So basically, what happened was last week when I was showing properties with my clients, they noticed a house that had been sitting on the market for over 90 days. They asked me, “Pete, why isn’t this house selling?” It’s a question I get all the time, and today I want to break down exactly what causes homes to sit on the market and what you can do about it.
The Situation: Understanding Why Homes Don’t Sell
The market always dictates the value – you can price your house whatever you want, but you will only get offers when you’re within striking distance of the market value. When you’re way overpriced, you won’t get visits. If you’re a little overpriced, you’ll still get visits but no offers. You might get a lot of visits and just no one’s showing that interest because they just don’t feel the value is there for what you’re asking.
With over 90% of buyers starting their home search online, and 85% considering photos the most important factor in deciding which homes to view, the way you present your property matters more than ever.
Key Points to Consider
Price Alignment
The number one reason homes don’t sell is incorrect pricing. You might get a lot of visits, but if no one’s making offers, it’s usually because they don’t feel the value matches the asking price. Sometimes the gap between where buyers feel the value is and where you feel the value is becomes too wide to bridge.
If you’re not getting any visits after three weeks on the market, it’s time to reassess your pricing strategy. Remember, both overpricing and underpricing can deter potential buyers – you need to find that sweet spot where the price feels fair to both parties.
Property Presentation
Staged homes sell up to 80% faster than non-staged properties, and they often fetch 1-5% more than empty houses. This isn’t just about furniture – it’s about helping buyers envision themselves living in the space. Here’s what matters:
– Professional photography that showcases your home’s best features
– Proper decluttering and staging to maximize space
– Well-maintained curb appeal
– Clean, bright, and welcoming spaces
Market Timing and Conditions
External factors like population changes, economic conditions, interest rates, and seasonal timing all play crucial roles in how quickly your home sells. Spring often sees the highest buyer volume, but the right timing depends on your specific market conditions.
Professional Insight
As a real estate professional who’s helped numerous clients navigate these challenges, here’s what I’ve learned: don’t stress, just assess. Start by getting an expert opinion on your home’s current market value. If you’re not getting the results you want, consider these steps:
Remember, every home has its perfect buyer – sometimes it’s just about making the right adjustments to help them find you.
If you have questions about why your home isn’t selling or want to know more about the current market conditions in Quebec, don’t be shy to reach out. Together, we can develop a strategy to get your home sold at the right price.
*Peter Thompson is a Quebec real estate expert specializing in helping homeowners navigate complex market conditions. Contact him today for a personalized consultation on your home sale strategy.*
🏠 Looking to Sell Your Quebec Home?
As your local real estate expert, I’m here to help you navigate the Quebec real estate market with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a stalled listing or planning to sell, let’s develop a strategy that works for you.
Peter graduated from Lasalle College in hospitality and spent 13 years managing the infamous Chateau du Lac, where he built a reputation for leadership and forming genuine, trusting relationships.
Peter’s real estate career is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and tireless effort. He takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey. He regularly provides timeline market insights on his local service areas of Saint-Lazare, Hudson, Vaudreuil, and Rigaud, but has expanded to service clients across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and West Island regions.
Outside of work, Peter’s world revolves around his wife and two young boys, who inspire him every day. A die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan, Peter never misses a chance to cheer on the Habs or crack a dad joke to keep everyone smiling.
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