In this week’s column, HomeXperts looks at why properties might not sell

Each week HomeXperts reviews a list of properties in the Watford and Rickmansworth areas that should have sold, but haven’t for some reason.
For most sellers this can be a very stressful period but there are a combination of reasons why a property may not sell:
Price: These days, access to information means you can get a good idea of what your property might be worth by comparing it with similar ones that have sold in your area. However, when it comes to actually selling, it’s common for some to lose all sense of objectivity and believe that their property is worth more than comparable properties.
Of course there are legitimate reasons as to why a property might be worth more such as internal refurbishment, extension or approved planning permission.
Presentation: How your property looks in photographs is critical to its successful sale. It’s important to balance quantity with quality; Rightmove allows you to include up to 21 images in your property listing but, unless you have a property with a multitude of rooms and a variety of uses, this isn’t always necessary.
At the same time it’s important that you don’t sell yourself short with too few images. Always include a couple of the kitchen and the garden space as these are arguably the most important parts of the property.
Additionally ensure that pictures are in season, some photos of properties for sale in the Watford and Rickmansworth areas still have snow in them which is inexcusable. It’s also important to remember that, contrary to popular opinion, the camera does lie. A lot of internal property photos are taken using wide angle lenses, which although good for demonstrating space can at times mislead a potential customer into believing rooms are  bigger than they really are. By ensuring rooms and surfaces are clean and clear and using the right photography knowledge, a desirable property should be accurately reflected in its photographs. 
Lack of proactivity from the agent: Agents should be as enthusiastic at all stages of the sales process as they were when they first won your business. They should also update you immediately after a viewing and accompany you to viewings to ensure they are maximising buyer contact and feedback. Keeping you informed about what is selling and treating you as a valued customer is paramount. 
Time of year: It’s true that there are certain times of year when there is a slowdown in property sales, and this in turn influences a seller’s likelihood to market their property during these times.
However, Rightmove has revealed that there are three peaks in the property research process during the year and these are the week between Christmas and New Year, Easter and also August. So although people may not be buying, they are still looking and if your property stands out there is every chance it will sell quicker and for the asking price.
So if your property hasn’t sold and any of the above has resonated with you, it might be time to rethink your sales strategy before your property goes stale on the market.
l John Thekanady, HomeXperts Watford. Tel: 01923 882779 or email: watford@hxea.co.uk