If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, you will likely be hoping for a quick sale. Your home may already be on the market, yet you are struggling to find a buyer. Perhaps you garner interest for your property but after viewing, no offers are made to buy it. There are many reasons why this could be happening and in this article, we will point to some of the factors that can make it difficult to sell a house.
Noise Pollution
A house could be perfect in many ways and appeal to several prospective buyers, yet its location may let it down. Living in a noisy area can be particularly problematic and make the lives of its residents difficult. Proximity to a busy highway or an airport is a deterrent for many people, especially when seeking a more residential neighborhood.
However, living in an area with high sound pollution such as an airport doesn’t need to signal a death knell on your plans to sell. For some individuals, especially frequent travelers, the convenience of living close to an airport could be an incentive as it will greatly reduce their travel time.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can soundproof your house making it a more peaceful space to live in, which may even result in a more energy-efficient home. Making these adjustments to your property could lead to greater interest and more importantly, a greater number of offers.
Lead Paint
Selling a house with lead paint can be problematic for a homeowner. This highly toxic substance can pose risks to long-term health and is especially dangerous to young children. Although the consumer use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978, it is still present in many houses that were built before then and according to estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, approximately 35% of U.S. homes contain lead-based paint.
Your home may pre-date 1978, in which case you are required by federal law to disclose any knowledge of lead-based paint in your house. Although it may be off-putting to many prospective buyers, lead paint does not necessarily blacklist your property when it comes to the selling process.
Painting over lead-based paint with specially-formulated paint can be a simple and effective option when selling your house. A new coat of paint will not only rejuvenate tired-looking walls but can also do much to reduce the risk of any toxicity.
The risks from lead poisoning arise when the paint starts to deteriorate, releasing lead particles into the air. You can minimize exposure to these toxic articles by repairing any damaged surfaces. To ensure this is done correctly, you will need to use a special technique known as ‘encapsulation.’ Encapsulants are materials that are applied over the lead-based paint, sealing it and preventing the release of any dust or harmful particles. It is advisable to hire a certified lead abatement specialist to perform the work for you.
By taking these steps you can mitigate any risks from such paint and put prospective buyers’ minds at rest. It is also reassuring to know you can still sell a house with lead paint to certain companies who would be willing to buy it for cash in its current condition.
Uncooperative Sellers
Sometimes the seller can be the biggest obstacle to a house selling. An unwillingness to take the steps needed to sell your home can leave it sitting on the market for longer. Below are some steps every seller should take to improve their chances of selling their property:
- Be cooperative when it comes to viewings. Make it easy for potential buyers to view your home and make sure it is well maintained, clean and clutter-free.
- Remove loud or aggressive pets during viewings and ensure your home is odor-free.
- Take care of any repairs around the home by hiring a handyman if necessary.
Follow the guidance in this article to ensure a swift sale of your home.
