Why a home might not be selling

Once a home gets listed, the wait for an offer might become antagonizing. Homeowners should do whatever it takes to make a property attractive to more buyers, and some changes are simple - and shouldn't be overlooked.

Say the property has been on the market for a while, yet there aren't any takers just yet. This could be caused by several factors, some of which are easily avoidable. A home inspection might be able to figure out structural weaknesses or other hazards that could be turning people away, and any fixes should be made quickly to help complete a sale.

Reasons a home may be lacking attention

Bad home-selling luck is avoidable, and often times it is actually created by the homeowner. Obvious problems could be quickly spotted during a property inspection, and many buyers might be dissuaded from making an offer if those repairs aren't made. 

A run-down home isn't a hot commodity, according to U.S. News & World Report. Demand is high in today's market, and few people want to spend money to inherit the previous owner's dirt, grime and disrepair. Instead, move-in ready is a must. 

Alix Prince, a vice president and broker for Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, explained to the news source about how fixer-uppers aren't as desirable as some might think.

"Today's buyers are busy," Prince told the news source. "They are looking for properties where they can 'unpack' without doing a lot in renovations or decorating. Properties that are in need of TLC are at a disadvantage since two-income families would prefer to spend their weekend relaxing rather than redecorating."

In some cases, a property isn't in as bad of shape as it might look. Just because a home is cozy to the current homeowner might not mean that those same features appeal to new buyers.

What home buyers want to see

Whenever a home hits the market, it needs to look clean and presentable, according to Realestateabc.com. Curb appeal is always a priority, as it is typically the first feature viewed by prospective buyers.

Therefore, sellers should have a home inspection completed to identify areas that need work. Cleaning a property up, first on the outside then on the inside, will help speed along a sale. For owners, this includes making any needed repairs, but it also extends to tidying up a mess and possibly redecorating. 

In addition, warmth is a strong selling point. When people view a house, they want it feel inviting, with natural light and a comfortable atmosphere. A property inspection could find home systems that should be upgraded, and sections where renovations are advisable, to make a residence sell faster.