Why Some Homes Sell in Days – And Others Sit for Weeks
It’s something we hear all the time – “Why has that house down the road sold already, and mine hasn’t even had a second viewing?”
Why Some Homes Sell in Days – And Others Sit for Weeks
It’s something we hear all the time – “Why has that house down the road sold already, and mine hasn’t even had a second viewing?”
In Reading, Earley and Woodley, we see homes that fly off the market within days – and others that sit quietly, gathering dust online. Often, they’re similar in size and style, but the outcomes couldn’t be more different.
The difference? It’s usually not luck. It’s the strategy.
Let me walk you through what we’ve found separates the homes that get snapped up – from the ones that get stuck.
1. The Right Price Isn’t Always the Highest Price
This is the most common pitfall. A lot of sellers start a little high, thinking they’ll “leave room to negotiate”. We get it – no one wants to undersell. But in reality, pricing too high can quietly push buyers away before they even book a viewing.
What works better is being strategic. The right price is one that attracts attention, encourages viewings, and gives you negotiating strength.
✅ Our average time to find a buyer is 21 days – and smart pricing plays a huge role
✅ A well-judged guide price often creates early competition
✅ Testing interest through pre-launch alerts helps us get it right from the start
2. Homes That Feel Lived-In (But Not Too Personal)
First impressions matter – but it’s not about perfection. It’s about how the space makes people feel.
Buyers decide within seconds whether a home “feels right”. And that often comes down to things like light, layout and flow – things that are hard to communicate with photos alone.
That’s why we help our clients make subtle presentation changes and – crucially – bring their home to life through video.
✅ We focus on atmosphere, not just appearance
✅ A bespoke video tour shows the heart of the home, not just the floorplan
✅ Together, we choose five features that show off what makes your home memorable
3. Marketing That Actually Reaches Buyers
It surprises a lot of people, but many agents still rely on the same three steps: list it on Rightmove, wait for calls, and hope for the best.
But that’s not enough anymore.
In our area, we combine targeted Facebook campaigns with pre-market alerts to buyers already registered in our system – people actively looking in Reading, Earley and Woodley. And because we work closely with sellers to craft the listing, it feels real and emotionally engaging – not generic.
✅ We build each property description with your insight – not just a list of features
✅ Bespoke video content connects with buyers before they visit
✅ Facebook campaigns reach people based on lifestyle, school catchment or life stage
4. Momentum in the First Two Weeks
Most serious buyers have alerts set up. They’re watching daily. That means your launch window – the first two weeks – is where most of the action should happen.
When a home doesn’t get interest in that window, it can be hard to claw it back. So we put a lot of energy into getting everything right upfront – from pricing and prep to launch strategy and buyer outreach.
✅ We plan a proper launch – not just a listing
✅ Pre-launch testing helps us tweak before going live
✅ Early momentum increases your chances of a faster, stronger offer
If you’re thinking of selling, or you’re already on the market and not seeing results – let’s have a conversation.
📞 Book a call with me and I’ll walk you through what’s working locally, what buyers are responding to, and how we can get your home moving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does pricing have to be so precise?
A: Because buyers are comparing everything. If your home looks 5–10% overpriced, they’ll scroll past without a second thought – even if it’s lovely.
Q: Do video tours actually make a difference?
A: Definitely. Buyers tell us all the time that the video helped them “feel something” for the home – and that emotional connection is what drives viewings.
Q: What’s different about the way you market homes?
A: We don’t rely on portals alone. We use targeted Facebook ads, early alerts to our database, and work with you to tell the story of your home – not just show the rooms.
Q: Can we test the price before going live?
A: Yes – we use a pre-launch process where we share your property with engaged buyers before it hits the portals. Their feedback helps us get the pricing spot on.