How to Sell a House That Didn’t Sell

Your Listing Expired — Now What?

If your home recently came off the market without selling, don’t be discouraged. The issue may not be your home—or even the market. In fact, your property could be one of the most desirable in your area. What likely failed was the strategy, not the house.

Before you relist, take a step back. With the right approach, the sale you were hoping for is still within reach.

❓ Where Do You Start?

Make a renewed commitment: this time, you're going to do what it takes to get the results you want. That begins with identifying what went wrong—and putting a new, smart plan in place.

 Why Homes Don’t Sell: 4 Common Reasons

An expired listing typically signals a problem in one (or more) of these four key areas:

1.  Teamwork: Your Agent Relationship Matters

Selling a home is a team effort. Your Realtor® should act as your partner—keeping you informed, gathering honest feedback from showings, and helping you make data-driven decisions.

Ask yourself:

• Did your previous agent give you consistent updates?
  
  
• Did they share feedback from buyers and other agents?
  
  
• Did you feel heard?
  
  

If not, it may be time for a better partnership.

2.  Pricing: Was the Price Helping or Hurting You?

Pricing is critical. Too high and buyers won’t bite. Too low and you lose money. The right price:

• Reflects current market conditions,
  
  
• Compares well against similar homes,
  
  
• Is supported by a competitive market analysis (CMA).
  
  

Hot Tip:
Ask your new agent for a fresh CMA that includes:

• Recently sold comparables,
  
  
• Active listings you’re competing with,
  
  
• Expired listings to see where others went wrong.
  
  

📝 Reminder: What you paid or how much you spent on improvements doesn’t determine market value—buyers do.

3. Condition: Is Your Home Show-Ready?

Buyers buy emotionally. If your home doesn’t feel like a dream home, they’ll move on.

Focus on:

• Deep cleaning and decluttering every room
  
  
• Brightening up dark spaces
  
  
• Enhancing curb appeal
  
  
• Fixing minor issues that suggest neglect (squeaks, chips, leaks)
  
  

🎨 Pro Tip:
Don’t offer a paint allowance—do the painting. Buyers aren’t imagining improvements; they’re noticing flaws and mentally lowering their offer.

4.  Marketing: Did Enough Buyers See Your Home?

Your agent’s marketing strategy is everything. Ask any potential agent:

• How will you market my home?
  
  
• Where will you advertise it?
  
  
• How much do you invest in advertising, and what platforms work best?
  
  

Outdated methods like relying solely on open houses or newspaper ads won’t cut it. Today’s buyers live online and expect on-demand access to property details.

💡 Innovative agents use:

• Professional photography and video tours
  
  
• Digital ad campaigns and targeted social media
  
  
• 24/7 property hotlines with pre-recorded info
  
  
• MLS syndication across major portals like Zillow and Realtor.com
  
  

 Final Thoughts: The Second Time Can Be the Charm

Selling a home that didn’t sell the first time isn’t uncommon. What matters is learning from the past and creating a better strategy for the future.

 Quick Recap:

• Reevaluate your pricing and condition
  
  
• Choose a real estate agent with a strong marketing track record
  
  
• Stay engaged as a partner in the process
  
  
• Always be show-ready—your next buyer could walk in any day
  
  

 Hot Tip for Success:

Team up with an agent who’s innovative, transparent, and driven to help you win. The right relationship can be the difference between frustration and a fast, successful sale.