Selling your home in Windsor & Essex County, or beyond, can be a challenging and sometimes emotional process, especially when it doesn’t sell as quickly as you hoped.  If your house in the Windsor-Essex area didn’t sell the first time, it’s important to understand why. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is here to provide insights and help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market, including some action steps to ensure that your home sells the second time around.

The good news for homeowners is that many real estate teams offer free home market evaluations to estimate your home value before putting it on the market.  The bad news is that these estimates are only valid for a short period.  The market is constantly evolving.  When the market is moving quickly, and fueled by buyer competition, prices soar and time on the market is low (think crazy 2021-22 market). In contrast, in a changing market, like the one we are currently experiencing with higher interest rates, buyer uncertainty, higher supply, and longer days on the market, it is important to ensure that you have up-to-date information and an understanding of your options before you put your home on the market so you not only know what to expect but also so you can determine if the timing is right for you.

 

1. Pricing Strategy

One of the most common reasons a house doesn’t sell is incorrect pricing. It can feel painful to miss a market peak, however, no buyer or seller can work with the way they wish the market was – we can only work with the way it is.  Overpricing can deter potential buyers and stagnate your property, while underpricing has its downfalls too. It’s crucial to work with experienced real estate professionals like the Dan Gemus Real Estate Team to set a competitive and realistic price based on a thorough market analysis of Windsor-Essex properties and the trends in your neighbourhood.  A solid plan and strategy based on realistic expectations is a critical component of earning the highest amount that the Windsor-Essex market allows.  If your home has been listed for a long time, and is still sitting,  it may be time for a reassessment.

 

 

2. First Impressions Matter

If your home wasn’t presented in the best light, it could have turned buyers away. Starting with your curb appeal, staging advice on how to prepare, organize, declutter, depersonalize, and decorate your home to appeal to the most potential buyers, can make a significant difference.  The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team has a full team of experts which includes home staging advice.  Think of it this way.  You are not selling a house;  you’re selling a home.  The idea is to make a potential buyer fall in love at first sight. In a market where sales are on the slower side, you must do all you can to ensure your listing stands out.

PRO TIP: When a buyer can see themselves laughing at the kitchen table, enjoying the holidays in the family room, and entertaining family and friends in the backyard, you’re halfway there!  Your job is to prepare your home in a way that enables a buyer to see its potential.  No, you DO NOT have to break the bank to accomplish this.  Like many things in life, the simple details are what matters.

 

 

3. Marketing Approach

A robust marketing strategy is key to reaching the right buyers. An extensive marketing campaign designed to reach qualified buyers, and interested buyers is essential in a softening market.  If your previous listing lacked high-quality photos, and virtual tours, or didn’t reach enough potential buyers through online and offline channels, it might explain why your house didn’t sell. Our team utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques, including social media promotion, professional photography, and virtual tours, and offers many other proprietary advantages like The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show which airs on AM800 CKLW every Saturday and Sunday between 12-1pm,  to ensure your home stands out in the Windsor-Essex market.

PRO TIP: Since the majority of buyers start their home search online, professional-quality photos and videos are essential. DO NOT settle for or rely on smartphone photos to promote your listing and seek more than a standard MLS® listing.  A realtor.ca listing is only a small part of a thorough strategy. Check out real estate team websites to get a feel for how they promote their listings and attract potential buyers.

 

 

4. Condition of the Property

Buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready. When there are more homes on the market, buyers will also take their time to compare your home with others on the market.  If your house had noticeable repairs or was outdated, it could have been a deal-breaker, leading them to your competition.

PRO TIP: Consider any feedback from previous showings.  If one buyer is thinking something, there is a good chance that other buyers thought the same thing.  Remember, it only takes one buyer so addressing necessary cleaning or repairs and considering some updates can increase your home’s appeal and help you sell faster.  As a client of The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, you have access to our VIP Perks Program where you will benefit from exclusive benefits and savings on virtually thousands of products and services designed to enhance your home.  We can also recommend cost-effective improvements that will enhance your property’s value and attractiveness.

 

 

5. What Are the Trends In Your Neighbourhood?

The real estate market is dynamic and can influence how quickly homes sell. Economic factors, interest rates, and seasonal trends all play a role. Understanding these conditions can help set realistic expectations. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team stays updated on the latest home market trends in Windsor-Essex to provide you with timely advice and strategies.  The fast-paced changes and complexity of the market mean that the advice and guidance of a local, experienced real estate agent is more important now than ever.  You can no longer rely on a relative or a friend who just got their license.  Instead, you’ll want to work with experts like those on The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team serving all of Windsor and Essex County, who have thrived in challenging market conditions before. With over 1,700 real estate agents in Windsor-Essex, finding one to represent you will require a little research and time invested on your part before signing a listing agreement.   Keep in mind that the best real estate team is one with a solid understanding of the real estate market and trends in your neighbourhood, exemplary service, a strong online presence, an excellent reputation, and positive testimonials and reviews (check Google reviews!!). a solid marketing plan, and quick response time.  One without the other won’t do anymore.

PRO TIP: Calling the office with your questions is an excellent way to see how responsive an agent is to your needs and how quickly there are likely to respond to the questions or needs of interested buyers inquiring about your property.

 

 

6. Where Are The Buyers?

Your online listing is often the first point of contact with potential buyers. As mentioned, poor-quality photos, a lack of detailed descriptions, and missing key features can cause buyers to overlook your property. Our team ensures that every listing is professionally crafted, and treated like a production, to highlight your home’s best features, making it attractive to prospective buyers.

PRO TIP: You should also ask how your real estate team attracting buyers?  If your real estate team is established with systems and strategies, they will also have a vast network of other agents and brokerages where a buyer may be found, ready and waiting; they will have a large database of active buyers looking for their next homes; and they will know how to attract new buyers that could be the perfect match for your home.  Your Realtor® will put together a comprehensive marketing campaign and presentation that details this and includes online and offline materials to reach potential buyers that are searching for a home like yours.

 

 

7. Are You Getting in Your Own Way?

• Making your home available for showings is crucial. If your property was difficult to show due to restrictive showing times or limited access, it might have missed out on potential buyers. Remember, it only takes one buyer.  If you decline a showing in a a higher inventory market, you may have lost your buyer to the competition.  The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team works with you to create a flexible showing schedule that maximizes exposure and accommodates buyers’ schedules.
• Make sure you have a sign on your property.  It offers 24/7 exposure.
• Don’t be in the house for showings. When a potential buyer walks through, they may feel uncomfortable or avoid asking as many questions as they would if it were just them and their real estate agent.
• Be flexible and willing to look at offers and negotiate when realistic offers come in.  Knowing what you’re willing to compromise and where you won’t budge will help you when interacting with serious buyers.

 

 

8. Agent Experience and Expertise

The expertise of your real estate agent can make a big difference. An agent that is full-time, well trained, and educated, with in-depth knowledge of the Windsor-Essex market, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach can significantly impact your home’s selling process. Not that the real estate market has ever been predictable, but the last few years have been particularly chaotic for both buyers and sellers. A Realtor® with experience in different markets will be able to bring that experience to you, offering insights into pricing, promotion, and tips for an easier sale. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team brings years of experience and a proven track record of success to ensure your property gets the attention it deserves.

Conclusion

If your house didn’t sell the first time, it’s not the end of the road. Addressing these and some other key factors while partnering with a knowledgeable and dedicated real estate team can increase your chances of a successful sale. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is committed to providing exceptional service and personalized strategies to help you achieve your real estate goals in the Windsor-Essex area. Whether you’re ready to list your home or just have questions about the process, our experts are happy to help you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help you sell your home faster and with less stress.

Our team of full-time and dedicated real estate agents on The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team work across Windsor and Essex County and can be reached 7 days/week 519-566-5565.  Find us online at: www.DanGemus.com