3 Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling (and How to Turn Things Around)

Some listings take off quickly. Others simply don’t get the activity sellers expect.

If your home in the Desert Cities (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Indian Wells) has slowed down or isn’t getting much attention, it’s usually not because something is “wrong” with the home — it’s because the strategy needs adjustment.

Realtor.com recently reported a spike in "delistings" as frustrated sellers pulled their homes from the market. In reality, most of those homes could have sold with the right tweaks.

Here are three reasons a home might sit longer than expected — and what you can do to change that trajectory.

1. The Marketing Isn’t Strong Enough

A home can be beautiful and still get overlooked online if the marketing doesn’t capture buyers’ attention immediately.

Today’s buyers scroll quickly. If your listing photos, property description, or overall presentation don’t stand out within seconds, your home can easily blend into the background.

Effective marketing isn’t just about visibility — it’s about positioning.

To improve your home’s presence:

• Upgrade the visuals. Professional photography, video walkthroughs, and vertical-format short videos make a huge difference online.

• Strengthen the listing description. Lead with lifestyle — natural light, outdoor living, views — not just features.

• Refresh staging and curb appeal. Simple updates like brighter lighting, fresh plants, or a more welcoming entryway can shift buyers’ perceptions instantly.

• Expand your marketing reach. Ask where your home is being promoted: social media, email to local agents, buyer databases, and community-specific platforms across the Coachella Valley.

When the marketing is dialed in, interest rises — and so do showings.

2. Market Feedback Isn’t Being Used Effectively

If a home isn’t getting offers, there’s always a reason — and buyers tend to communicate those reasons clearly through their actions.

Low showing counts, buyers who come and go quickly, or consistent comments about condition or layout are all signals worth paying attention to.

Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, treat it as data that can help you move forward confidently.

To better understand buyer reactions:

• Review showing activity weekly with your agent.

• Compare your days on market to similar homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood.

• Identify repeating themes. When multiple buyers mention the same concern, that’s your cue to address it.

Market feedback isn’t personal — it’s informational. The earlier you catch the patterns, the easier it is to adjust.

3. The Pricing Strategy Needs Attention

If marketing and presentation are strong but the home still isn’t attracting offers, the price is usually the key factor.

Buyers shop within specific price brackets. If your home sits just above the range most buyers are searching, they may never even see it.

To get pricing back on track:

• Ask for updated comparable data including active, pending, and recently sold homes nearby.

• Consider a strategic price improvement. Even a small adjustment can open your home to a larger pool of buyers.

• Pair any price change with a fresh marketing push so the listing feels new again — even if it’s been active for a while.

A smart pricing strategy isn’t about reducing your value — it’s about meeting the market where the demand is.

The Bottom Line

If your home in the Desert Cities isn’t getting the activity you expected, it’s almost always about strategy — not the property itself. Adjustments to marketing, presentation, feedback response, or pricing can make a meaningful difference in how quickly and successfully your home sells.

If you want an honest, data-driven look at what’s happening with your current listing — or you’re preparing to sell and want to avoid these pitfalls — I’m here to help you move forward with confidence.

Book a Zoom or coffee chat here:
👉 https://calendly.com/lisa-angell-ooae/30-minute-meeting-with-lisa

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👉 https://stan.store/palmspringshomes

Lisa Angell, REALTOR® | LPT Realty | CA DRE#02122706 | Equal Housing Opportunity