Your Charlotte Home Won’t Sell? 4 Reasons Why It May Just Not Be Your Agent’s Fault
I recently received a call from a seller who was furious with her agent and wanted to discuss listing her home. As it happens, I know the agent fairly well and have very high regards for her. She does a wonderful job and if I didn’t live here in Charlotte, she’d be one to whom I’d consider referring business. Sellers seem to be quick to blame their real estate agents if their Charlotte homes are slow to sell but, that can be an unfair assumption. Here are four reasons for a slow sale that have nothing at all to do with your real estate agent:
Reason #1: Your neighborhood is just not what it once was–it has most definitely seen better days.
There are many signs that a neighborhood is in decline. Examine your community to determine if this could possibly be one of the reasons why your home isn’t selling. Here are a few signs to look out for: local businesses going out of business, schools deteriorating, major traffic jams or a majority of distressed properties, i.e. foreclosures or short sales. What can you do to get your home sold if your neighborhood is in decline? Work with your real estate agent to set the price of your home based on the neighborhood’s current market value. Even if your neighborhood is declining, if the price is right, it will sell–to someone.
Reason #2: Your home is located in an area of Charlotte that is experiencing high unemployment.
When businesses close or down-size, this impacts more than those who have lost their jobs; it effects the value of the homes in the area as well. High unemployment also makes it difficult to attract buyers to the area because if people are considering a move, they certainly want to live in an area where there are more employment opportunities.
Reason #3: Your idea of what your home is worth is unrealistic.
Regardless of what you might think, a real estate agent is not going to price your Charlotte home at bottom dollar just to get a sale. This type of strategy doesn’t help anyone including your agent. Do your homework on what comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for, and listen to your agent’s pricing advice – you’re paying for his or her expertise, whether or not you agree with it. The market data doesn’t lie!
Reason #4: We are in a recession and banks are not as willing to lend.
Banks have much tighter lending requirements and people have less money to spend. That means buyers must have higher credit scores and larger down payments to qualify for a home loan these days.
Bear in mind that in the current market, homes simply take longer to sell. So, before you decide to replace your agent, be fair in assessing their job performance. And, don’t blame your real estate agent for things beyond his or her control.
Thinking of selling your Charlotte home? I’d be happy to do a free comparative analysis of the current value of your home. Give me a call today or send me an email. I’m happy to help!