Why Your Listing Might Not Have Sold (Yet)

Why Your Listing Might Not Have Sold (Yet)

(And What You Can Do About It)

You listed your home. You did what many “experts” advised — professional photos, maybe a few touch-ups, a fair price. Yet, it’s still sitting. Before panic sets in, let’s talk about what might really be happening and how to course-correct.

The Reality of the Current Portland Metro Market

Here’s what the data is showing as of fall 2025:

• The median sale price in Portland is hovering around $560,000, up just about 1% year over year.

• Homes are taking roughly 50–60 days to sell — almost double the time it took during the height of the pandemic market.

• Inventory is up roughly 14%, which means more competition and more choices for buyers.

• Across the Portland metro area, 41% of homes have been on the market for 60 days or longer without an accepted offer.

The pace of sales is slowing. Buyers aren’t rushing the way they used to, and sellers have to work harder to stand out.

The Mortgage Rate Effect

Mortgage rates have had a quiet but massive impact on today’s real estate reality. Higher rates mean higher monthly payments — and that limits what buyers can afford.

In practical terms, a buyer who qualified for a $700,000 home two years ago may now only afford something closer to $550,000–$575,000. That gap forces many buyers to stretch their budgets — and when they do, they expect a home that feels move-in ready.

Buyers don’t want to walk into a project right now. They don’t have the extra cash (or energy) to replace carpet, refinish floors, or paint every room before unpacking boxes.

This is why I always encourage my sellers to focus on the details before listing. At a minimum, invest in new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. Those two things alone instantly modernize a space and make it feel clean and cared for.

It’s always better to spend a bit up front than to chase the market later with price reductions. A $5,000 investment before listing is almost always cheaper — and more effective — than a $25,000 price cut after your home has sat for six weeks with no offers.

Common Reasons Listings Linger (and What You Can Do)

Reason	What It Looks Like	What You Can Try
Overpricing	Pricing too high out of the gate is the #1 reason listings stall. In a slower market, buyers notice immediately.	Revisit the most recent closed sales — not what’s currently listed. Price just below the competition to attract traffic early.
Condition or Presentation	When rates are high, buyers want turnkey. Dated carpet, scuffed walls, or old light fixtures are instant red flags.	New flooring and paint make a big impact. Consider small updates like hardware, lighting, or fresh landscaping for curb appeal.
Limited Exposure or Marketing	Relying only on MLS and Zillow won’t cut it.	Use a mix of professional photography, video tours, and social media promotion targeting local buyers.
Poor Timing	Listing during a slow season or when your neighborhood has multiple competing homes can dilute visibility.	If possible, list when buyer demand peaks (spring or early fall). If not, offset timing with better pricing or presentation.
Lack of Flexibility	Refusing to negotiate inspection items or closing costs can lose deals in this market.	Be open to reasonable concessions or incentives. A little flexibility can keep buyers at the table.

What’s Different Now: Buyer Psychology Has Shifted

Buyers are cautious. They’re reading headlines about market shifts and rate hikes, and they want reassurance that their purchase is solid. They’ll walk through your home looking for reasons not to make an offer — peeling paint, mismatched floors, outdated fixtures — and use those flaws to justify moving on or offering less.

The sellers who are succeeding right now are the ones who understand that small improvements add up to trust. A clean, well-prepped home photographs better, shows better, and communicates that the seller values their property.

How to Regain Momentum

If your home has been sitting for a while, don’t assume it’s doomed — it just needs a reset.

• Re-evaluate your price and position. Compare your home to what’s actually selling, not just what’s listed.

• Upgrade strategically. Focus on visible, high-impact areas — flooring, paint, lighting, and curb appeal.

• Re-market with intention. Refresh your photos, rewrite the description, and highlight updates or incentives.

• Re-engage buyers. Host a new open house or promote the home again through social channels with fresh visuals.

The Local Advantage

Here in \the greater Portland metro area, our neighborhoods each tell their own story. Buyers aren’t just purchasing a house — they’re buying into a lifestyle. Whether it’s a walkable neighborhood near schools or a quiet pocket with larger yards, your marketing should make that connection clear.

When homes combine thoughtful presentation, realistic pricing, and smart marketing, they still sell — even in a slower market.

Final Thoughts

Today’s real estate market rewards preparation and realism. Buyers are still out there — but they’re selective, informed, and cautious with their money.

If your listing hasn’t sold yet, don’t lose hope. Take a breath, take stock, and make a few focused changes. The right strategy can turn “Why isn’t it selling?” into “Sold” faster than you might think.

When you’re ready to sell, reach out. I’ll help you make sure all the right pieces are in place — from pricing and presentation to marketing and timing — so your home sells quickly and for the most money possible.

Tiffanie | TD Realty Group

📞 503.453.6580

📧 tiffanie@tdrealtygroup.com