The summer season is often seen as a hot time for real estate—but sometimes, your home listing doesn’t get the heat you expected. Maybe the foot traffic has slowed, your listing is getting stale, or offers just aren’t coming in. Don't panic. This is more common than you think, and the good news is, there are strategic steps you can take right now to turn things around.

Here’s what to do when your home isn’t selling this summer:

1. Revisit Your Pricing Strategy

Buyers are savvy. If your home is priced too high for the current market—or doesn’t offer enough value compared to similar listings nearby—it can sit idle. Even a small price adjustment can generate new interest and bring your home back into buyers' search results.

2. Refresh Your Listing Photos

Summer light is beautiful—so use it to your advantage. If your listing photos were taken in the spring (or worse, during a gloomy winter), consider having new professional shots taken with lush landscaping, fresh flowers, and glowing natural light.

3. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Is your front yard inviting? Overgrown shrubs, faded paint, or a dated front door can give the wrong first impression. Small updates—like power washing the walkway, planting seasonal flowers, or repainting your trim—can make a big difference.

4. Reignite Your Marketing Plan

It may be time to try new marketing tactics. Has your agent promoted your home through video tours, open houses, targeted social media ads, or local features? The more eyeballs, the better. Have they left no stone unturned? Ask for a fresh marketing plan and amplify your home’s visibility where buyers are looking.

5. Stage for the Season

Make your home feel like the ultimate summer sanctuary. Think light and airy linens, fresh scents, and clean, uncluttered spaces. A well-staged home helps buyers imagine themselves enjoying summer mornings on the patio or warm evenings in the backyard.

6. Get Buyer Feedback (and Listen Closely)

If you've had showings but no offers, there’s valuable information hiding in buyer feedback. Are people mentioning the layout, finishes, or location? Adjust what you can—and speak to your agent about how to better position your home to overcome objections.

7. Consider Incentives

Sometimes a little motivation goes a long way. Offering to cover closing costs, include appliances, or provide a decorating allowance can tip the scale for a hesitant buyer.

The Bottom Line

If your home isn’t selling this summer, don’t just wait and hope—act. A few small shifts can breathe new life into your listing and attract the right buyer. Markets ebb and flow, but with a smart strategy, your home can stand out.

If your home has been sitting with little action, it might be time to rethink the brokerage representing it. If you’re considering a team with strategies that actually sell, get in touch and let’s get your home moving!

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Selling your home is an exciting process, but it also requires a keen eye for detail. While you're likely focused on scrubbing countertops and vacuuming floors, savvy buyers often notice the little things that can speak volumes about how well a home has been maintained. Don't let these five frequently overlooked areas leave a negative impression and potentially cost you a sale. Here's your checklist for those often-forgotten cleaning tasks:

1. The Silent Accusers: Baseboards and Door Frames

Think about it – your eyes naturally scan along the edges of a room. That's where dust and scuff marks love to accumulate on baseboards and door frames. These seemingly minor blemishes can subconsciously signal a lack of attention to detail and overall neglect. The Fix: A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a gentle cleaning solution can make a surprisingly significant difference, instantly freshening up the entire space.

2. Grime Hotspots: Light Switches and Outlet Covers

Consider how often these are touched! Light switches and outlet covers are magnets for fingerprints, dust, and general grime. These small, often-overlooked surfaces can be a subtle turn-off for buyers. The Fix: Arm yourself with a magic eraser or a gentle all-purpose cleaner. A few seconds of scrubbing can make these high-touch areas look brand new and convey a sense of cleanliness throughout the home.

3. Breathing Easy (and Looking Clean): Vents and Fan Covers

Dusty HVAC vents and bathroom fan covers are more noticeable than you might think. Not only do they look unsightly, but they can also hint at potential air quality issues. The Fix: Take the time to remove these covers and give them a proper cleaning. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment works well for loose dust, and a wash with soapy water can tackle more stubborn buildup. Clean vents and fans contribute to a fresher-feeling home.

4. A Glimpse into Storage: Inside Closets

Buyers always peek inside closets. What they find can significantly impact their perception of the home's storage space and overall care. Cluttered or dirty closets can feel smaller and less appealing. The Fix: Beyond decluttering and organizing, take a moment to wipe down shelves and vacuum or sweep the closet floors. Neatly organized, clean closets create an impression of ample storage and a well-maintained home.

5. The Hidden Evidence: Under Appliances

That narrow gap under your stove or refrigerator might seem out of sight, out of mind. However, buyers often notice these areas, and accumulated dust, crumbs, or spills can be a major red flag. The Fix: Take the effort to carefully pull out your appliances (if possible and safe to do so) and thoroughly sweep or vacuum underneath. A clean area under appliances suggests a deeper level of care and attention to detail.

The Takeaway:

A truly sparkling clean home goes beyond the obvious. By paying attention to these five often-overlooked areas, you can create a more positive and confident impression on potential buyers. Remember, a clean home doesn’t just look better – it feels better, and those positive feelings can be the key to a successful sale!

Ready to List Your Home and Shine?

Getting your property ready matters to buyers. When you list with me, I'll support you at every step. To make cleaning easier and save you money, I can connect you with a trusted local cleaner and get you a discount! Let's ensure your home makes a fantastic first impression. Contact me today to get started!

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Selling a home can be an emotional and sometimes challenging process. If your property has been on the market for an extended period without success, it's natural to feel concerned. However, it's important to remember that strategic adjustments can make a significant difference. At Coldwell Banker Oceanside, I leverage our extensive resources to provide a comprehensive marketing plan, and I personally add my expertise to ensure your home gets sold to the right buyer.

Here's what to consider, with a focus on how my approach stands out:

• Re-evaluate your price – with data-driven precision: While all real estate professionals consider pricing, I provide in-depth market analysis and leverage Coldwell Banker Oceanside’s local network to ensure your price is competitive and maximizes your return on investment. I don't just look at comparable sales; I factor in current market trends and buyer behavior to position your home strategically.

• Showcase your home with unparalleled media: In today's digital age, first impressions are everything. I invest in professional photography, premium videography, and even aerial imagery and video to create listings that captivate buyers and leave a lasting impression. This is more than just pretty pictures; it's about creating an immersive experience that highlights your home's best features.  

• Offer cutting-edge virtual tours: I provide 3D virtual tours that allow potential buyers to explore your property from anywhere in the world, 24/7. This "Google Earth" style exploration sets me apart and significantly expands your home's reach.  

• Present comprehensive information: I create custom listing websites that serve as a central hub for all property information, integrating media and essential details to engage buyers. Detailed color floor plans are also provided, giving buyers a clear understanding of the layout and flow of your home. This also allows us to capture interested buyers and ensure no leads are lost.

• Targeted Marketing to the Right Buyers: A key differentiator in my approach is focusing on attracting the right buyers. I develop a tailored marketing strategy that identifies the ideal demographic for your property and uses targeted advertising and outreach to reach them. This ensures that we're not just getting views but getting views from individuals who are most likely to make an offer.

• Maximize exposure: Beyond traditional listings, I harness the power of social media to reach a vast and targeted audience. My marketing plan ensures your property is seen by the right buyers, both locally and beyond.  

• My Commitment to You: I am committed to providing the highest quality media package in the industry, ensuring maximum exposure for your listing. My goal is to sell your property for the highest amount possible in the shortest amount of time, delivering the absolute best consumer value on Vancouver Island.  

Don't just list your home – market it strategically to the right people.

Selling your home requires more than simply putting up a "For Sale" sign. It demands a comprehensive and innovative marketing strategy, and that includes finding the perfect buyer, which is what I provide.

What to do next.

If you're serious about selling your home and want to experience my expert approach to targeted marketing, contact me today. Let's discuss how my marketing plan and proven methods can achieve your real estate goals.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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