Your search results

5 Reasons Why Your House Isn’t Selling – and How to Overcome Them!

Posted by Jayson Ang on June 24, 2023
| 0

TLDR

When trying to sell your home, ensure it is competitively priced based on its unique features and the current market trends. High-quality photos and staging can significantly enhance the appeal of your property to potential buyers. Additionally, maximizing natural light and addressing minor repairs can make your home more attractive. Consider these factors carefully before deciding whether to buy, sell, or wait in the real estate market.

Your home has been on the market for a while now but it’s taking longer than expected to receive the ideal offer. It’s not a great sign if it’s taking so long to be sold – the longer it stays, the more potential buyers could infer there might be something wrong with it. If your house isn’t selling, here are some potential causes and how to combat them.

1. Your House Is Overpriced

One of the key explanations why your home isn’t off the market yet is that it is priced too high.

Recently, you’ve been aware that certain HDB flats in more outside central regions were sold for a million dollars. Even more surprisingly, a flat in your neighborhood achieved this same amount.

This makes you contemplate that you could list your flat at the same price, however, if your flat is a 1,300 sq ft 5-room property in Yishun while the million-dollar flat is a 1,900 sq ft executive flat, prospective buyers will immediately be deterred and decide to walk away.

Don’t be swayed by the high price of a property nearby – if your home doesn’t boast similar advantages, such as a generous floor area or a fresh renovation, it won’t fetch the same price. You can check with me with your estimated Property Valuation to ascertain the correct rate for your house, and keep a tab on similar properties in the area to get an understanding of the real estate market. Don’t let that one sold-at-a-staggering-price home distract you!

Take a peek at what other houses are listed around you. Does your price tag reflect the average prices? If not, it may be time to lower the price and increase your chances of finding the perfect offer instead of waiting for months on end with no offers.

2. The Photos In The Listing Are Bad

Nowadays, potential home buyers flock to property portals like 99.co, and the first thing they notice are the photos of the property. Thus, if you have a listing on such portals, make sure the images aren’t blurry or dark, as this can discourage buyers from considering your house. With so many properties having beautiful pictures, buyers are likely to pass over listings with inadequate photos. So, if you think the photos of your home don’t do it justice, speak with your agent about replacing them for a more attractive presentation.

Take your listings to the next level – why not add a video? Creating an engaging video for your property has never been easier, produce video listings in no time, and get more leads in less time.

If not, it might be wise to consider enlisting the assistance of another agent who could assist you in showcasing the property in the best possible light, perhaps even enlisting a professional photographer to take pictures for promotional materials.

3. Your House Isn’t Staged

If your house doesn’t seem very appealing to potential buyers, it might be because of the matching chairs and couch in the living room, or because the kitchen counter is cluttered.

Either way, people can’t imagine living there. So they don’t bother to visit. One solution to make it more attractive is to stage it, not only for the photos for the listings, but also for the visits.

Enhancing the look of your home with furniture, decorations, and plants is a great way to help potential buyers envision themselves living there. A property agent can provide valuable tips for how to effectively stage your home. If you need extra help, many agents offer professional home staging services.

4. Your House Looks Very Dark

If potential buyers come across your house on a property portal and decide to visit it, but upon arrival find it not to their liking due to its dimness, they may say, “No, this is too dark for me.” On the contrary, however, you may find the house to be well-lit and airy due to your personal preference or the way you have habituated to it (like keeping the black curtains drawn to keep out the sunlight).

When selling your house, appeal to as many people as possible by starting with a simple task: clean the windows! By allowing natural light in with day curtains, you’ll brighten up the atmosphere of the home, while still offering some privacy and reducing any potential glare.

5. Your House Looks Like It Needs A Lot Of Repair

Having your house on the market for over 20 years with no renovation in that time?

That can be a turn-off for potential buyers. The sight of water damage on the ceiling would only confirm that the house needs a lot of work and maintenance – something most buyers don’t want to invest in. It would be a waste of time and money to do any renovations now, right?

In Singapore, potential home buyers tend to renovate to their tastes, so those hoping to move in quickly may not be keen to put in an offer; renovations like replacing the floor tiles or dismantling the kitchen cabinetry take time, which translates to longer periods before being able to move in.

Even if it’s been ages since your home has been updated, it may not be worthwhile to completely overhaul it. To breathe life back into it, why not consider some minor modifications? These may include painting the walls and ceilings with a more neutral hue, hiding any cracks, and addressing any water leaks.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …


Identifying a Good Investment Property: A Guide
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Identifying a Good Investment Property: A Guide

TLDR When it comes to navigating the real estate market in Singapore, understanding key factors can make a significant difference...
Read More
Top 5 Places to Learn About Singapore’s Diversity
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Places to Learn About Singapore’s Diversity

Singapore, a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia, is well-known for its diverse culture and rich history. A melting pot of...
Read More
Sentosa’s Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore’s Premier Island
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Sentosa’s Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore’s Premier Island

Sentosa's Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore's Premier Island Here are the top 5 reasons...
Read More
When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?
All Opinion Selling Tips

When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?

TLDR The real estate market is experiencing a lull in en-bloc activities due to various factors. Higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp...
Read More
6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers

TLDR Best practices for first-time homebuyers, the key points include setting clear and detailed goals, planning a realistic housing budget,...
Read More
Unlock the Secrets of Property Investment and Transform Your Financial Future!
All Buying Tips Opinion

Unlock the Secrets of Property Investment and Transform Your Financial Future!

TLDR The Singapore property market has experienced fluctuations, impacting private home prices. Understanding your financial capacity is crucial when considering...
Read More
I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons

TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his...
Read More
Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to a plethora of hidden...
Read More
Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?
All Buying Tips

Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?

TLDR Foreign buyers interested in private residential properties in Singapore is a common sight due to the country's positive reputation...
Read More
How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!

TLDR The article discusses the challenges of investing in a second property for retirement amidst Singapore's real estate market conditions....
Read More
Top 5 : Best Quirky Museums in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Quirky Museums in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city-state, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. While the city...
Read More
Discover the 7 Unique Attributes of Real Estate Investing
All Blog Posts Opinion

Discover the 7 Unique Attributes of Real Estate Investing

TLDR The post highlights the benefits of investing in real estate, such as high leverage, capital appreciation, income generation, usability,...
Read More
Rising Interest Rates : A Cause for Concern?
All Buying Tips

Rising Interest Rates : A Cause for Concern?

TLDR In 2021, the real estate market saw a surge in demand due to low interest rates and supply chain...
Read More
Top 5 Case Study : The Dark Side of Property Investing in Singapore: Scams, Fraud, and Risks
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Case Study : The Dark Side of Property Investing in Singapore: Scams, Fraud, and Risks

Singapore's property market has long been considered a lucrative investment sector, attracting investors and speculators looking to profit from the...
Read More
Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions
All Opinion Selling Tips

Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions

TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf....
Read More
Why The URA Master Plan Matters For Your Property’s Potential
All Buying Tips

Why The URA Master Plan Matters For Your Property’s Potential

TLDR The URA Master Plan entails significant shifts like the relocation of Paya Lebar Airport or creation of Punggol Digital...
Read More
5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing
Mandarin Top 5

5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing

Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales
All Opinion Selling Tips

3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales

TLDR When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the Singapore property market, timing is crucial. Three real-life...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?
All Opinion

Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?

TLDR The recent surge in Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore targets mainly foreigners and entities, with rates...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Spot A Good Investment Opportunity In Singapore’s Property Market
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Spot A Good Investment Opportunity In Singapore’s Property Market

Singapore's property market offers a plethora of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors. To spot a good investment...
Read More

Compare Listings