Why Listening to Feedback Matters When Selling Your Home
A long time client of mine who now lives in California reached out recently with concern about a property they have had on the market for nearly two months. Back in the spring, when the market looked stronger, their real estate agent suggested the home might sell in the range of $1,700,000 to $1,800,000. They did not list right away, and by the time summer arrived the market had shifted. When they finally listed, the home went on the market at $1,600,000. After almost two months without success, the price has now been reduced to $1,500,000. At this point, they are frustrated, questioning whether their agent was doing enough and whether the feedback they were receiving from showings was being taken seriously.
Shifts In The Market
The first thing I explained to them was that the market they were shown in the spring is not the same market they listed in during late summer. This home is near a major university and in that area spring is when a great deal of activity takes place. Recruiting season is in full swing then, and buyers connected to the university are actively shopping. By the end of summer that wave of buyers has slowed, and conditions are simply different. Timing makes a real difference.
The Importance of Feedback
When I asked what kind of feedback they were receiving from showings, it became clear that they were not listening to it. Buyers said the floor plan felt closed off and that the home looked dated. Instead of considering those comments, they quickly dismissed them by saying they loved that the kitchen was separate or that they had installed what they believed to be the finest finishes. They were not taking the feedback to heart, they were defending their choices.
How Buyers View a Home
It is important to remember that while you may love a particular feature, what matters most is how the current pool of buyers responds. A new generation of buyers often wants different things. Open layouts, lighter finishes, and modern touches are what resonate. If buyers consistently call a home dated, then to them it is dated. That does not mean the home is bad, it simply means it may need some updates or staging changes to meet today’s expectations.
Moving Forward
The advice I gave was to stop arguing with feedback and start working with it. Ask your real estate agent what small and affordable changes can be made to address the concerns. Maybe it is a fresh coat of paint, a new light fixture, or rearranging furniture to make a room feel larger. Not every comment can be fixed, but many can. Listening carefully allows you to focus your efforts where they matter most.
Final Thoughts
At the end of our conversation they realized that they had not been listening, and that their frustration was partly the result of resisting feedback. Selling a home requires eyes open and ears open. Buyers will always have opinions, and rather than defending every choice, successful sellers use that information to make their home more appealing.
If you are in a similar situation and want a second opinion about your property, I would be happy to connect you with a trusted real estate professional in your area who can help guide you through the process and give you the perspective you need to sell successfully.
