Red flag alert: what is stopping your house from selling?

You love your home, but it's been sitting on the market for far longer than you expected. It's a situation that can be frustrating and confusing. Why isn't it selling? Well, there could be red flags turning off potential buyers that are hard to see with fresh, impartial eyes. Here are some common signs to watch for to improve your chances of making a successful sale in the real estate market.

1. Unrealistic pricing: This is the most common reason. If you've set the asking price too high, it can turn off potential buyers. Make sure your price aligns with the current market value.

2. Uninspiring kerb appeal: Neglecting the exterior of your home can be a major red flag. Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, or poor drainage can turn off buyers before they even step inside.

3. Cluttered interiors: If your home is cluttered, with personal items everywhere, it can be challenging for buyers to picture themselves living there. Clear the clutter for a more inviting atmosphere.

4. Unpleasant odours: Lingering odours from pets, cooking, plumbing issues, or smoking can be a big deterrent. Ensure your home smells fresh and clean. But take care with using strong air fresheners as this could be a warning signal that you're trying to mask a persistent smell. 

5. Outdated fixtures and decor: If your interiors are stuck in a time warp, it can give the impression of neglect. Consider modernising your scheme and furnishings for a positive appearance.

6. Maintenance issues: Buyers can easily spot signs of disrepair like chipped tiles, dripping faucets, and bubbling paint. Even smaller issues can raise concerns that your property has more costly defects.​

7. Clunky renovations: If your property has received substandard renovations or you've cobbled together visible DIY fixes, these can deter buyers. For complex tasks, you should always seek the services of a professional. 

8. Unneeded renovations: On the flip side, expensive renovations that don't add market value and provide a good ROI can impact your sale. This can bump up your asking price as you may hope buyers will absorb the cost of your updates. If you need advice on what updates to make, you should consult a property practitioner with local area experience. They can advise you if adding a new pool or renovated kitchen, for example, are sought-after features that buyers in your area will appreciate. 

9. Unapproved home updates: That new en suite bathroom or expanded garage might enhance your home. But if you didn't get planning permission, it can lead to serious issues during the sales process that buyers would rather avoid.

10. Infestations: Insects, rodents, and bats can damage your home's structure, create unsanitary conditions, or introduce diseases. Warning signs of dust, wings, and droppings are an eyesore but also hint at a bigger issue for potential buyers. 

11. Poor lighting: Dark, poorly lit rooms can make your home seem gloomy. By improving your lighting, you can create a more appealing atmosphere.

12. Neighbourhood issues: If your neighbourhood has problems like high crime rates, noisy neighbours, signs of decay, or poor choice or access to key amenities, it can affect your home's attractiveness. Reputation is a motivating factor for buyers, so if your street or complex has received bad press for break-ins or careless management, it can give buyers a reason to pause.

13. Poor energy efficiency: As South Africans battle energy costs, having energy-wise appliances and good insulation is a selling point. Properties lacking these features may struggle to attract attention and secure a sale. A word of caution: be sure to consult a local property practitioner to find out if this is a worthwhile addition to your unique circumstances. A costly solar or inverter system, for example, can overinflate your asking price and extend your property's time on the market if it's not a primary feature needed by your home's ideal buyer. In the worst-case scenario, you may not recoup part or all of the costs invested in the updates. 

14. Overly personalised spaces: What appeals to you may not appeal to buyers. If your home's scheme has bold paint colours or unusual decor, it can be a turn-off for buyers. Besides the aesthetic appeal, buyers may worry about the upkeep of such features. 

15. Lax security: Crime is a concern for most local buyers. If you have few or low-quality security features or services, this can make your property feel unsafe. Invest in the best security options within your budget to provide buyers with peace of mind.

16. Lack of transparency: Failing to disclose known issues, such as a leaky roof or foundation problems, can lead to distrust and potential legal issues.

17. Poor marketing: Unflattering listing photos, unhelpful or misleading listing descriptions, a lack of staging efforts, and a non-existent online and offline presence can make it tough to get a signed deal. 

18. Seller behaviour: If you make it difficult to view your home or create a negative viewing experience, this can prompt sellers to move on to another home. Buyers need to feel welcomed, so ensure pets are kept at bay, children are attended to, and they are greeted warmly when they arrive. 

19. Inexperienced property practitioner: Buyers can get turned off by uncommunicative, unreliable, ill-informed, rude, or pushy representatives for your home. Without training, you can even make these mistakes yourself if you choose to sell your home privately. Instead, place your trust in a professional team like Kellaprince Properties. All our practitioners are experienced, compliant, and registered with the PPRA, giving you comfort when you sign up for our seller services.

Transform red flags into green lights

When it comes to selling your home, you deserve a smooth experience. Don't let red flags keep you from achieving your real estate goals. By partnering with Kellaprince Properties, you can get help to identify and overcome these obstacles. We'll guide you through the process, ensuring your home is ready for sale, and guide you every step of the way until you reach the finish line. List your property for sale today to get started.