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Home Selling TipsWhy do some homes just sit on the market?
If you’ve ever driven past the same “For Sale” sign week after week, you’ve probably wondered what’s going on. Why does one home sell in days while another seems stuck?In our video “5 Reasons Some Homes Just Won’t Sell (And What to Do About It)”, we break down the most common issues we see across the Twin Cities—and, more importantly, how sellers can work around them.
👇You can watch the full video here:
The good news? Almost every home can sell. But certain features make it harder unless the price and strategy are dialed in correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Some homes face built-in challenges buyers can’t overlook
- Layout, location, and expectations matter more than sellers realize
- Deferred maintenance scares off today’s buyers quickly
- Price is the great equalizer for nearly any drawback
- Strong photos and marketing are non-negotiable for tough listings
1. Why does a poor layout turn buyers away?
Flow matters. A lot.Homes with awkward layouts—like bathrooms opening into kitchens or choppy, disconnected living spaces—are tough for buyers to visualize living in. Most buyers don’t want to take on major renovations just to make a home feel functional.
What works:
If the layout can’t be changed easily, the price has to reflect that reality. Buyers will compromise, but only when the value feels obvious.
2. How much does location really affect a home sale?
Location is one of the few things you can’t fix.Homes near busy roads, highways, or train lines often sit longer because buyers worry about noise, safety, and future resale value. Even if you’re used to it, buyers are seeing it with fresh eyes.
What works:
Pricing strategically and marketing to the right buyer pool can help offset a less-than-ideal location.
3. Do basements matter in the Twin Cities?
In many Minnesota neighborhoods, yes, they’re expected.Across much of the Twin Cities, basements are considered standard living or storage space. Homes without them often get crossed off buyers’ lists immediately.
What works:
If your home doesn’t have a basement, it needs to shine in other ways, condition, layout, or price, to stay competitive.
4. Can a detached garage hurt your sale?
Surprisingly, it can—depending on the area.In neighborhoods where attached garages are the norm, a detached garage may feel like a downgrade to buyers. That doesn’t mean it won’t sell, but expectations shift.
What works:
Recognize local buyer expectations and adjust pricing or marketing to match what buyers value most.
5. Why do outdated homes sit longer?
Today’s buyers want “move-in ready.”Deferred maintenance—like an aging roof, old windows, worn siding, or outdated HVAC, signals big future expenses. Even cosmetic updates matter more than ever in an HGTV-inspired market.
What works:
Either address major issues upfront or price the home so buyers feel comfortable taking them on.
The big truth: price solves (almost) everything
Here’s the bottom line we see again and again in Minnesota real estate:Nearly any issue can be overcome with the right price.When price and condition don’t match, buyers move on. But when the value clearly accounts for layout, location, or maintenance concerns, even “hard-to-sell” homes attract interest.
Why marketing and photos matter even more for tough homes
Price alone isn’t enough.Homes with challenges need:
- Professional photography
- Clear, honest marketing
- A strategy tailored to the home, not a cookie-cutter approach
Minnesota sellers: local expectations matter
In the Twin Cities market, buyer expectations are shaped by:- Common housing styles (split-levels, ramblers, two-stories)
- Weather-driven needs like garages and basements
- Seasonal competition and timing
Thinking about selling a “tough” home?
If you’re worried your home might fall into one of these categories, a clear strategy makes all the difference.At First Choice Realty Solutions, we help Minnesota sellers understand their home’s challenges before they hit the market, and price and market accordingly so they don’t sit longer than necessary.
If you want an honest conversation about your home’s value or selling options, reach out anytime. One smart adjustment can change everything.
