Bergen County Homes; Real Estate Properties in Bergen County New Jersey, Search for listings in Bergen County NJ

Why a Home Doesn't Sell

Suggestions to cure why your house isn't selling

Price

Ask listing agent to get feedback from the agents who have shown the property and LISTEN. If the buyers say your residence or property is "too small" that means your house is priced too high and the wrong buyers are seeing the property.

Asking too high a price and telling agent you will be flexible when negotiating generally does not work simply because the buyers who will appreciate what your home has to offer aren't viewing homes in that higher price range

New competition since property listed are listed for less

New market analysis, lower price, offer buyer incentives, give written permission to use "Seller Motivated" in ads and Internet

Price range not moving

Offer buyer incentives, add multiple pictures to the MLS, and ask agent to target market most likely buyers

No showings

New market analysis, lower price; effective price reduction may need to be as much as 10%

Many showings but no offers

Lower price; effective price reduction may be about 5%

Unsuccessful offers

If several offers are in same price range, market may be speaking to you. Reduce price to amount you counter-offered last buyer

Price reductions aren't working

New market analysis, lower price below the next price point to avoid chasing the market

Condition

Basic

Ask agent to point out ways to improve.

Basic needs most likely to clean and deodorize carpeting, paint walls a neutral color, clean cabinetry, scrub bathrooms and caulk, de-clutter (pack, send to storage or toss out), weed flower beds and mow lawn.

Landscaping

We can't sell what the buyers can't see, so prune overgrown shrubs and trees that may be hiding your property.

Pets

Clean and deodorize carpeting, groom pets, change cat litter every other day. Remove pets when a showing is scheduled. Put pets in cages or garage if showing is scheduled when you are not home.

Odor

Use baking soda on pet bedding and carpets before vacuuming; put dishes of vinegar out to remove smoke odors, do not cook foods that may leave a strong odor (fish, cabbage, etc.)

Location

Location not desirable (on busy street, near train, next to commercial area etc.)

Lower price as much as 5-15% (compared to similar property in same condition in better location)

Neighbors property needs work

Offer to mow neighbor's lawn, paint front of his house (or area visible to your home) or clean up yard. Inquire about low cost Community Redevelopment programs in your town if house needs repair and owner is willing to do them but lacks financial ability

External influences (New building to block view, street widening etc.)

Lower price as necessary

Market

Oversupply or slow market

New market analysis, lower price, offer incentives

Property has become shopworn

Offer new boker inspection day. Bring property back on market as a new listing, add new photos, offer buyer incentives e.g. Owner will give redecorating allowance, offer to pay buyer $_________ for actual closing costs, owner financing, etc. Ask your agent for suggestions

Accessibility

Difficult to show/not readily accessible

Change showing instructions if necessary. Buyers need to see homes on their schedule, not yours. Use of an electronic MLS Lockbox is generally the easiest way for agents to show properties

Agents not showing property

First review price and lower if necessary. Discuss with listing agent to identify problem. Reconsider request to have listing agent accompany all showings.

If listing agent is readily available to accompany showings, consider price.

If listing agent is not readily accessible to accompany showings, ask to have appointments made directly with you.

Marketing

Presented poorly in MLS

Change remarks and add multiple photos; hire professional photographer if necessary

Poor presence on Internet

Ask agent to add to REALTOR.com; local MLS web site; Give permission to add to Internet Data Exchange web sites, add multiple photos. Consider individual web site for home (place web address on 'For Sale' sign)

Ineffective advertising

Check written marketing plan agent gave you when you listed the property. Check to be sure agency is delivering as promised by asking for list of all ads placed by company. Consider raising commission to get more marketing