Should I take my home off the market and relist?
Want to rip your listing down and start over? Here’s what actually works.
Quick answer: Sometimes — but only with a plan
If your home sits with low showings, weak feedback, or price no one will touch, taking it off the market and relisting can reset attention. But relisting alone won’t fix price, photos, staging, or market timing. This is a tactic, not a magic trick.
How timing & market strategy decide the outcome
Relisting matters most when market conditions or listing execution are the problem. Use these market-strategy signals:
- Days on Market (DOM): If DOM is high (often 30+ days) and buyer interest is falling, relist may help — but only after changes.
- Buyer demand: Low showings per week (less than 3–5 in active markets) means exposure problems, not just DOM.
- Seasonal trends: Spring and early fall typically have higher buyer demand. Relist to align with those windows.
- Comparable sales: If recent comps are lower, relisting without price change fails. Price first.
When to relist — actionable checklist
- Fix listing assets: order new professional photos, drone shots, and a fresh floor-plan. Bad photos kill interest.
- Reprice decisively: price closer to current comps or use a proven pricing strategy (price banding, psychological pricing). Half-measures don’t work.
- Update staging and curb appeal: small costs (paint, declutter, landscaping) produce big ROI.
- Reset marketing: new copy, target paid social ads, boosted MLS exposure, virtual tour.
- Time it: relist just before a high-demand period (weekend, spring marketing window).
If you check these boxes and buyer interest still lags, relist.
When not to relist
- If price is the main issue and you haven’t adjusted it.
- If market absorption shows buyers avoid your price band.
- If your MLS penalties or rules punish relisting in your region. (MLS policy varies; ask your agent.)
Relist risks and how to avoid them
- Risk: Perception of desperation. Avoid by relaunching as a strategic “refresh” with upgraded assets and a clear price tactic.
- Risk: MLS rules reset DOM differently. Confirm with your agent before pulling the listing.
- Risk: Extra days and costs. Mitigate by timing relist for maximum buyer traffic.
Step-by-step relist plan (do this before you pull the plug)
- Audit showings, feedback, and comparable sales for 7–14 days.
- Implement improvements (photos, price, staging).
- Schedule relaunch on a Thursday/Friday morning for weekend exposure.
- Push a fresh marketing blast: email, social, broker open.
- Track metrics: showings, offers, and conversion rate.
Timing & market strategy win when you combine market data with execution. Relisting can work — but only as part of a deliberate plan.
If you want a straight market read and a relaunch plan tailored to your neighborhood, contact Tony Sousa. He’ll give the honest playbook, not fluff.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
