Buyers are taking a 'wait and see' approach, and sellers have to work harder to secure an offer at the price they want. 

Others find their property remains on the market for a long time, and are faced with either cutting the price, or holding their nerve and risking their listing hanging around even longer.  

According to experts, though, some sellers might not be putting their best foot forward. They say that there are common reasons some properties aren't selling which can be relatively easily fixed. 

Listed below are the five things that sellers might be getting wrong in the current market – and what they can do about it… 

 

You don't have a good estate agent 

One of the most important factors when selling your home is to have the right agent in your corner. 

The firm you choose should be working hard to get it seen by the right buyers. 

Colby Short, co-founder of estate agent comparison website GetAgent, says: 'There's a whole host of reasons you may be struggling to sell your home but they often stem from one core factor and that's your estate agent,' he says. 

'Particularly in current market conditions where uncertainty has grown, you need a good agent working day in, day out to ensure your sale is progressing right the way through to completion.' 

 

Your asking price is too high 

According to agents, this is the number one reason people are struggling to sell their homes.  

House prices have soared since the pandemic, with annual growth reaching up to 15 per cent at some points in 2021 and 2022.  

That's no longer the case, and the latest indexes show subdued growth or even price falls. 

Experts say that home sellers need to adjust to this new reality if they want to sell.  

Otherwise, they risk sitting on the market for a long time - which makes the property seem less attractive to buyers as they assume something must be wrong with it. 

Even if a buyer agrees to a higher price, it can all fall apart later on when they apply for a mortgage – potentially unravelling the whole chain. 

 

You didn't spruce it up beforehand 

With buyers in a position to be picky, it is more important than ever to present your home in the best possible light. 

That means not only keeping the property clean and clutter-free, but also taking care of small DIY tasks that might be making it look a little rough around the edges. 

Seemingly trivial jobs such as touching up chipped paintwork, getting the windows cleaned and weeding the driveway can all pay dividends.  

You really need to showcase your home and any features it may have.  

Clutter, mess, kids' toys, pet hair, these are all things that can produce a negative opinion of your property and in the current market, you simply can't afford to put buyers off.' 

 

The photos aren't good enough 

Most buyers' first encounter with your home will be on a jam-packed property listings website, and stand-out images can make the difference between a buyer booking a viewing or not.  

Presentation is key and this starts with your property photos.  

Read Our Article: How To Get Your Property Photo Ready 

 

Potential buyers are put off by YOU 

Finally, anyone struggling to sell their home needs to confront the uncomfortable possibility that it's not the house that is the problem, but the owner.  

If you are present for viewings, you want to come across as friendly, positive and helpful.  

Moving home can be incredibly stressful, and you should show prospective buyers that you're not going to be a thorn in their side.