Even the most experienced real estate agents encounter them: the listings that just won’t move. Despite your best efforts, the home lingers on the market, attracting little interest or offers that fall short. For both agents and homeowners, it can be a frustrating and discouraging experience.
The good news? A ‘stale’ listing doesn’t mean it’s unsellable. It means it’s time to change your approach. With the right strategies, you can revive a slow-selling home and position it for a faster, more successful sale.
Reassess the Pricing Strategy
Pricing is often the biggest culprit when a property stalls. If the home has been on the market for an extended period without serious offers, it is likely overpriced for the current market conditions. Going back to basics with a fresh comparative market analysis can reveal where the property sits against recently sold homes in the area. Sometimes, a small adjustment is all that’s needed to renew interest and bring the home back into the spotlight.
Refresh the Marketing Approach
For most people, buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional investments they’ll ever make. That means presentation matters. If a listing appears flat or uninspiring, buyers may struggle to imagine the property’s true potential. Updating the marketing materials can give the home new life and position it as a worthwhile investment. Commissioning quality photography, transforming the property through staging and styling, or adding a virtual tour can showcase the property in its best light. Even small changes, such as reworking the listing description to highlight lifestyle benefits or tailoring the language to appeal to different types of buyers, can shift the narrative and spark renewed interest.
Improve Property Presentation
First impressions matter enormously. A home that feels dated, cluttered, or in need of repairs can quickly turn buyers away. Buyers want to see a clean slate, somewhere they can picture their own life unfolding. A thorough deep clean, decluttering, and removing personal items can help create that neutral, inviting atmosphere. Encouraging the seller to make modest improvements, such as a fresh coat of paint or tidying up the garden, can enhance the overall look and feel of the home. At the same time, addressing any outstanding repair needs ensures the property feels well-maintained, giving buyers confidence in its condition. These small yet powerful improvements can shift perceptions from ‘needs work’ to ‘move-in ready.’
Host Strategic Open Homes
Open homes are not just about getting people through the door; they’re also about creating urgency and energy around the listing. Hosting at times that maximise attendance, promoting the event through social media and local advertising, and ensuring every visitor is followed up promptly can all help to generate momentum. A successful open home not only showcases the property but also positions it as a serious contender in the eyes of potential buyers.
Build Credibility and Rapport with Buyers
In some cases, it isn’t the home that’s holding things back, but the sense of uncertainty buyers feel. Establishing rapport is just as important as providing information. Buyers want to feel heard and supported through what is often the biggest purchase of their lives. Offering building inspection reports upfront, being transparent about the property’s history, and answering questions openly all demonstrate integrity and professionalism. Keep communication channels open and honest to grow buyer confidence and increase the likelihood of progressing to an offer.
How to Get a Slow Listing Back on Track
Ultimately, every property has the potential to sell. It’s about presenting it in the right way, at the right time, to the right buyers. For agents and sellers alike, the challenge often isn’t knowing what to do, but finding the resources to make it happen. That’s where List Now can make all the difference. With access to up to $50,000 in funds now, to be repaid later, you can cover the costs of marketing, staging, minor repairs, or presentation upgrades. You can act quickly to attract serious buyer attention and move the property faster. If you need added support, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you unlock the tools to turn a stalled listing into a successful sale.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.