Stale listing strategies can really be a lifesaver. When a listing goes stale, it becomes difficult to sell. There are several reasons for this to occur. And, when it happens, it’s an uphill battle to get past it. Even in hot markets, stale listings dot the landscape. Even if you have done the most effective home selling prep, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll enjoy a quick sale. So, it’s good to know how to sell a stale listed home, just in case it happens.
What is a Stale Listing?
“Stale.” “Shopworn.” These terms describe a home which lingers on the market for no apparent reason — typically, for 90 days or more. Although the Orlando real estate market is on fire, it doesn’t guarantee your property will sell quickly. It’s unfortunate but it does happen and a stale listing can leave the seller and many others perplexed.
“We’ve all seen homes for sale that linger on the market until the owners give up, only to list again. That can be a great marketing strategy, if you make changes. When a home for sale sits on the market for 90 days or more, it’s time to take a closer look at the pricing, marketing, condition or any combination thereof. Some agents say that you shouldn’t even wait that long to reposition.” —AOL.com
So, why do some listings go stale? That’s the proverbial $64,000 question. The fact of the matter is, listings do go stale for a number of reasons. One such reason is a change in the neighborhood or around it. Certain types of activity cause buyers to shy away. And, that’s generally enough. Another reason is due to inaction. Although many people have seen it, no one has taken the next step. Word gets around and the result is a shopworn listing.
Yet another reason a listing goes stale is due to price. Sellers how price too high don’t get the attention the property otherwise deserves. Conversely, sellers who price below market value send an inadvertent message there’s something wrong with the house. Whatever the reason, you need a strategy to get back on track.
Stale Listing Selling Strategies
If a listing goes stale or is shopworn, there are ways to make it enticing to buyers. Some strategies are more palatable than others. And, it might take a combination of them. First thing’s first, you need to take it off the local MLS. Then, wait to relist it once enough time has passed so it shows up as a new listing. Then, do the following:
- Lower your asking price. More homes priced over true market value go stale than their rightly-priced or under-priced counterparts — it’s just that simple. Of course, the best thing to do is price it right to begin with. But, if you’ve already priced it too high, you’ll need to bring it down.
- Go over all collected feedback. Revisit all feedback from everyone who interacts with the house. You’ll probably receive a few insights along the way. And, you’ll have a better understanding of why the property isn’t getting any real traction.
- Update and post new listing pictures. Take a good look at the listing photos and have others do the same. If the pictures aren’t impressive, that’s one big problem. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix.
- Boost its online presence with social media. There’s no reason to limit your marketing to the MLS and word-of-mouth. Use social media to help spread the word and enlist help of family and friends to do the same.
If you are considering buying or selling a house in Orlando’s Hunter’s Creek, or another community, contact us for the latest market information. We are local and experienced in all facets of residential real estate, here to help you, when you need it.