Category: Home selling strategy

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Home Didn’t Sell But You Already Moved

What to Do When Your Home Didn’t Sell After You’ve Already Moved

Imagine settling on your new home, but the home you’ve been trying to sell is still on the market. Weeks, or even months, go by and the “For Sale” sign is starting to feel more like a weight than a welcome. This is a scenario that has been occurring more often, yet no one has been talking about it.

home didn't sell

What can you do when your house doesn’t sell, but you’ve already moved on with your life? has already moved forward? Here are some options to consider:

1. Take a Fresh Look at the Listing

Sometimes a home just needs a different perspective:

  • New Photos & Marketing: If your pictures are dark or outdated, refreshing them can breathe new life into the listing.
  • Price Adjustments: A transitional housing market can be tricky. Long gone are the days of “set it and forget it.” Your agent needs to keep a vigilant eye on market trends. Your home can get overlooked if it’s over-priced, even if it’s slightly over-priced.
  • Staging and Virtual Staging: An empty home can feel cold. Adding a few tasteful pieces of furniture, either real or digital, can helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

Pros:

  • Can quickly generate new interest.
  • Doesn’t require you to give up on selling.

Cons:

  • Staging, photography, and small fixes can be pricey.
  • If the market is truly slow, even improvements may not bring a fast sale.

2. Rent It Out

If selling the home isn’t working, owners often decide to rent it:

  • Short-Term Rentals have become trendy. Apps like Airbnb and VRBO make it possible to host travelers and cover your mortgage while you wait for the right buyer.
  • Traditional Rental: A one or two year lease gives you steady income and breathing room until the market improves.
  • Property Management: If you don’t want the hassle, a management company can handle tenants, repairs, and paperwork for a percentage of the rent.

Pros:

  • Rental income helps offset mortgage and housing expenses.
  • The home is occupied.

Cons:

  • Being a landlord means managing tenants, repairs, and any issues with the home.
  • “Wear-and-tear” occurs. Sometimes the home can get damaged.
  • Local regulations and/or your HOA rules may restrict rental options.

3. Explore a Lease-to-Own Agreement

This shouldn’t be taken lightly, and you should consult with your attorney before entering into a lease-to-own agreement. However, this arrangement can attract buyers who need time to secure financing. They rent now, and have an option to purchase later.

Pros:

  • Brings in rental income while keeping a buyer lined up.
  • Attracts renters who are motivated to become owners.

Cons:

  • If the buyer ultimately walks away, you’re back to square one.
  • Requires a clear, legally sound contract.
  • Can be harder to market compared to a traditional sale.

4. Sell to an Investor or Cash Buyer

Investors are often willing to purchase homes “as-is,” which can be appealing if you’ve already moved and don’t want to handle repairs. There’s a trade off for a speedy cash sale, which is selling at huge discount.

Pros:

  • Fast closing, sometimes in days.
  • No repairs, inspections, or appraisals.
  • Peace of mind when it’s settled.

Cons:

  • Sale price is likely below market value.
  • There may be only a few serious cash buyers for your home.

5. Partner With a Different Agent or Approach

If the house has been listed a long time, a new agent with a new strategy may bring fresh energy. Some agents have the knowledge marketing hard-to-sell homes.

Pros:

  • New strategy and perspective may uncover missed opportunities.
  • Some agents specialize in challenging sales.
  • Potential for home buyers to perceive your home sale as a “New Listing.”

Cons:

  • May feel like starting over.
  • No guarantee that a new approach will work faster.

6. Keep Perspective

It’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged. But remember: the situation is temporary. Homes do sell, sometimes it just takes a new angle, a bit of patience, or a creative Plan B.

Final Thought

It’s stressful when you’ve moved and your home didn’t sell. But it’s not the end of the road. You do have options.Taking an honest look at your situation can help you decide on your next move.

By Dan Krell

Copyright © 2025

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

What’s your home worth?

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What Homebuyers want: What Home Sellers Can Do

The Real Estate Deep Dive Podcast: What Homebuyers Want

What Homebuyers Want: The Top 5 Things They’re Looking for in a House. And What Home Sellers can do about it.

what homebuyers want

In today’s market, understanding what buyers truly want isn’t just useful, it’s essential. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply curious about current trends, these are the five features that top the wish lists of homebuyers:

1. A Functional Floor Plan

Open-concept layouts remain popular, but it’s not just about knocking down walls. Buyers want spaces that make sense and have intention. Clear sightlines from kitchen to living room, a separate dining area, and a logical flow between rooms all help a home feel both livable and inviting.

What Sellers Can Do:

  • Remove bulky furniture to highlight flow between rooms.
  • Stage a spare bedroom as a home office or reading nook.
  • Use rugs and lighting to define open areas.
  • Highlight any bonus spaces (finished basement, sunroom, attic) as usable square footage.

2. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms

In competitive markets, buyers expect modern finishes. You’ve heard it before: kitchens and baths sell houses. Buyers are drawn to clean, modern updates, think quartz countertops, shaker cabinets, stylish tile, and energy-efficient appliances. Even small upgrades (like new hardware or lighting) can go a long way.

What Sellers Can Do:

  • Replace dated hardware and light fixtures for a fresh look.
  • Re-grout tile, deep clean, or replace caulk for a “like-new” feel.
  • If the budget allows, update countertops or swap out old appliances with stainless or energy-efficient models.
  • Add under-cabinet lighting or modern faucet fixtures.

3. Natural Light and Good Lighting

Buyers love homes that feel light, bright, and airy. A home that feels bright and airy is always a step ahead. Large windows, skylights, and thoughtful lighting choices can transform a space and influence a buyer’s emotional response from the moment they walk in.

What Sellers Can Do:

  • Open all blinds/curtains and clean windows before showings.
  • Use light-colored décor and mirrors to reflect natural light.
  • Trim landscaping that blocks sunlight through key windows.

4. Energy Efficiency and Smart Features

Buyers are environmentally conscious and tech-savvy. From better insulation and new windows to smart thermostats and solar panels, buyers are more aware of long-term savings and environmental impact. Homes with high-efficiency HVAC systems and smart home integration are especially appealing.

What Sellers Can Do:

  • Highlight your home’s energy-efficient features in the listing (new windows, insulation, HVAC).
  • Install a smart thermostat before listing.
  • Provide energy bills to show savings.
  • If possible, add LED lighting throughout and seal drafty areas.

5. A Quiet, Usable Outdoor Space

Buyer references remain strong for private outdoor retreats. Whether it’s a fenced yard, a cozy deck, or just a patch of grass for pets or a garden, usable outdoor space has become increasingly important. Buyers imagine gathering, relaxing, or simply having a peaceful retreat just beyond their back door.

What Sellers Can Do:

  • Clean up and define the yard or patio: mow, mulch, add potted plants.
  • Add low-cost touches like string lights, an outdoor rug, or a small café set.
  • If fencing is old or damaged, consider repairs or a coat of paint/stain.
  • Emphasize the potential: space for pets, gardening, or gatherings.
  • Stage outdoor areas (deck, patio) with seating and planters to create an indoor-outdoor feel.

Final Thoughts

Every buyer has unique needs, but these five features consistently top the list.

If you’re preparing to sell, focusing on these areas of What Homebuyers Want can give your home the edge it needs in a competitive market. Buyers are thoughtful and values-driven, but that doesn’t mean you need to invest tens of thousands to impress them. Strategic updates, good staging, and a clean, well-maintained home can make a powerful impact.

What’s your home worth?

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

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Home Selling Strategies to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Home Selling Strategies to Make Your Home Shine in a Crowded Market

Real Estate Deep Dive Podcast – Standout Home Selling Strategies
Home Selling Strategies
Home Selling Strategies to make your listing standout

As the sun climbs higher into the summer sky, so too does the number of homes hitting the market. It’s the season of “For Sale” signs and weekend open house, and if you’re a homeowner preparing to sell, you may be feeling the pressure of rising competition and in search of standout Home Selling Strategies.

But here’s the truth: in a crowded market, standing out isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Here’s the good news: You can transform your listing from just another address to a home buyers remember with a few smart, strategic touches. Whether you’re in a hot neighborhood or a sleepy cul-de-sac, these 7 inspired ideas will help your home steal the spotlight.

1. Tell a Story, Don’t Just Sell a House

Every home has a soul. Maybe it’s the oak tree planted when your child was born or the sunlit breakfast nook where mornings feel slow and sacred. Don’t just list square footage, share moments. Create a short narrative in your listing that paints a lifestyle. Buyers aren’t just looking for walls and a roof. They’re searching for a feeling.

Example: “Sip morning coffee as sunlight pours across the reclaimed wood counters. Evenings invite candlelit dinners under twinkle lights on the back patio.”

2. Photograph Like a Magazine Spread

Smartphones have turned us all into amateur photographers, but for your home’s debut? Go pro. A skilled real estate photographer understands light, composition, and how to make a 10×12 bedroom look airy instead of cramped.

Better yet, consider lifestyle photos, a throw draped casually on a reading chair, a garden table set for brunch, soft lamplight glowing in a cozy den. These human touches make a home feel lived-in and loved.

3. Turn Curb Appeal Into Instant Chemistry

First impressions aren’t made at the front door. They’re made from the street. Trimmed hedges, a fresh coat of paint on the door, modern house numbers, and vibrant planters can do wonders. Want to go further? A fragrant potted herb garden or an elegant path light installation turns your walk-up into a moment of arrival.

4. Set the Stage, Literally

Professional staging isn’t about pretending, it’s about clarity. A well-staged home helps buyers visualize the scale of a room and how they might live in it. It emphasizes flow, functionality, and mood.

Don’t have the budget for full-home staging? Focus on key areas: the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces carry the emotional weight of the sale.

5. Create a Sensory Experience During Showings

Buying a home is as much emotional as it is logical. Appeal to all five senses:

  • Sight: Clean, decluttered spaces with warm, balanced lighting.
  • Smell: Subtle scents like vanilla, cedar, or citrus (skip the plug-ins, they’re perceived as artificial).
  • Touch: Textural moments, a plush throw, a linen runner, smooth wood grain.
  • Sound: Soft instrumental music or birdsong from a backyard speaker.
  • Taste: Freshly baked cookies or a bowl of chilled bottled water near the door, it feels like hospitality, not a sales pitch.

6. Highlight Flex Spaces (and Give Them Purpose)

Post-2020, buyers crave versatility. A corner that could be an office, a nook that becomes a yoga retreat, a garage workshop ready for a creative mind. Don’t let extra space feel like an afterthought. Stage it with intention.

Use signs or framed notes: “Perfect Zoom Background”, “Quiet Homework Zone”, or “Art Studio with Morning Light.”

7. Market Beyond the MLS

Finally, your agent should do more than press “publish” on your listing. Today’s best marketing includes:

  • A property website with video walk-through
  • Social media teasers with aerial drone shots
  • A letter to the neighbors (who might know someone looking!)
  • Email campaigns targeted to agents with buyers

Pair that with savvy pricing, and you create something rare: momentum.

Final Thoughts: Be Memorable, Not Just Marketable

More homes on the market can feel like noise, but it’s also an opportunity for those in search of standout Home Selling Strategies. If your home sings a clearer, more emotionally resonant tune, buyers will hear it. Because at the end of the day, buyers don’t fall in love with houses – They fall in love with homes. And the best homes are the ones that tell a story only you could have written.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

What’s your home worth?

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Home sale gimmicks?

Over the past fifteen or so years I’ve written a few articles about home sale gimmicks. And not surprisingly, it’s another year with a new real estate gimmick. In the past I’ve explained and debunked the effects on a home sale of various ploys such as under-pricing, creating buzz, throwing the block party open house, etc, etc, etc. And yet it just doesn’t seem to end. Instead of being honest and straight forward with a solid common-sense strategy, some real estate agents are just good at devising ploys to entice unsuspecting home sellers to list with them.

home sale gimmicks

This year’s shiny item is a nationwide “auction” site that is marketed to sell a home fast for more money. It is used in tandem with the MLS. This is how it works…

The home is listed as usual in the MLS with descriptions, photos and all the accoutrements. The home is simultaneously listed on the “auction” site. The MLS listing has the “list price.” Buyers and agents are redirected to the “auction” site for price and terms that are acceptable to the home seller. This gimmick strategy is sold as encouraging multiple offers on the home.  Agents make their offers on the site. The seller chooses an offer and goes under contract.

This sounds like the old tried and true MLS home sale listing with extra steps!

I get it though. The old tried and true home sales model is boring. Post the listing in the MLS with your price and terms. Post terrific photos. Maybe even add a floorplan and a video. Possibly have an open house. And this year (2023), with the average days on market being seven, select one of the multiple offers you’ve received and ratify the contract.

Do gimmicks get your attention? Do you utter some oohs and aahs? But does it really make sense?

In my experience, most home sellers want to sell their home quick and for top dollar. Research into some home sale gimmicks have concluded that it could actually harm your sale by either getting a lower net price, longer time on market, or worse – a lower net price and a long time on market!

For a solid result, stick with the tried-and-true home sale experience. Don’t rely on gimmicks that promise activity on your listing, higher sale prices, etc. Work with an experienced licensed real estate agent who can present a comprehensive and coherent home sale marketing plan.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2023

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Detector

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

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Home Selling during the Holidays

Home sales have been in a slump for several months. But the lackluster volume of homes being sold isn’t what most people are making of it. Of course, rising interest rates have curtailed some home buyers’ plans, but the historically low supply of homes for sale continues to drive the market.  If you’re home selling during the holidays, consider that supply will continue to dwindle as many homes will be removed from market.

Home Selling during the Holidays
Home Sale Prices

What does that mean if you’re a motivated home seller? Although the housing market normally slows down during the holiday season, it’s not entirely closed. Motivated home buyers are always looking for the perfect home. And with limited home seller competition, you could potentially do well with your sale.  The only obstacle to your sale would be severe winter weather.

Things to consider when selling a home during the holiday season:

If you’re selling your primary residence, consider how and when your home will be available for home buyer visits. Be proactive with your communication to your listing agent so there is no confusion about showing times. The idiom “strike while the iron is hot” holds true. If you make your home available to show, stick to the schedule. Buyers will get frustrated and turned off when their scheduled appointment is canceled at the last minute.

If you’re selling a vacant home, it will be easy to show. However, you should plan to visit the home regularly for cleaning and maintenance. Maintenance is especially important during the colder winter weather.

If your home is already on the market, maintaining a show quality home is still a must. However, if your home will be listed for sale during the holiday season, you have to take care in preparing your home for buyer visits during colder weather. Decluttering, repairs, and staging are the main staples of home preparation.

If you ask real estate agents about holiday decorations, you’ll get a variety of advice. Keep in mind how home buyers will see your home. If you decorate your home, keep it tasteful and uncluttered.

Keep in mind that selling a home means having strangers traipsing through your home. Plan ahead with a showing schedule if you’re having holiday celebrations and hosting family and other guests in your home.

Home Selling during the Holidays is not for everyone. If the holiday season is a hectic, then adding the stress of selling your home is probably not a good idea. Consult with your real estate agent about home selling during the holidays and if it is an appropriate choice for you.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2022

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Detector

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

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