Selling a house can be emotional, stressful, and even a bit humbling, especially when the process doesn’t go the way you expected. Maybe you listed your home with high hopes and got little more than a few half-hearted showings. Maybe weeks have gone by without a single serious offer, and you’re starting to wonder if you’re doing something wrong. If you’re in Minneapolis or anywhere in the Twin Cities and feeling stuck, you’re definitely not alone.
In fact, even though the housing market is still active, it’s not uncommon for sellers to feel like their home is being overlooked. The good news? There’s usually a reason — and better yet, a solution. Let’s talk about what might really be going on and how a good agent can help you turn things around.
When you put your house on the market, the hope is pretty simple: it sells quickly, you get a great price, and everything goes smoothly. But reality doesn’t always match the plan. Even in a market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, houses sometimes sit without offers, or even get pulled from the market entirely. According to Zillow, in 2024, about 1 in 3 sellers ended up removing their listing before it sold. That’s a lot of homeowners left feeling frustrated.
So, what’s going on? The reasons vary, but there are a few common patterns that come up again and again. If you’re having trouble selling your home, here are three major hurdles that might be standing in your way — and how the right agent can help you overcome them.
1. Your Price Might Scare Buyers Off
Let’s be real: price matters — a lot. In fact, one of the biggest reasons homes linger on the market in today’s higher-interest-rate environment is that they’re simply priced too high. As U.S. News Real Estate puts it:
“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high.”
It makes sense — when mortgage rates are up, buyers are already stretching their budgets. If your home is listed above market value, many buyers won’t even give it a second glance. Instead, they’ll scroll past it or skip the showing altogether.
The longer your house stays on the market, the more people start to wonder what’s wrong with it. That’s the last thing you want. Even if your home is in great shape, sitting too long can create doubt in buyers’ minds. Plus, with all the online tools and price comparison sites available, buyers today are more informed than ever. They know what similar homes are going for in your area.
If you’re not getting the traffic or offers you expected, check in with your real estate agent. Ask what they’re hearing at showings and open houses. If feedback is pointing to price as the issue, it might be time to make an adjustment. A smart price drop can actually bring in more serious buyers — and help your home sell faster.
2. Your House Might Not Feel Inviting Yet
First impressions are huge. If a buyer doesn’t feel good walking up to your house or stepping inside, they’re probably not going to make an offer.
Start with the basics: curb appeal. You don’t need to hire a landscaper or do a full renovation, but a tidy yard, trimmed bushes, and clean entryway can go a long way. A few potted plants or a clean welcome mat can add a warm touch.
And once buyers step inside? That’s your chance to make them feel like this could be their future space. Remove anything super personal (think family portraits or quirky collections), clean like you’ve got company coming over, and try to declutter as much as possible. You want buyers to be able to picture themselves living there, not feel like they’re walking through someone else’s life.
Even small changes like a fresh coat of neutral paint or switching out outdated light fixtures can make a big impact. And if your listing photos are more than a few months old, think about updating them. Photos that match the current season or show off any improvements you’ve made can help your house stand out online.
Still not sure where to start? That’s where your agent can be a huge help. They can walk through with a fresh set of eyes and help you figure out what’s worth fixing and what’s not.
3. Buyers Can’t Get In to See It
One of the most overlooked reasons a house doesn’t sell? Limited access.
If buyers can’t find a time to see your house that works with their schedule, you could be missing out on serious offers, especially from people coming in from out of town. And while it’s not always convenient to have your house ready for showings on short notice, the more available you can make it, the better your chances of selling.
Try to avoid putting too many restrictions on viewing times. The goal is to make it easy for people to fall in love with your home. Whether it’s a weekday evening or a Saturday afternoon, being flexible can really pay off.
Your agent can help set a showing schedule that works for both you and potential buyers, but keeping things as open as possible is a big advantage, especially in competitive neighborhoods around Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities area.
Final Thoughts
If selling your home in Minneapolis has been harder than expected, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. Whether it’s a pricing issue, presentation problem, or limited access that’s slowing things down, there are clear steps you can take to get back on track.
The key is having the right real estate agent by your side. Someone who knows the local market, understands what buyers are looking for, and can give you honest, helpful advice to improve your listing. That’s where Kathy Borys comes in. As a trusted agent in the Twin Cities, Kathy has helped many sellers navigate exactly these challenges — and come out with a successful sale.
If you’re ready for some guidance or just want a second opinion on your current strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kathy. You don’t have to figure this out alone, and the right changes could make all the difference.
Selling your home might not be effortless, but with the right support, it can absolutely be doable. And it might just go better than you think.