When a home sits, sellers usually assume it's the price. Sometimes it is. But in this market buyers have more choice than they did a few years ago, and they'll walk over things the asking number can't fix.
Here are the ten I see most, counted down, with what I'd do about each.
10. They pass before they ever visit
Most buyers decide online. Dark photos, missing floor plans, or a listing with no video gets skipped. Fix: professional photography, a floor plan, and for condos, photos of the amenities and the view from the actual unit.
9. The listing promised more than the home delivers
If the description oversells, the showing disappoints and trust drops. Fix: describe it accurately and let the best features speak.
8. It has been on the market a while
Days on market are visible to everyone. Buyers assume something is wrong. Fix: get pricing and presentation right at launch, when attention is highest.
7. Buyers have options again
With more inventory, buyers compare. Fix: know your competition. For condos, that means the other units in your building and the buildings around it.
6. The deal depends on the buyer's sale
A contract contingent on selling another home can stall. Fix: look closely at the buyer's position before accepting, and agree on clear timelines.
5. Cold feet after signing
Nerves happen. Fix: a clean disclosure package and quick responses keep momentum.
4. It's the monthly payment
Rates, taxes, HOA and insurance add up. Fix: help buyers see the full monthly picture early. For condos, reserves and a clean budget reassure people.
3. The insurance quote
A high quote can end a deal. Fix: have documentation ready: roof age, wind mitigation, permits, and for condos, the master policy summary.
2. The inspection
Surprises kill deals. Fix: consider a pre-listing inspection and handle the obvious items up front.
1. It's priced above its value
This is still number one. Fix: price from current comparable sales, not from what a neighbor asked.
The takeaway
Most of these are fixable before you list. If you own a condo in West Palm Beach, I put together a Condo Sale Report with current competition and recent sales in your building, so we can plan pricing and presentation together.
— Joel Poulin, Broker Associate | The Corcoran Group · (561) 556-3668