April 23, 2025
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Why Listings Expire/Don’t Sell — And How to Get Your Home Sold the Second Time Around
Why Listings Expire/Don’t Sell — And How to Get Your Home Sold the Second Time Around
When a listing expires, it means your home didn’t sell within the timeframe outlined in your original agreement—typically three to six months. At that point, the property is removed from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other real estate platforms. But an expired listing doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road—it’s an opportunity to reset, reassess, and relaunch with a stronger strategy.
Before you jump back in, take a moment to evaluate your home’s condition, your asking price, and your previous marketing efforts. In this article, we’ll walk you through the six most common reasons listings expire—and what you can do to set yourself up for a successful sale.
Why Listings Expire/Don’t Sell — And How to Get Your Home Sold the Second Time Around
1. Poor Photography
Photos are often the first impression a buyer gets—and they matter. According to the 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), high-quality photos are the most useful feature when buyers search online. Blurry images, poor lighting, or too few photos can turn buyers off instantly.
How to fix it:
Hire a professional real estate photographer who knows how to capture your home’s best angles and lighting.
Add visual enhancements like 3D tours or video walkthroughs to make your listing stand out.
2. The Home Doesn’t Show Well
Even the most beautiful home won’t shine if it feels cluttered or dirty. Buyers want to envision themselves living in your space, and that’s hard to do if the home doesn’t feel inviting.
How to fix it:
Declutter and deep clean every room before showings begin.
Consider professional staging or virtual staging if the property is vacant to help buyers imagine the home’s full potential.
3. Needed Repairs Scare Buyers Off
Homes that appear to need major repairs can be a red flag. Many buyers are looking for move-in ready properties, and visible wear and tear can lead them to assume bigger issues lie beneath the surface.
How to fix it:
Make small, cost-effective upgrades—like new paint or updated hardware—to give your home a fresh look.
If prior inspections revealed issues, take care of those repairs before relisting.
4. The Location Presents Challenges
Location is one factor you can’t change, but how you market it can make a big difference. A home near a busy road or in a less desirable area may take longer to sell—but with the right approach, it’s still possible.
How to fix it:
Emphasize nearby positives like parks, schools, or future development projects.
Improve curb appeal and host open houses to bring in more foot traffic.
Market to investors who might be looking for a rental property or flip opportunity.
5. Timing Wasn’t Right
Sometimes the market just isn’t on your side. Interest rates, inflation, or seasonal slowdowns can all impact how quickly your home sells—no matter how great it is.
How to fix it:
If you have flexibility, try to list in the spring or early summer—peak buying season.
Offer seller concessions like closing cost credits or an interest-rate buydown to attract buyers in a tough market.
6. Your Pricing Missed the Mark
If you had interest but no offers, price might be the culprit. Overpricing can limit showings and discourage buyers—even if they love the home.
How to fix it:
Work with your agent to run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and price your home based on recent sales of similar properties.
Use a Home Valuation Report to understand local trends and price competitively from the start.
What Happens When a Listing Expires?
Expired listings are more common in slower markets and can happen for a variety of reasons. The key is understanding what didn’t work and adjusting your approach. In a seller’s market, expired listings are rare—but they still happen when marketing, pricing, or presentation fall short.
Expired vs. Withdrawn: What’s the Difference?
An expired listing means the contract between the seller and agent has ended. A withdrawn listing, however, is still under contract—it’s just been temporarily removed, often so the seller can make improvements or pause showings.
Will an Expired Listing Hurt My Chances of Selling?
Buyers and agents can see expired listings on the MLS, which may raise questions—but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. If you’ve made improvements, adjusted the price, or updated your marketing, your agent can explain the changes and put buyers at ease.
Ready to Relist?
A fresh start—with a new strategy—can make all the difference. New photos, a compelling description, updated pricing, and a seasoned agent can breathe life back into your listing. If you’re considering relisting, connect with a top local agent who understands your market and knows how to get results.
