When your home listing expires without a sale, it’s natural to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. As you process these emotions, you’re likely wondering what went wrong and what your next steps should be.

If you still need to move and want to relist your home, consider the following factors as you reflect on the past attempt.

Was It Priced for Today’s Market?
Setting the right price from the start is crucial. While it might be tempting to aim high, overpricing can significantly slow down the selling process. If your home was priced higher than comparable properties, it may have deterred buyers, causing it to sit on the market. Rocket Mortgage explains:

“Buyer interest in your home is highest when it first comes on the market. That’s why it’s so important to start with the right price on day one. . . If you overprice your house, buyers may just raise an eyebrow and move on to the next listing without even coming for a showing. . . It can be easy to think your home is worth more but try not to let sentimental value color your judgment. Your home’s true value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it.”

Was It Easy for Buyers to Tour?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your home is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Although it can be stressful to leave at a moment’s notice, being flexible with showings is important. Limited access means limited exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:

“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

Was It Set Up To Make the Best Impression on Buyers?
If buyers weren’t interested in your home, take another look at it from their perspective. Are there repairs that need attention? Even minor issues can give buyers the impression that maintenance has been neglected.

You don’t necessarily need to make big upgrades. Small repairs and touch-ups can make a significant difference. Tidying up landscaping, applying a fresh coat of paint, or removing personal items and clutter can enhance your home’s appeal. You might also consider staging the home.

Were You Willing To Negotiate?
If you received offers but weren’t ready to negotiate, this could be another reason your home didn’t sell. While aiming for top dollar is understandable, it’s important to be realistic about what your home can fetch in today’s market. Despite the market favoring sellers, increasing home supply and higher mortgage rates mean flexibility is key. A skilled agent can assist in navigating negotiations. As Ramsey Solutions explains:

“If you don’t have the money or time to fix home issues, consider offering some other form of incentive to buyers. . . An experienced real estate agent can help you arrange a deal where you and your buyer both come out on top.”

Did You Listen to Your Agent?
For expert advice on why your home didn’t sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. Whether you continue with your previous agent or hire a new one, a good agent will discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what to do next.

They’ll offer their perspective, including tailored advice and effective strategies for relisting your home to ensure it sells. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that an agent should be your go-to resource:

“If you’re frustrated with the timeline of your sale, chat with your real estate agent. Agents want what is best for you and the sale of your home, and having open communication about any frustrations will be key.”

Bottom Line
It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing expires without a sale. Connect with a reliable real estate agent to determine what happened and what changes to make for a successful relisting.