Expired Listing

An expired listing is a property that didn’t sell before the listing agreement ran out — and it happens more often than you’d think. About 30-40% of homes listed in slower markets expire without a sale, usually because of pricing, condition, or poor marketing.

Why Listings Expire

The #1 reason is overpricing. Sellers who insist on listing above market value, ignore feedback from showings, and refuse price reductions end up watching their listing agreement tick down to zero. The market doesn’t care what you think your home is worth.

Bad photos rank second. In a world where 95% of buyers start online, dark, blurry, or cluttered listing photos kill interest before anyone ever schedules a showing. Professional photography costs $200-$400 and is worth every penny.

Poor condition and limited showing availability round out the list. If buyers can only see your home on Tuesdays between 2-4 PM, most will skip it entirely.

What Happens After Expiration

Once your listing agreement expires, you’re free to relist with the same agent, switch to a different agent, or try selling on your own. The expired status shows up in MLS records, which means agents and savvy buyers can see that the home failed to sell previously.

Watch out for the protection period in your old agreement. If a buyer who saw the home during the listing period comes back to purchase, you may still owe commission to the original agent for 30-90 days after expiration.

Getting a Fresh Start

If you’re relisting, fix whatever went wrong the first time. That almost always means adjusting the price based on updated comparable sales. Have a different agent do a fresh CMA with honest feedback.

Some sellers wait 30-60 days before relisting to reset the days on market counter in the MLS. Others relist immediately at a lower price. Both strategies have merit depending on your local market conditions.

Before trying again, review the selling guide and crunch your numbers with the net proceeds calculator at the new target price.