Stay Calm and Carry On
We are 3 years removed from the chaos of the Covid market when a new listing went on the market Thursday for viewings on the weekend and offers arrived early the next week. Offers were over the asking price, had limited conditions and included letters of hope as to what a wonderful family would be living in your house.Your realtor was a marketing savant and you told everyone how you knew when you bought it your house was special.
What now? The summer of 2025, on average, properties are taking close to 30 days to sell and sellers are in panic mode.
You can see by the graph attached, for the previous 3 years, the average days on market is +/- 30 days.
Is this the new norm? Who knows! However, look back prior to 2020 when it used to take 2-3 months to sell your property. (2020 is an anomaly as we had a 60 day shut down during Covid and then sales exploded). When the average home takes approximately 30 days that means going beyond 30 days is going to happen.
Give Yourself an Edge Up; No Strategy, No Sale
The lawn looks great, you painted the walls and the new taps are in … why is your house not selling? Price is the easy one so maybe review these item;
- Photos: Buyers first view your home online and you have seconds to grab their attention. Your photographer has to present your home so the buyers can see themselves living there. Make sure the pictures highlight a place to have a coffee in the bright breakfast nook or a comfortable office. Make sure the best photos lead the way. Big shout out to Matt Madden at Halifax Real Estate Photography.
- Description: Buyers decisions are made more from the heart than they are from the brain. Square footage, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, sure! However, talk about family gatherings, falls playing in the yard, the Christmas tree that fits in the living room presents a better image then mentioning the height of the ceiling, walking to amenities, etc.
- Staging: Highlight the best features of each room. Furniture placement can open spaces and define pathways more clearly. Staged homes sell quicker and for higher prices. If your agent isn’t suggesting staging, start over.
- Marketing to the Right Buyer: Use the description to appeal to the most likely Buyer of your property. A downtown condo marketing plan is more about the neighbourhood than the unit itself. Your Bedford Buyer might want the ease of a new construction home or proximity to the right schools.
The good news? With the right adjustments and a realtor who knows how to position your home for maximum impact, you can turn things around fast. A refreshed approach can create new excitement, attract more qualified buyers, and get you closer to the offer you’ve been waiting for.
Whether you're considering selling next month or next year, give us a call for a free consultation on the best strategy for you!
John Burt
902.221.4880
jburt@avalonrealty.ca
