Every homeowner hopes to sell their property for top dollar, but the reality of the real estate market doesn’t always align with expectations. If your home has been sitting on the market longer than anticipated—or if offers are falling well below your asking price—it may be time to rethink your strategy.
With expert guidance from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, sellers can make smart adjustments to attract serious buyers while still maximizing value.
Reassess Your Listing Price with Your Agent
The first step when your home isn’t selling is to revisit the asking price. Pricing a home correctly is both an art and a science, requiring an understanding of current market trends, comparable sales, and buyer demand.
Factors That May Require a Price Adjustment
- Market Shifts: If the local market has cooled since you listed, pricing adjustments may be necessary.
- Comparable Sales: Are similar homes in your area selling for less than your asking price?
- Buyer Feedback: Are potential buyers consistently saying your home feels overpriced?
Your agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will conduct a thorough analysis to determine whether your price is realistic or if it’s deterring qualified buyers.
Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Presentation
Sometimes, it’s not just the price—it’s the perception of value. If your home’s curb appeal or staging falls short, buyers may feel the asking price isn’t justified. Enhancing your home’s appearance can help bridge that gap.
Easy Curb Appeal Upgrades
- Fresh landscaping or lawn care
- Updated exterior paint or front door color
- New house numbers or outdoor lighting
Interior Staging Tips
- Declutter and depersonalize to help buyers envision themselves in the space
- Add fresh flowers, neutral décor, and warm lighting for inviting showings
- Consider professional staging for key rooms, especially the living room and primary bedroom
Be Open to Incentives and Negotiation
If lowering your asking price isn’t your first choice, offering creative buyer incentives can make your home more attractive without cutting the price outright.
Popular Seller Incentives
- Offering to cover some or all closing costs
- Including high-value appliances or furniture in the sale
- Offering a flexible move-in date to accommodate the buyer’s timeline
These incentives can make your property stand out in a competitive market.
Consider Repairs or Updates That Buyers Value Most
In some cases, your home’s condition could be preventing buyers from seeing its full potential. If feedback repeatedly highlights outdated features or needed repairs, investing in targeted improvements can help justify your price.
High-Value Updates to Consider
- Kitchen upgrades (new countertops, appliances, or cabinet refacing)
- Bathroom refreshes (modern fixtures, new tile, or improved lighting)
- Energy-efficient upgrades (new windows, smart thermostats, or updated HVAC)
The team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices can help you identify which upgrades are most likely to appeal to buyers in your neighborhood.
Reevaluate Your Marketing Strategy
If your home is priced correctly and looks its best but still isn’t getting attention, it may be time to rethink your marketing plan. Effective marketing is more than just listing the home online—it’s about telling the story of your property and targeting the right audience.
Smart Marketing Tactics
- Professional photography and video tours
- Highlighting unique features (views, lot size, location perks)
- Targeted social media ads reaching likely buyers
- Refreshing the listing description to emphasize value and lifestyle
A proactive, creative marketing approach can draw fresh attention to your home and reignite buyer interest.
Be Flexible and Realistic About Timing
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to achieving your desired price is simple market timing. If inventory is high and buyer demand is low, patience may be required. In other cases, adjusting your expectations—either by lowering the price or offering more flexibility—can lead to faster, more successful sales.
Signs It’s Time to Reevaluate
- Your home has been listed significantly longer than similar properties
- Showings have slowed or stopped altogether
- Buyer feedback consistently points to pricing concerns
With the expert advice of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, you can make data-driven decisions that balance your financial goals with realistic market conditions.
Selling a home at your target price isn’t always easy, but with flexibility, creativity, and a strategic approach, it’s possible to attract the right buyer and close with confidence. Contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices at (310) 373-0021 today to work with experienced agents who know how to position your home for success—even in challenging markets.