Q: We have been trying to sell our house for a long time now.

We just don't know why it's not selling. We've lowered the price, and kept the place looking good. Our listing agent is advertising it like mad. What more can we do?

A: In your case, the issue may be your limitations on showings. Restricting showings to certain times of day, or specific days, is a limitation. Also, requiring the listing agent to be present for all showings makes arranging showings cumbersome. With a larger than usual inventory of homes for sale, many agents won't bother with a property that is difficult to show.

Keep in mind that buyers will typically be coming to see several houses while they are here. It is rare that someone will make the time, and the trip over here, to view just one listing. Their agent must set up a number of appointments and work around the schedules and limitations of each property. If a house is difficult to show, it's a lot easier to leave that house out of the tour of homes.

My advice to any seller who is eager to sell their home is the same. Have that house ready to show with 15 to 30 minutes notice. Use the lock box provided by the Multiple Listing Service so agents can get in easily. If necessary, figure out a way to handle problem pets, day sleepers, and security issues. Remember that the lock box electronically records who has opened the box to get the key. Your agent can track all showings that way.

Most Island real estate professionals try to work around the schedules of sellers and will set up appointments at least a day ahead of time. However, real estate agents coming over with clients from Seattle or Tacoma may not do it that way.
If you have items of great value and are concerned about security, pack those things up and put them into secure storage. You're going to be moving anyway, so that gives you a head start on packing. Good luck.