Smart Fixes for a Slow Home Sale

When a home lingers on the market longer than expected, both sellers and agents face growing frustration and financial pressure. In today’s shifting real estate landscape, slower sales are increasingly common. The good news is that there are effective, practical steps to revive buyer interest, reposition your listing, and turn a stalled property into a successful sale.

A Changing Market Requires a New Strategy

A home that remains unsold for weeks or even months often signals a mismatch between market expectations and the property’s presentation, pricing, or promotion. In recent months, many U.S. housing markets have transitioned from the overheated seller’s market of the pandemic era to a more balanced or even buyer-leaning environment. This shift means that buyers have more choices and more leverage, making it harder for properties to stand out. Instead of panicking, sellers should view this as an opportunity to strategically reassess their approach and make targeted adjustments that can reignite momentum.

Pricing: The First and Most Powerful Lever

The first area to scrutinize is pricing. Overpricing is one of the most common reasons homes fail to attract offers. Even if the asking price seems fair to the seller, the market ultimately determines value, not sentiment. When inventory rises, buyers are quick to bypass listings that appear inflated, especially if comparable properties nearby offer better value. A meaningful price adjustment—often just five to ten percent—can completely change a property’s visibility and bring in a new wave of interest. Timing matters too; making a price change early in the listing cycle is usually more effective than doing so after weeks of stagnation.

Photos Can Make or Break Buyer Interest

Equally critical is the property’s online presentation. In today’s digital-first market, the majority of buyers see a home for the first time through their screens. Low-quality, poorly lit, or outdated photos can discourage potential buyers before they ever schedule a visit. Professional photography is no longer optional; it’s essential. High-resolution images that highlight the property’s best features, paired with clean staging and thoughtful angles, can dramatically increase engagement. If the current listing photos are mediocre, replacing them with new visuals can breathe new life into the campaign almost overnight.

Marketing Needs to Go Beyond the Basics

Beyond pricing and photos, marketing strategy plays a major role in how quickly a home sells. Relying solely on a multiple listing service is not enough. Effective marketing includes creating a strong narrative around the property, emphasizing its unique qualities, and distributing that story across multiple channels—social media, targeted ads, local networks, and open houses. Well-written property descriptions that focus on lifestyle and emotional appeal resonate more strongly with buyers than generic bullet points. Additionally, virtual tours and video walk-throughs have become powerful tools to engage remote buyers and increase viewing time, which algorithms often reward with better placement online.

Small Improvements Can Have a Big Impact

Physical improvements, even minor ones, can also make a substantial difference. A lingering property often benefits from a light refresh—fresh paint, updated fixtures, landscaping touch-ups, or improved lighting. These relatively inexpensive upgrades can transform a home’s perceived value and help buyers visualize themselves living there. Sellers should also be prepared to address inspection issues proactively. If previous showings revealed common objections, fixing those problems before relaunching the listing can remove psychological barriers and make negotiations smoother.

Relaunch Strategically for a Fresh Start

Finally, consider relaunching the listing strategically. After weeks of stagnation, simply leaving a property online without changes sends the message that something is wrong. A temporary withdrawal followed by a fresh, well-coordinated re-entry with updated pricing, new visuals, and enhanced marketing can generate renewed buzz. Hosting a broker’s open house or an exclusive preview event can also help reposition the property in the minds of both agents and buyers. In some cases, changing the listing agent or brokerage can bring fresh energy and networks to the effort.

Smart Adjustments Lead to Real Results

In conclusion, a home that has stalled on the market is not a lost cause. In most situations, the problem lies not with the property itself but with how it is positioned, priced, or presented. By taking a thoughtful, multifaceted approach—adjusting pricing, upgrading visuals, improving marketing, making smart repairs, and strategically relaunching—sellers can transform a sluggish listing into a competitive opportunity. The key is to act decisively and creatively rather than passively waiting for the right buyer to appear. In a market that rewards adaptability, those who adjust intelligently are the ones who ultimately close the deal.

Dan Hegstrand

Remax Advantage Plus

11806 Aberdeen St NE Suite #100 Blaine, MN 55449

Email: danhegstrand@remax.net

Phone: (612) 325-6768

Realtor Since 1989
Experience doesn’t cost, it saves!
Re/Max Advantage Plus, GRI
I am celebrating my 35th year as a full-time Realtor in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas! I am your Realtor for all of your Twin Cities residential real estate needs. Call or text 612-325-6768, or email me at DanHegstrand@Remax.net today to get the most out of your real estate experience.
Sellers: Today’s market is still very strong with low inventory and despite higher interest rates it is still a seller’s market. Some sellers are receiving multiple offers over their asking price. It is important to have an experienced Realtor on your side so that you maximize your net return. I’ll make sure your home is viewed by thousands of potential buyers versus selling it in-house where you give up exposure to all potential buyers costing you thousands of dollars. If you are you considering selling your home within the next 1-6 months please contact me to come view your home for a no-cost evaluation.
Buyers: Having a knowledgeable Realtor on your side to expose you to all of the homes available in your market gives you more to choices. Use my 35 years of experience to help you find your dream home. If you are interested in viewing properties online as soon as they enter the market, let me know. We will set up an email search for you that is faster and more accurate than other online home searches. Your email search can be set up right away just by contacting me!
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