experience in marketing, PR, branding, design, photography, and sales, Alexander Maxwell Realty’s agents are the best Hudson Valley Real Estate Agents and your one-stop solution for all of your real estate needs.