Selling a house can be frustrating, especially when months go by without an offer. If your house has been on the market for more than 90 days, it’s a sign that something isn’t working.
In many markets, well-priced homes sell within 30 to 60 days. If your house is still unsold after three months, potential buyers may be seeing red flags. The problem could be pricing, condition, marketing, or market conditions—but the good news is, there are ways to fix it.
This guide will explain why your home isn’t selling and what steps you can take right now to attract serious buyers and sell your house fast.
7 Reasons Your House Hasn’t Sold & How to Fix It
If your home has been listed for three months or longer, it’s time to identify the problem and take action.
1. Your Price is Too High
Overpricing is the number one reason homes sit on the market. Buyers compare your home to similar listings, and if they find better deals, they move on. Even in a seller’s market, an overpriced home can push buyers away. Determining the correct home’s value is important.
Example: If comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for $350,000, but yours is listed at $380,000, buyers will likely skip over it.
What to Do:
- Compare recent sales in your area to see if your price aligns with the market.
- Check how many showings you’ve had. If traffic is low, price could be the issue.
- Reduce the price in small increments. A 2-5% price cut can make a big difference.
- Ask your agent about strategic pricing. Sometimes, dropping just below a round number ($305K to $299K) brings in more buyers.
2. The Home Needs Repairs or Updates
Buyers want homes that feel move-in ready. If your home has outdated features, visible wear and tear, or needed repairs, it could turn buyers away.
Example: If buyers walk into a home and see old carpeting, peeling paint, or outdated appliances, they might assume it will cost too much to update.
What to Do:
- Focus on cost-effective improvements like fresh paint, modern light fixtures, and deep cleaning.
- Make minor repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing broken tiles, or refinishing floors.
- Consider offering repair credits if you don’t want to make updates yourself.
- Highlight the home’s strengths—staging can make outdated features less noticeable.
3. Weak Listing Photos & Online Presentation
Most buyers start their home search online. If your listing photos are dark, blurry, or unappealing, buyers may scroll past without clicking.
Example: A home with cluttered rooms, poor lighting, or few photos will struggle to compete with well-presented listings.
What to Do:
- Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality listing photos.
- Use natural light and showcase the best angles of each room.
- Stage your home for photos—declutter, remove personal items, and add simple décor.
- Update your listing description to highlight the home’s best features.
4. Your Marketing Strategy is Weak
A good listing isn’t enough—your home needs maximum exposure. If buyers aren’t seeing your listing, they won’t schedule showings.
Example: If your home is only on the MLS but not on Big and Small Properties, Realtor.com, or social media, you’re missing potential buyers.
What to Do:
- Ensure your listing is everywhere—on all major real estate websites.
- Run social media ads targeting local buyers.
- Host an open house to attract foot traffic.
- Ask your agent about boosting your listing—some brokerages offer premium placements.
5. Market Conditions Aren’t Favorable
If interest rates are rising or inventory is high, buyers may take longer to commit or may expect price reductions.
Example: If mortgage rates increase, buyers may lower their budget or delay home purchases.
What to Do:
- Be patient but realistic. Monitor local sales trends and adjust if needed.
- Offer buyer incentives like covering closing costs or including appliances.
- Consider alternative selling methods if urgency is a factor.
6. Your Real Estate Agent Isn’t Doing Enough
Not all agents have the same level of marketing expertise or motivation. If your agent isn’t proactively working to sell your home, it could be a problem.
Example: If your agent has only hosted one open house, isn’t marketing aggressively, or isn’t giving you updates, it might be time for a new strategy.
What to Do:
- Request a marketing report to see where your listing has been advertised.
- Consider switching agents if yours isn’t being proactive.
- Get a second opinion from another realtor on pricing and presentation.
7. Buyer Financing Issues Are Slowing the Sale
If your home receives offers but buyers back out, financing might be an issue. Appraisal problems, loan denials, or slow mortgage approvals can delay or kill deals.
Example: If your home appraises lower than the agreed price, the buyer may have trouble securing financing.
What to Do:
- Be open to all financing types (FHA, VA, conventional loans).
- Consider seller financing if it makes sense for your situation.
- Work with a cash home buyer to avoid financing delays.
Need to Sell Faster? Consider a Cash Offer
If your home has been sitting for three months or more, and you need a quick sale, a cash buyer can offer a hassle-free solution.
Why Sell for Cash?
- No repairs or staging required. Sell your home as-is.
- No waiting for mortgage approvals. Close in as little as 7 days.
- No agent fees or commissions. More money stays in your pocket.
- Guaranteed sale. No last-minute financing fall-throughs.
At Big and Small Properties, we specialize in buying homes quickly and stress-free. If your home isn’t selling, we can make you a no-obligation cash offer today.
Take Action & Get Your Home Sold
A home that sits on the market for three months signals something needs to change. Whether it’s adjusting the price, improving marketing, making minor updates, or considering alternative selling options, you have choices.
- Review your price and make adjustments if needed.
- Improve your listing photos and online presence.
- Enhance your home’s appeal with minor repairs and staging.
- Boost marketing efforts to reach the right buyers.
- Consider selling to a cash buyer for a fast, guaranteed sale.
If you’re ready to sell without the stress, contact Big and Small Properties today for a free, no-obligation cash offer. Why wait another month when you can sell now?
