Like I said, there are going to be op-ed pieces from me, so let's start with this question that was posed on an internet forum:
I have had my house for sale for eight weeks and have had ONE couple look at it. We are in a sought after neighborhood and we are the cheapest in the neighborhood. We hired a stager just for a consultation who said our house looked "amazing".
And here is my answer:
First of all, in this market, 8 weeks isn't that long. If you have a purchase agreement you have to honor, then 8 weeks is a long time. Second, I don't know where your general geographical location is. Each market is a little different. But the following is some good basic advice. I hope it helps.
Either the price isn't right, or the seller isn't doing a good job. If you are the seller, don't take it personally, what is is. If you are using an agent, tell him/her to step up the online marketing. Get your house listed all over the place! There are tons of resources for realtors and FSBO's alike. Most are even free! Spend a few bucks on an Adwords campaign. Open houses are a dinosaur.
Price: I don't know if you are buying a home that already exists, or a new build, but I have a feeling you're buying something at a really good deal. So think of your house more like a stock. You might be selling your current home for a 20-30% discount (and that hurts), but you're also buying the new home at a similar discount (and that feels good). When the market turns (and it will), you'll make just as much, if not more. Sell at the price the market gives, and buy the same way.
Then again, if you don't really need/want to move. Don't. Give it some time, the market will turn around. It always does. And trust me, the media is always the last in line. When they finally convince you it's real estate Armageddon, it's time to buy, because things are turning around.
I hope I helped. Good luck selling your home!
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