What you need to know if your home does not sell

Selling a home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and when your listing expires without a contract, it's normal to feel frustrated and even a little defeated. You've poured time, effort, and possibly money into getting your home ready, and now it's back to square one. 

But an expired listing isn't the end of your selling journey – it's a valuable opportunity to reset, recalibrate, and think through your goals and needs before deciding what’s next.

Homes not selling happens more than you think, even to great homes in great locations. In the first half of 2025, 15%, or 1 in 6.5 of Wake county residences listed for sale ended up expired without a sale. In Durham over the same period, 17%, or 1 in 6, homes listed for sale did not sell. So lots of listings did not produce the results the seller wanted. 

Unlike some recent years, inventory is not absurdly low. Houses for sale have been steadily climbing for a year, and that means more competition. Buyers have the freedom to be picky because homes are taking longer to sell on average.  

With a fresh perspective and a strategic approach, you can sell after an expiration. 

1. Take a Deep Breath and Don't Take It Personally

First and foremost, understand that an expired listing is not a reflection on you. It simply means the previous approach didn’t connect with the right buyers in the current market. So acknowledge your frustration and let it go so you can focus on the future. 

Before rushing into a new listing or trying to rent the home, use this moment to evaluate your needs and goals. 

2. The Great Re-Evaluation: What Went Wrong?

This is where the honest self-assessment comes in. Work with a trusted real estate professional to conduct a thorough audit of your past listing. Here are the key areas to scrutinize:

• Price: This is, more often than not, the single biggest culprit. Buyers in the 919 are incredibly knowledgeable. With platforms like Zillow and Redfin, they know what comparable homes are selling for. If your home was priced even slightly above market value, it likely got overlooked. A fresh Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on the absolute latest sales data in your specific neighborhood is crucial. 
• Presentation: Did your home truly shine in the listing photos and in person? Professional photography is non-negotiable in today's digital world. Beyond that, consider if your home was adequately staged, decluttered, and depersonalized. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, not feeling like they're walking through someone else's life. Small repairs that were overlooked can also have a big impact. A broken window seal, peeling paint or damaged siding send a message to buyers that the home may not be in great shape. Build a cohesive view of your home as a buyer sees it and take the right steps. 
• Availability for Showings: Was your home easy to show? Restrictive showing schedules can deter potential buyers, especially in a competitive market. The more accessible your home is, the better.

3. Relist Smarter, Not Harder

Once you've analyzed what went wrong, it's time to re-list with purpose. This isn't just hitting a "relist" button; it's a relaunch.

• New Photos: Even if your previous photos were "good," consider entirely new ones, especially if you've made improvements. 
• Target the ideal buyer: Talk with your agent about who is most likely to buy this home and have the description use words and phrases that highlight your home's best features that likely buyers would want.
• Address Feedback: If you received any feedback from showings or agent comments, now is the time to address it. Removing the most common reasons buyers said “no” to your home will increase the likelihood of selling. 
• Focus on pricing strategy: The market can be unpredictable, but with the right pricing strategy, your home will sell. The right price is the most important aspect to any listing, so be sure you get it to a price that will attract the buyers you want. 

An expired listing is a pause, not a period. It's an opportunity to learn, adjust, and come back stronger. With an honest assessment, a proactive approach, and the right real estate expert by your side, you'll soon be celebrating a successful sale. 

At 919 Realty Group, we have the experience, insight, data analysis and processes to help you sell your home quickly, even after an expired listing. Our focus is helping you accomplish your goals and sell your home. 

If you’d like a free home valuation, or consultation, reach out to us today.