Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All

Why Some Homes Sell Quickly

A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing:

Your house needs to stand out and grab attention from day one.

That’s especially true when you consider why the number of homes for sale is up. Here’s how it works. Available inventory is a mix of:

  • Active Listings: homes that have been sitting on the market, but haven’t sold yet
  • New Listings: homes that were just put on the market

Data from Realtor.com shows most of the inventory growth lately is actually from active listings that are staying on the market and taking longer to sell (see the graph below).

The blue bars show active listings. These are the homes that are sitting month to month and not selling. The green bars are new listings, the homes that were just put on the market. And it’s clear there are fewer new listings compared to how many are staying on the market unsold.

Since you don’t want your house to be one of the ones that take a long time to sell, let’s break down where things can go sideways and how to set yourself up to sell quickly.

Why Some Homes Sell and Others Sit

The secret to selling in today’s market is simple. Make sure your house is easy for buyers to say yes to as soon as it is listed.

Price it based on current conditions (not what your neighbor sold for 3 years ago). Make important repairs. And highlight the best things about your house. If you do that, it will sell in any market – sometimes even faster than you’d think. Because the truth is, homes that are priced right today are still selling. 

It’s the homeowners who are clinging to outdated expectations that are seeing their house sit and their listing go stale. According to Redfin and HousingWire, here are some of the most common reasons sales stall out:

  • Priced it too high from the start
  • Skipped necessary repairs before listing
  • Didn’t stage the house well
  • Sellers won’t negotiate with buyers
  • Limited availability for showings
  • Ineffective marketing or listing pictures

Most of those things didn’t matter as much just a few years ago. When inventory was at a record low, sellers could skip the prep, name their price, and still walk away with multiple offers over their asking price.

But today’s market is different now that inventory has grown. And that means your approach needs to be different too.

You don’t want to try out old strategies and aim too high just to see what sticks. Your first few weeks on the market are everything. That’s when your listing gets the most attention – and when pricing or presentation mistakes hurt the most. Get it wrong up front and your house will sit…and sit. Get it right, and it’ll be snatched up before you know it.

The Right Agent Helps Your House Stand Out

Selling quickly isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing how to play to the market you’re in. And that’s where your agent comes in.

A great agent will analyze your local market, suggest a price based on the latest comparables sold in your neighborhood, and create a marketing plan that makes buyers pay attention from day one. They’ll also walk you through any repairs you need to make or whether you need to bring in a staging company. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months; 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home.”

That’s the power of getting it right (and getting expert help) from the start.

Bottom Line

There are more homes for sale today, but that doesn’t have to work against you.

When your house is priced right, shows well, and is marketed effectively, it will sell. Connect with an agent if you want to know how to make that happen in your market this fall.

SOLD – 4320 Panorama Ave. Turlock

SOLD - 4320 Panorama Ave. Turlock

Stunning Two-Story Family Haven in Prime North Turlock Location. Welcome to this exceptional family home featuring over 2, 644 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This impressive two-story residence offers multiple living areas perfect for both family life and entertaining guests. The spacious kitchen showcases a generous center island ideal for meal preparation and casual dining. Multiple living areas include both family and formal spaces, creating an open floor plan that flows beautifully throughout the home. This versatile home provides three bedrooms with potential for a fourth. The loft upstairs works perfectly as a home office, teen retreat, or additional bedroom, while the den downstairs converts easily into a guest suite or playroom. Located within walking distance of top-rated schools, including Pitman High, Walnut Elementary, Stanislaus State, and Turlock Junior High. You’ll enjoy easy access to parks, walking paths, and Highway 99 for convenient commuting. The backyard is a nice size to transform into your own unique outdoor space. This move-in-ready home offers the ideal combination of space, location, and lifestyle amenities for growing families. Schedule your private showing today! 

 

SOLD – 287-289 Bothun Turlock

SOLD - 287-289 Bothun Turlock

SOLD – Excellent Investment Opportunity in East Turlock, CA. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own a well-maintained duplex property in the highly sought-after East Turlock area. Each unit offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, including a primary suite and a hallway bathroom ideal for comfortable family living. Enjoy spacious rooms, a finished 1-car garage with automatic openers, and thoughtful layouts that attract long-term tenants. Unit 289 has been recently remodeled with modern granite countertops, brand-new cabinets, and updated appliances, offering turnkey convenience and increased rental appeal. Nestled in a quaint and quiet community, the property is located within the desirable Turlock Unified High School District, a major draw for families seeking quality education. With its strong rental potential, desirable location, and updated interiors, this duplex presents a solid long-term investment opportunity. Keeping these beautiful units rented should be the least of your worries.

SOLD – 1150 El Jacinto Ct, Turlock

SOLD - 1150 El Jacinto Ct, Turlock

This meticulously maintained 2,118 square foot home with 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 baths showcases the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates. The previous owners lovingly cared for every detail, creating a truly special retreat with court living and potential RV and boat access. Step into the expansive front living room with formal dining, then escape to your private backyard oasis featuring a stunning replastered pool and spa combination. Recent thoughtful renovations include a newer roof, fresh paint, updated kitchen with modern appliances, beautiful wood floors, renovated bathrooms, a fireplace insert, an HVAC system, and pool equipment. The master bathroom has been completely transformed, while professional front landscaping with accent lighting enhances the home’s curb appeal. The covered patio sits atop newer concrete, providing the perfect setting for entertaining or quiet relaxation. With a spacious three-car garage and endless possibilities, this rare find offers the ideal combination of location, privacy, and modern comfort that discerning buyers seek. Lots to enjoy in this home! A Must See!! 

 

1612 Via Colabria, Gustine, 4 bed/3 bath/2,497sqft/9,135sqft lot

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$525,000 – Gustine Family Home. Welcome to your dream family home in Gustine! Nestled at the end of a peaceful court on a sprawling 9, 100+ sq ft lot, this charming 2, 500 sq ft residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for growing families. The heart of the home features an open-concept living and family room design, ideal for gatherings and modern living. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a convenient downstairs suite with its own bedroom and bath, everyone enjoys their own sanctuary. The inside laundry and generous 3-car garage add practical luxury to daily living. Plus, you’re just a short walk away from the neighborhood park, perfect for outdoor recreation and community connection. This is more than just a house; it’s where memories are made. 

 Interior

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms: 4

  • Primary Bedroom Features: Walk-In Closet

Bathrooms

  • Total Bathrooms: 3

  • Full Bathrooms: 3

  • Primary Bathroom Features: Shower Stall(S), Double Sinks, Tub

Appliances

  • Free Standing Gas Range

  • Dishwasher

  • Disposal

  • Microwave

  • Laundry Features: Cabinets, Sink, Inside Room

Other Rooms

  • Family Room, Living Room

  • Living Room Features: Great Room

Heating and Cooling

  • Cooling Features: Ceiling Fan(S), Central

  • Fireplace Features: Family Room

  • Heating Features: Central, Fireplace(S)

  • Number Of Fireplaces: 1

Kitchen and Dining

  • Dining Room Features: Breakfast Nook, Formal Room, Dining Bar

  • Kitchen Features: Granite Counter, Island, Stone Counter, Kitchen/Family Combo

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood

 Exterior

Exterior and Lot Features

  • Other Structures: Pergola, Shed(S), Storage

Land Info

  • Lot Description: Auto Sprinkler F&R

  • Lot Dimensions Source: Acres

  • Lot Size Acres: 0.2097107

  • Lot Size Dimensions: Over 9100 Sf

  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Auto-Fill

  • Topography: Level, Level

  • Lot Size Square Feet: 9135

Garage and Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 3

  • Garage Description: Garage Facing Front

  • Parking Features: Garage Facing Front

Home Features

  • View: City

  • Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water Heater, Smoke Detector

 Community

Homeowners Association

  • Association: No

  • Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0

School Information

  • Elementary School District: Gustine Unified

  • High School District: Gustine Unified

  • Middle Or Junior School District: Gustine Unified

 Listing

Other Property Info

  • City Region: Gustine

  • Source Listing Status: Active

  • County: Merced

  • Cross Street: Via Palermo

  • Directions: Fentem To Via Palermo-South. Left On Via Colabria Court.

  • Disclaimer: All Data, Photos, Visualizations, And Information Regarding A Property, Including The Property’S Compliance With State And Local Legal Requirements And All Measurements And Calculations Of Area, Have Been Obtained From Various Sources, And May Include Such Material That Has Been Generated By Use Of Artificial Intelligence. Such Information And Material Have Not Been And Will Not Be Verified For Accuracy By The Listing Broker Or The Multiple Listing Service, And Are Not Guaranteed As Complete, Ac

  • Source Property Type: Residential

  • Area: 20413

  • Source Neighborhood: 20413

  • Parcel Number: 021-024-035-000

  • Postal Code Plus 4: 9669

  • Zoning: RES

  • Property Subtype: Single Family Residence

  • Source System Name: C 2 C

 Features

Building and Construction

  • Total Square Feet Living: 2497

  • Year Built: 2002

  • Other Buildings: Pergola, Shed(S), Storage

  • Construction Materials: Concrete, Stucco, Wood

  • Direction Faces: West

  • Foundation Details: Concrete

  • Living Area Source: Assessor Auto-Fill

  • Property Age: 23

  • Roof: Tile

  • Levels Or Stories: 2

  • Structure Type: Detached

  • House Style: Contemporary

  • Year Built Source: Assessor Auto-Fill

  • Architectural Style: Contemporary

Utilities

  • Electric: 220 Volts

  • Sewer: Sewer In Street

  • Public

  • Water Source: Public

SOLD – 700 Camellia St. Turlock

700 Camellia St Turlock

SOLD – East Side Turlock Custom Home!! This stunning 2, 145 square foot home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in one of Turlock’s most desirable neighborhoods. Four spacious bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms provide ample space for family living, while beautiful hardwood floors and expansive picture windows create an inviting atmosphere throughout. The thoughtfully designed layout features separate family and living areas, giving everyone room to relax and entertain. The heart of the home is the generous kitchen, complete with abundant counter space, plenty of storage, and sleek stainless steel appliances that make cooking a joy. Situated on a corner lot with alley access, you’ll enjoy extra privacy and buffer space from neighbors. Recent updates include a new roof, windows, plumbing lines, drain lines, carpet, paint, and stucco, ensuring years of worry-free living. Location couldn’t be better with Turlock High School, Village Fresh shopping center, Julien Elementary, and the ice skating rink all just steps away. This move-in-ready gem won’t last long in today’s market. 

 

PENDING SALE – 7859 Kent Ct, Hilmar, 3 beds/2 full baths/1146sq ft living space

7859 Kent Ct, Hilmar

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PENDING SALE – $439,900 – This is a charming Hilmar starter home perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac lot. With approximately 1,146 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the home features 3 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, making it ideal for growing families or first-time buyers.  The heart of the home showcases an open-concept design where the kitchen, dining area, and living room flow seamlessly together, creating an inviting atmosphere that maximizes the sense of space. Vaulted ceilings in the living area add architectural interest and bring in abundant natural light, enhancing the overall brightness and openness of the home.  The attached two-car garage includes convenient laundry facilities, keeping everyday essentials close at hand while maintaining a clean main living area. Durable laminate flooring in the garage provides easy maintenance and functionality. The nearly 7,500-square-foot lot offers ample outdoor space for relaxation, entertaining, or future expansion possibilities.  One of the property’s greatest advantages is its walkable location near highly-rated schools & a nearby shopping center, making daily errands and school runs incredibly convenient. This cul-de-sac setting provides a peaceful neighborhood feel while keeping you connected to essential amenities & services.

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms
  • Total Bathrooms: 2
  • Full Bathrooms: 2
  • Primary Bathroom Features: Shower Stall(S), Double Sinks

Appliances

  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal
  • Microwave
  • Free-Standing Electric Range
  • Laundry Features: In Garage

Heating and Cooling

  • Cooling Features: Ceiling Fan(S), Central
  • Fireplace Features: Family Room
  • Heating Features: Central, Fireplace(S)
  • Number Of Fireplaces: 1

Kitchen and Dining

  • Dining Room Features: Formal Area

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Laminate, Tile

Other Rooms

  • Living Room Features: Cathedral/Vaulted

 Exterior

Exterior and Lot Features

  • Other Structures: Pergola, Gazebo

Land Info

  • Lot Description: Auto Sprinkler F&R
  • Lot Dimensions Source: Acres
  • Lot Size Acres: 0.1719927
  • Lot Size Dimensions: Almost 7500 Sf
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Topography: Level, Level
  • Lot Size Square Feet: 7492

Garage and Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 2
  • Garage Description: Attached, Garage Facing Front
  • Parking Features: Attached, Garage Facing Front

Home Features

  • View: City
  • Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water Heater, Smoke Detector

 Community

Homeowners Association

  • Association: No
  • Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0

School Information

  • Elementary School District: Hilmar Unified
  • High School District: Hilmar Unified
  • Middle Or Junior School District: Hilmar Unified

 Listing

Other Property Info

  • City Region: Hilmar
  • Source Listing Status: Active
  • County: Merced
  • Cross Street: Klint
  • Directions: Echo Turns Into Klint. Take Klint To Kent Court. Down At The End.
  • Disclaimer: All Data, Photos, Visualizations, And Information Regarding A Property, Including The Property’S Compliance With State And Local Legal Requirements And All Measurements And Calculations Of Area, Have Been Obtained From Various Sources, And May Include Such Material That Has Been Generated By Use Of Artificial Intelligence. Such Information And Material Have Not Been And Will Not Be Verified For Accuracy By The Listing Broker Or The Multiple Listing Service, And Are Not Guaranteed As Complete, Ac
  • Source Property Type: Residential
  • Area: 20417
  • Source Neighborhood: 20417
  • Parcel Number: 017-190-065-000
  • Postal Code Plus 4: 9437
  • Zoning: RES
  • Property Subtype: Single Family Residence
  • Source System Name: C 2 C

 Features

Building and Construction

  • Total Square Feet Living: 1146
  • Year Built: 1991
  • Other Buildings: Pergola, Gazebo
  • Construction Materials: Concrete, Stucco, Wood
  • Direction Faces: South
  • Foundation Details: Concrete
  • Living Area Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Property Age: 34
  • Roof: Composition, Tile
  • Levels Or Stories: 1
  • Structure Type: Detached
  • House Style: Ranch, Contemporary
  • Year Built Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Architectural Style: Ranch, Contemporary

Utilities

  • Electric: 220 Volts
  • Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Public
  • Water Source: Public

2880 N Quincy Rd, Turlock, 17.12ac, Prime Development Opportunity

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$2,142,500 –  Rare opportunity to develop 17.12 acres of prime land in Turlock’s prestigious east side, where custom high-end homes define the neighborhood. This exceptional parcel is ideally positioned for a single-family residential subdivision, surrounded by upscale developments that set the standard for quality living in the area. The property sits at the city limits and will require annexation, offering developers a blank canvas to create the next sought-after community. Essential infrastructure is conveniently accessible with water running along Quincy and sewer along Monte Vista, streamlining development timelines and reducing costs. The strategic location on Turlock’s easterly side places future residents in one of the city’s most desirable growth corridors. An adjacent 17- for sale, presenting a unique chance to secure a 34+ acre parcel, is also available acres total for a more substantial master planned community. This is an exceptional find for developers seeking high-potential land in an established, upscale market where demand for quality housing continues to grow.

Directions to Property:
    • Highway 99 to Monte Vista-East.  Right on Quincy.  On the Left.
    • Cross Street: Monte Vista
General Information
    • Property Subtype: Residential Acreage
    • County: Stanislaus
    • APN: 073-011-021-000
    • APN#2:
    • APN#3:
    • Zoning: RES
    • Zoning Description; Agricultural/Residential
    • Census Tract:36.08
    • Elevation:
    • Subdivision:
    • Primary Residence: Other
    • Additional Living Unit: (No)
    • Minimum Building SqFt:
    • Lot SqFt (approx) / Source: 746618 / Owner
    • Lot Size Dimensions:
    • # of Lots:
Schools
    • School District (County): Stanislaus
    • Middle or Junior School District: Turlock Unified
    • Elementary School District: Turlock Unified
    • Senior High School District: Turlock Unified
Disclosures / Restrictions
    • Disclosures /Documents: Aerial Map
    • Bonds/Asmts/Taxes: (Unknown)
    • County Transfer Tax Rate:
    • City Transfer Tax Rate:
    • Development Status: Farm Land
Property Information
    • Community Features:
    • Other Equipment:
    • Other Structures:
    • Lot Features: Shape Regular
    • Topography: Level
    • Frontage Type:
    • Fencing:
    • Partial
    • Income Includes: Crop(s),Land
    • Current Use: Agricultural
    • Possible Use: Subdivision
    • View Description:
    • Horse Property: (No)
    • Soil:
    • Crops: Row Crops
    • Vegetation: Crop(s)
    • Road Frontage Type: County Road, See Remarks
    • Road Responsibility:
    • Road Surface Type: Paved
Utilities
    • Utilities: Public
    • Electric:
    • Water Source: Irrigation District
    • Well GPM:
    • Irrigation Source: District, Pipeline
    • Sewer: Other
    • Perc Test/Septic Design:
    • Distance to
    • Electric: Electricity To Site
    • Gas:
    • Phone Service: Phone To Site
    • Sewer: Sewer At Site
    • Water:

17.42ac E. Monte Vista Ave, Denair, Prime Development Opportunity

E Monte Vista Ave, Denair 17.42 acres

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$2,177,500 – Rare opportunity to develop 17.42 acres of prime land in Turlock’s prestigious east side, where custom high-end homes define the neighborhood. This exceptional parcel is ideally positioned for a single-family residential subdivision, surrounded by upscale developments that set the standard for quality living in the area. The property sits at the city limits and will require annexation, offering developers a blank canvas to create the next sought-after community. Essential infrastructure is conveniently accessible with water running along Quincy and sewer along Monte Vista, streamlining development timelines and reducing costs. The strategic location on Turlock’s easterly side places future residents in one of the city’s most desirable growth corridors. An adjacent 17-acre parcel is also available for sale, presenting a unique chance to secure 34+ acres total for a more substantial master-planned community. This is an exceptional find for developers seeking high-potential land in an established, upscale market where demand for quality housing continues to grow.

 

Directions to Property: Highway 99 to Monte Vista-East.  On the Right Side, once you pass Quincy.
Cross Street: Quincy
General Information
Property Subtype: Agriculture
County: Stanislaus
APN: 073-011-002-000
Zoning: RES
Zoning Description: Agricultural, Agricultural/Residential

Census Tract: 36.08
Elevation:
Subdivision:
School District (County): Stanislaus
Middle or Junior School District: Denair Unified
Elementary School District: Denair Unified
Senior High School District:  Denair Unified
Disclosures / Restrictions
Disclosures /Documents: Aerial Map
Bonds/Asmts/Taxes: (Unknown)
County Transfer Tax Rate:
City Transfer Tax Rate:
Development Status: Farm Land
Property Information
Community Features:
Other Equipment:
Other Structures:
Lot Features:
Shape Regular
Topography:
Level
Frontage Type:
Fencing:
Income Includes: Crop(s),Land
Current Use: Agricultural
Possible Use: Subdivision
View Description:
Horse Property: (No)
Soil:
Crops: Row Crops
Vegetation: Crop(s)
Road Frontage Type: County Road
Road Responsibility:
Road Surface Type:
Utilities: Public
Electric: Water Source:
Other
Well GPM:
Irrigation Source:
District
Sewer: None, Other
Perc Test/Septic Design:
Distance to
Electric: Electricity At Pole
Gas:
Phone Service:
Sewer: Sewer Within 500 Ft
Water