And what can you do about it?
Some homes fly off the market in days. Others sit for weeks—or months—with barely a nibble. If your home has been listed with little interest, it can feel frustrating and confusing.
In this post, we’re breaking down the top reasons a home doesn’t sell—and what you can do to fix it.
1️⃣ You’re Asking Too Much 💸
Let’s be real: the price you want and the price buyers are willing to pay are often two different numbers.
Many homeowners price high to “leave room for negotiation” or to cover agent commissions, repairs, or their next down payment. But buyers today are savvy—and so are their agents. If your home is overpriced, it won’t just get ignored. It can actually harm your listing.
🔁 Price Reductions Backfire
If you drop your price multiple times, buyers may think there’s something wrong with the house—or worse, that you’re desperate. Either one hurts your negotiating power.
✅ Fix It:
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Run sold comps, not just active listings.
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Get a pre-listing appraisal or market analysis.
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Price to attract attention—not to “test the market.”
2️⃣ Your House Is Too Personal (Or Cluttered) 🧸
We get it—you love your stuff. But buyers aren’t here to admire your hobbies or travel souvenirs. They need to picture themselves living there.
Even seemingly harmless things—like a collection of teddy bears or your favorite wall of family photos—can make it hard for a buyer to visualize their own life in the home.
✅ Fix It:
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Box up personal items and knick-knacks.
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Remove papers, cords, toys, toiletries, and anything that adds “visual noise.”
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Go minimal. Go neutral. Go clean.
3️⃣ You’re Not Standing Out From the Competition 🏡
The Metro Detroit market might be saturated with listings similar to yours. If your home doesn’t offer equal or better value, it’ll get skipped.
Look at:
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What recently sold homes went for
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Features those homes had that yours doesn’t
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Who your likely buyers are (families, professionals, retirees, etc.)
✅ Fix It:
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Stage your home for the right audience (e.g., a home office for remote workers, a play space for families)
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Highlight unique features in your listing
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Make small upgrades that add perceived value (lighting, curb appeal, hardware, etc.)
4️⃣ It Needs Work—And Buyers Can Tell 🔧
You may be used to the creaky steps, chipped paint, or wobbly doorknob—but buyers notice. And every little flaw makes them wonder:
“What else is wrong here?”
Minor repairs and deferred maintenance signal that the home hasn’t been properly cared for, even if the issues are cosmetic.
✅ Fix It:
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Ask a friend or agent for a brutally honest walk-through
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Invest in a pre-inspection to uncover hidden issues
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Fix the basics: leaky faucets, broken tiles, loose railings, scuffed walls, etc.
5️⃣ Your Photos Are Working Against You 📸
Online buyers scroll listings like Instagram—fast. If your photos are dark, blurry, poorly composed, or cluttered, people will scroll right past.
This is one of the top reasons homes get skipped.
✅ Fix It:
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Hire a professional photographer (yes, it’s worth it)
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Shoot in natural daylight, after decluttering
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Highlight your home’s best angles and features
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Avoid photos with pets, people, or seasonal decorations
6️⃣ Your Agent Isn’t Putting in the Work 🧍♂️
Not all real estate agents are created equal. Some do the bare minimum: throw your home on the MLS, snap a few pics, and hope for the best.
A great agent should be:
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Marketing your home strategically
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Communicating regularly
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Providing feedback from showings
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Guiding pricing and presentation
✅ Fix It:
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Interview multiple agents
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Ask about their marketing plan and local sales record
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Consider partnering with a company like [Your Company Name], where we prioritize YOU—not just your property
7️⃣ There Are Title or Legal Issues 📑
Sometimes the problem isn’t the house—it’s the paperwork. Liens, unpaid taxes, unresolved inheritances, or unclear ownership can all delay or derail a sale.
✅ Fix It:
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Run a preliminary title check before listing
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Work with a title company or attorney to clear any issues
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Ensure all property transfers are properly recorded