Is your home sitting on the market? There are several reasons it may not be selling as quickly as you’d like. Some factors may be out of your control, such as location, competition or market conditions. However, there are several determining factors that you can influence.

Your home is priced too high. Pricing your home correctly attracts maximum buyer interest and will increase your chances of selling it in a reasonable time. Current market conditions can help determine the value of your property. If your home is overpriced, it makes other homes more appealing and can help sell the competition instead. In addition, your home will be shown to fewer prospective buyers and you may lose buyers who would be willing to negotiate.

Your home isn’t show-ready. You must prepare your home to sell. How is the buyer going to feel when they walk through the front door? What will make them want to walk through the front door in the first place? First impressions are everything. Homes that are in good condition with curb appeal are more attractive to potential buyers. A real estate agent can help you determine which renovations will bring you the most return on investment and provide helpful tips on easy, inexpensive ways to prepare your home for sale. Consider cleaning your home, removing clutter, landscaping your yard and adding a fresh coat of paint as a starting point.

The listing photos don’t do your property justice. In this day and age, most homebuyers shop online before attending an open house or scheduling a showing. Your online listing photos frequently serve as a first impression, so you should consider hiring a professional to take them. If you’re working alongside an agent, they can arrange this for you. Photos taken by a professional versus a mobile phone will be higher quality, and in turn provide a better first impression to any potential buyers shopping online.

If your home is already on the market and isn’t selling, consult with your real estate agent. They can help pinpoint why it may not be selling and help adjust the price, home condition and photos, if needed.