When It’s More Than Just a Slow Week
How to Spot When a Sale Is Going Nowhere
It’s easy to chalk up a quiet few days to the market. “It’s just a lull.” “Buyers are waiting.” “Let’s give it time.” But if you’ve been on the market for a little while and the silence is stretching out longer than it should, it might be time to look closer. Here’s how to spot the signs that your sale isn’t just moving slowly – it’s lost momentum altogether – and what you can do to get things back on track.
1. The Market Might Be Quiet – But That Doesn’t Mean You Should Be
A quiet market is not an excuse for a quiet agent. Even if enquiries are down, your agent should be talking to you, updating the strategy, reviewing marketing performance and proactively finding ways to reconnect with buyers.
✅ You should never be the one chasing your agent
✅ If viewings slow down, the strategy should step up
✅ At Martyn Russell, we call this active selling – not passive waiting
2. Real Buyer Feedback – Or Just Vague Excuses?
When you’re told things like “people just aren’t quite sure” or “it’s getting interest, but nothing serious,” it’s worth asking: what are buyers actually saying? We believe feedback should be detailed and useful. Not just “they liked it” or “it wasn’t for them,” but what stopped them offering, how it compared to other homes, and what we can learn.
✅ Proper follow-up after every viewing
✅ Honest insights from buyers – not just excuses
✅ A shared plan on how to act on that feedback
3. Is the Marketing Still Working?
Have you looked at your listing recently? Does it still stand out? Are the photos engaging? Is the wording specific to your home? Most agents put effort in at the start – and then leave it to coast. We regularly take over listings where the marketing hasn’t been touched since day one. But the market changes fast – and if your listing is starting to blend in, it needs attention.
✅ We review every element – photos, description, order, title
✅ Our agent-led video tours are designed to reignite attention
✅ Targeted Facebook campaigns reach buyers the portals can’t
4. It Might Be Time to Change Course – Not Just Wait It Out
If it’s clear things aren’t working, you don’t have to stick with the same approach. At Martyn Russell, we’ve helped sellers reset their sale without starting over. Sometimes that means a re-launch. Sometimes it means a few tweaks. Sometimes it means switching agents and starting fresh with momentum and confidence. Whatever the next step is – you’ll feel it’s a step forward.
✅ We’ll review your current progress, pricing and exposure
✅ Offer you a clear plan, even if you’re not ready to switch
✅ And if you are, we’ll handle everything to make the move seamless
Not sure if your home is just having a quiet spell – or heading nowhere fast? Let’s talk.
📞 Book a call with Alex and he’ll talk you through what’s working, what’s not, and how to put a proper plan in place to get your move moving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should it take to get an offer?
A: It depends on your area and price range, but if you’ve been on the market for more than 3–4 weeks without serious interest, something needs adjusting.
Q: What if I like my agent personally, but the sale’s going nowhere?
A: It’s possible to appreciate their effort but still want more results. We’re happy to talk things through and give you an honest, no-pressure second opinion.
Q: Does it always mean dropping the price?
A: Not always. Often, it’s a case of improving how the home is positioned and promoted before making any pricing changes.
Q: Can I switch agents mid-sale?
A: Yes – many sellers do. Most contracts just require a notice period, and we can guide you through it step by step.