5 Smart Options When Your House Isn’t Selling

Get expert advice about what to do when your house isn’t selling from real estate agent Karen Randels.

Selling a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. When the “For Sale” sign goes up, most homeowners expect showings to start quickly and offers to follow shortly after. But what happens when your house lingers on the market for weeks—or even months—with no serious bites?

A stagnant listing can be frustrating, stressful, and expensive. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps homeowners can take when a house just isn’t selling. Whether the issue lies in pricing, marketing, condition, or timing, there are always options on the table.

Here are five smart strategies to consider when your house isn’t selling:

1. Re-evaluate the Price

Pricing Mistakes Are Common

The number one reason homes don’t sell is overpricing. Sellers often attach sentimental value to their homes, which can cloud realistic expectations. Even if you’ve put thousands into renovations, the market ultimately decides the value.

Buyers are savvy—they’ve compared similar properties, they’re working with agents, and they’re watching the market. If your home is priced even 5–10% above comparable homes, you’re likely turning away potential buyers before they even schedule a showing.

How to Fix It:

• Request a New Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Your Realtor should provide a fresh analysis of recently sold homes in your area that are similar in size, age, and features.
• Review Buyer Feedback: If you’ve had showings but no offers, ask your Realtor for feedback from buyers. Price objections will often show up subtly: “We liked it, but another home offered more space for less,” or “We loved the layout but weren’t ready to pay that much.”
• Consider Strategic Price Reductions: A modest price drop can breathe new life into a listing. Many real estate websites (like Zillow or Realtor.com) flag price changes, which can bring your property back onto buyers’ radar.

2. Improve the Home’s Condition and Curb Appeal

First Impressions Matter

Buyers often make their decision within minutes of arriving—or even before they walk through the door. If your home doesn’t look well-maintained or inviting, it may get passed over for one that does.

Small cosmetic flaws can make a home feel dated or neglected, even if the structure is sound. Staging and repairs can turn the tide in your favor.

What to Look At:

• Exterior: Repaint the front door, plant fresh flowers, power wash the siding, and make sure the lawn is trimmed and neat for an inviting curb appeal.
• Interior: Declutter, deep clean, and remove personal items. You want buyers to envision their life in your home, not yours.
• Staging: Professionally staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money. If you can’t afford a stager, focus on neutralizing paint colors, rearranging furniture to open up space, and maximizing natural light.
• Pre-Listing Inspection: Consider hiring a home inspector before relisting. Addressing issues up front (especially HVAC, roof, or plumbing) shows transparency and can speed up negotiations later.

3. Boost Your Marketing Strategy

Good Homes Still Need Great Marketing

Even in a hot market, your home needs to be seen. If your listing is poorly photographed, lacks detail, or isn’t promoted beyond the MLS, it may not be getting the attention it deserves.

Marketing isn’t just about putting your home on websites—it’s about creating an emotional connection with the buyer.

Steps to Upgrade Your Marketing:

• Professional Photography: Grainy, dark, or crooked photos are a huge turn-off. Professional images highlight your home’s best features and make it stand out in a crowded market.
• Virtual Tours & Video Walkthroughs: These are especially important for out-of-town buyers or during times when in-person showings are limited. A virtual tour can bring a buyer one step closer to making an offer.
• Social Media Campaigns: Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok have become effective tools for real estate marketing. A well-placed ad or reel can go viral, especially in tight-knit communities.
• Realtor Network: Ask your Realtor how they are networking with other agents. Are they sending out listing alerts? Hosting open houses? Engaging in brokers’ tours?

4. Offer Buyer Incentives

Sweeten the Deal

Sometimes, a small incentive is all it takes to get a hesitant buyer to make an offer. This strategy can be especially helpful if you’re in a competitive market or if your home has unique features that require a little extra persuasion.

Incentives You Can Offer:

• Closing Cost Assistance: Many buyers, especially first-timers, are cash-strapped. Offering to cover a portion of closing costs can be a strong motivator.
• Home Warranty: The home warranty can give buyers peace of mind by covering major appliances or systems for the first year.
• Interest Rate Buy-Down: If rates are high, offering to buy down the buyer’s mortgage rate (even temporarily) can be a huge selling point.
• Flexible Move-In Dates: Make your timeline work with the buyer’s needs. If you can vacate quickly or allow them time to sell their current home, it adds value to your offer.
• Include Furniture or Appliances: Offering to leave behind high-end appliances or attractive furniture can differentiate your home from others.

5. Consider Taking It Off the Market Temporarily

Timing Can Be Everything

If you’ve tried everything and your house still isn’t selling, it might not be the house—it could be the market. Real estate has seasonal ebbs and flows, with spring and early summer typically being peak seasons. Listings that linger too long may develop a stigma, making buyers wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”

Your Strategy:

• Pause and Reassess: Taking your home off the market for a few weeks—or even months—can help reset buyer perception.
• Make Upgrades During the Break: Use this time to address feedback, invest in upgrades, or simply refresh the home’s look.
• Relist with a New Strategy: When you’re ready to go back on the market, come back with a new price, fresh photos, and stronger marketing.
• Switch Realtors (if needed): If your current real estate agent isn’t being proactive, responsive, or creative, consider interviewing new agents. A new agent might bring new energy and ideas.

Final Thoughts

It’s disheartening when your house won’t sell—but it’s not the end of the road. Selling real estate is part science and part psychology. The right combination of pricing, presentation, and marketing can reignite interest and lead to a successful sale.

Each of the five strategies above offers a different way to approach the problem, and often a combination of them yields the best results. Don’t be afraid to step back, rethink your approach, and consult with experienced professionals.

Remember: Homes that don’t sell aren’t necessarily unsellable—they just need the right strategy to find the right buyer.