You're full of eager anticipation when you put your home on the market, but there comes a time when you have to admit it's not selling. Our real estate agents have successfully helped many sellers overcome roadblocks to closing a deal. Here are 10 common reasons why your home may not be selling as quickly as you'd hoped.

1. Overpriced
   When looking for reasons why a home isn't selling, price is the obvious starting point. Even in a seller's market, the price has to be consistent with the value of the home in relation to those around it. Research the sale price of other homes in the area and make sure you're not being too aggressive.
   
   
2. Poor Quality Photos
   In this digital age, a buyer's first look at your home is likely to be online. Listing photos should be professional quality, highlighting the more salable features of your home while minimizing any shortcomings.
   
   
3. Bad Timing
   Are you trying to sell your home during the dead of winter? Maybe real estate activity in your area is in a temporary lull. Either of those conditions can put the brakes on a home sale.
   
   
4. Poor or Non-Existent Staging
   People can't make a connection with an empty shell, which is what they're faced with if your home is devoid of furnishings. A skillfully staged home allows buyers to picturethemselves living happily there.
   
   
5. Too Personalized
   On the other hand, too many family photos and specific memorabilia make buyers feel like intruders. Stick to a neutral decor.
   
   
6. Inflexibility
   Selling a home often involves a series of negotiations. A buyer may want to view your home at an inconvenient time, an inspection may reveal a repair the buyer asks you to complete or offers may come in below your asking price. You don't have to be a pushover but remain open to reasonable compromises.
   
   
7. Lack of Curb Appeal
   Your home may be a sparkling jewel on the inside, but if the exterior paint is shabby or the yard is overgrown, no buyer will ever get that far. Stand in front of your home and ask yourself if the outside appearance draws you in.
   
   
8. Awkward Location
   Does your home sit on a street with heavy traffic, or is it close to a commercial area? Location is a reality that's largely out of your control. You may have to adjust the asking price accordingly or come up with creative incentives such as interest rate buy-downor season tickets to the local sports team.
   
   
9. Overreliance on Open Houses
   Open houses can be helpful, but they're too passive a tool to be your primary focus. Many attendees are nothing more than "lookie-loos" wanting to satisfy their curiosityor, more distressingly, crooks who are scoutingtargets. Use a mix of networking, flyers, videos and other marketing techniques designed to focus on interested and qualified buyers.
   
   
10. Inadequate Representation
    Selling your home requires professional experience and know-how. Is your real estate agent putting forth a sincere effort or just going through the motions? If you don't feel a genuine connection, trust your instincts.

The Masiello Group has been serving Northern New England's real estate needs for more than 52 years. Whether your buying or selling, contact us today and let us put our expertise to use for your benefit.