Once a home is listed, it creates a “footprint” and a set of data that we can explore to see how it’s performing.
When a property sits on the market longer than expected, it can feel frustrating and uncertain. But there are ALWAYS clues.
Before making any changes to the listing or adjusting the price, we want to dig into the details to see what the market is REALLY telling us.
Here are the key areas we review with our sellers when their property is not selling.
1. Are There Showings?
Showings are the heartbeat of any listing. Without a showing, it’s highly unlikely someone will send you an offer.
Depending on the property type and location, there are benchmarks to keep in mind. At the time of writing this article, the average GTA home takes about 20 to 30 days to sell… and typically needs just over 20 showings to get the job done.
That translates to roughly 4 to 7 showings each week for most properties.
If the numbers are below that range, we look at exposure and marketing reach to see why the pace is slower than the market standard.
2. Good Showings but No Offers
Strong showing activity without offers is a different challenge.
In this case, we watch for second showings and signs of buyer interest, like an agent calling to ask about price expectations, closing dates, or other property details.
These “nibbles” often signal that marketing is working, but something may be turning buyers off once they are inside. It could be ambient noise from traffic, a lingering smell, or a unique layout that is more obvious in person than in photos.
Pinpointing these issues helps us decide whether a quick fix or a strategic adjustment will move the sale forward.
3. What’s the Feedback?
Feedback is valuable even when it is brief. We reach out with multiple attempts after every showing, but right now only about one in six agents provides written or verbal comments.
No feedback is still a form of feedback because it can suggest that buyers simply moved on.
When comments do come in, even a simple note like “too small” offers insight. It may indicate that similar homes at the same price feel larger, which tells us about the buyer’s comparisons and expectations.
4. Are the Online Numbers Good?
Behind every listing are digital clues.
We track how many people like a property, share it with friends, or request driving directions. These data points help us gauge interest before a buyer ever walks through the door.
If online numbers are strong but showings are weak, we know that curiosity exists but something is blocking the next step.
If online activity is low compared to similar listings, it may mean we need to refresh photos, adjust the listing description, or revisit pricing.
5. Are Other Properties Selling?
Sometimes a property’s slower pace reflects the entire market.
We check how many competing homes are selling and whether agents who showed your property went on to buy elsewhere.
If another listing “wins” the buyer, we ask why. Was it price, condition, location, or timing?
Understanding these differences helps sharpen your competitive edge and determine whether a price change, staging tweak, or patience is the smartest next step.
When a home is not selling as quickly as planned, the goal is to separate market noise from clear signals.
By combining these five questions with a fresh look at recent sales data, we can create a plan that moves your property from “for sale” to “sold” with confidence.
