You listed your home expecting a quick sale, but weeks have passed, and interest has stalled. Now you’re wondering: when should I start worrying? In this post, we’ll break down the signs your home might be sitting too long, why that’s a red flag, and what to do if your house isn’t selling. If you’re ready to skip the hassle and sell your home fast, Osborne Homes can help.
When Should You Worry About Your House Not Selling?
In California’s current housing market, most homes sell within 30 to 60 days. But if your house has been listed for 60–90 days or longer without serious offers, that’s a red flag.
Buyers tend to assume something is wrong with a listing that sits too long. This negative perception can lead to fewer inquiries and, eventually, lower offers — if any come in at all.
Here are a few signs it might be time to reassess your selling strategy:
- Your home has been listed for over 90 days with little to no serious interest from buyers.
- You’ve reduced the price multiple times but still haven’t received any offers.
- Feedback from showings is consistently negative, mentioning price, layout, or condition.
- You’ve only received lowball offers or none at all.
11 Common Reasons Why Your House Isn’t Selling
When your home isn’t selling, it’s time to step back and examine the many factors that influence buyer interest and market performance. Below are the most common reasons homes in California (and across the country) sit on the market too long.
1. Your Asking Price is Too High
This is the #1 reason most homes don’t sell. Even slightly inflated pricing can push your property out of buyers’ search filters or lead them to choose better-priced comps.
In March 2025, the annual income needed to qualify for a mortgage on a mid-tier California home was around $234,000. That’s more than double the state’s 2023 median household income of $96,500. With affordability stretched, buyers are extremely price-sensitive and rarely consider overpriced homes.
2. Your Listing Photos Aren’t High Quality
Most buyers start their search online. Poor lighting, bad angles, or outdated photos can cause them to scroll past your home without a second thought. Professional photography is essential to make your listing stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.
3. The Home Doesn’t Show Well In Person
Clutter, odors, poor lighting, or outdated décor can make a bad first impression. A clean, staged, and depersonalized home helps buyers envision themselves living there. Even minor issues can become major obstacles in buyer decision-making.
4. There’s Limited Curb Appeal
Buyers start judging before they even step inside. Peeling paint, dead grass, or overgrown bushes can make your home look neglected, even if the interior is great. Improving curb appeal is one of the easiest ways to boost interest.
5. You’re Not Getting Enough Exposure
If your home isn’t listed on the right platforms or lacks visibility on social media, you’re missing active buyers. A strong marketing strategy should include MLS syndication, social media advertising, and email outreach to reach the maximum number of potential buyers.
6. Showings Are Hard to Schedule
If your showing availability is too limited, buyers will move on to homes that are easier to tour. The more flexible you are with scheduling, the more traffic you’ll generate. Convenience plays a crucial role in maintaining buyer interest.
7. You’re Ignoring Buyer Feedback
Negative comments about price, layout, or condition are valuable insights. If multiple buyers mention the same issue and you’re not making adjustments, your home will continue sitting. Market feedback provides direction for necessary changes.
8. Your Agent Isn’t a Good Fit
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the house but the representation. If your agent isn’t responsive, strategic, or familiar with your local market, it may be time for a change. Professional competence directly impacts selling success.
9. The Market Has Shifted
High mortgage rates, seasonal slowdowns, and rising inventory can stall even well-priced homes. According to NAR’s Chief Economist, persistently high interest rates are a key reason for today’s softer market. Sellers must adjust expectations in response to market shifts.
10. Your Home Has Unresolved Repair Issues
Major red flags like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or outdated electrical systems will deter buyers or lead to deal-killing inspections. Fixing key issues (or disclosing them transparently) can help restore buyer confidence.
11. Your Property Is Too Unique
While unique features might excite the right buyer, they also shrink your pool. Odd layouts, custom finishes, or non-traditional floor plans may turn off buyers looking for something more conventional. Unique doesn’t always mean marketable.
What to Do If Your House Is Not Selling in California
If your home has been sitting on the market with little traction, don’t panic. Many sellers face this situation, and there are practical steps you can take to improve your chances without resorting to drastic price cuts.
Re-Evaluate Your Pricing Strategy
Pricing is your most powerful tool. Work with your agent to compare recent sales (comps) in your area and adjust for any shifts in the market. In Q1 of 2025, only 17% of California households could afford the $846,830 median-priced home, so buyers are more price-sensitive than ever. If your price doesn’t reflect market realities, your home may be getting skipped entirely.
Improve Your Home’s Marketing Strategy
If your listing has weak or outdated photos, lacks a virtual tour, or isn’t being actively promoted online, it’s time for a refresh. A modern marketing plan should include MLS distribution, social media promotion, and digital advertising.
Address Minor Repairs and Updates
Even small problems like scuffed walls, dripping faucets, or outdated light fixtures can turn buyers off. Making quick, affordable fixes can boost your home’s appeal without breaking the bank.
Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
Staging helps buyers visualize themselves in the space. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, the right furniture layout and décor can make your home feel brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming.
Host More Open Houses or Private Showings
Increasing foot traffic gives you more chances to receive offers. Consider holding open houses or making your schedule more flexible for private showings to boost visibility. Open houses also create a sense of urgency and competition, especially if multiple interested buyers attend at once.
Evaluate Your Agent’s Performance
If you’ve made these changes and your home still isn’t selling, it may be time to take a closer look at your agent’s performance. Are they responsive? Strategic? Actively marketing your home? Sometimes a change in representation can reinvigorate your listing.
Don’t Want to Deal with Repairs or Delays? Sell As-Is to Osborne Homes
Traditional home sales require significant time, energy, and financial investment. Many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of preparing their property for the market, especially when they need to move quickly.
Osborne Homes offers a faster, easier alternative. We buy homes in California in any condition, with no hidden fees or drawn-out timelines.
- No repairs or staging required
- No showings or open houses
- No commissions or fees
- Guaranteed cash purchase
- Close in as little as three weeks
- Buy homes in ANY condition
This solution is ideal for homeowners facing foreclosure, divorce, inheritance, or simply those who value speed and certainty over squeezing out every dollar. If you’ve been wondering “why isn’t my house selling?”, it might be time to consider a more direct route.
Rather than continuing to struggle with traditional market challenges, consider whether a direct sale makes sense for your situation. Osborne Homes evaluates each property individually and provides transparent, no-obligation assessments.
Get Your Cash Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re concerned about what to do if your house is not selling, these common questions provide additional guidance for California homeowners facing selling challenges.
When should I be worried about not selling my house?
If your home has been on the market for more than 60-90 days without showings or offers, it’s time to re-evaluate your pricing, marketing, and condition. Extended time on the market often indicates fundamental issues that need addressing.
What is the number one reason a house doesn’t sell?
Overpricing is the number one reason a house is not selling. Buyers compare your home to similar listings and won’t waste time on properties outside fair market value.
What should I do if my house isn’t selling?
Start by revisiting your listing strategy – adjust the price, improve staging, and ask for buyer feedback. Consider market conditions and timing. Whether your house is under contract or pending, or just sitting as an open listing, if traditional methods still don’t work, consider selling to a direct buyer like Osborne Homes for guaranteed results.
Is it bad for a house to be on the market for a long time?
Yes, extended days on the market can make buyers think something’s wrong with the property, leading to even fewer inquiries. Properties that sit too long often require more aggressive price reductions and may still sell for less than comparable homes that sell quickly.