When a home doesn’t sell, most people assume the same culprits:
🔻 The price was too high.
📸 The photos weren’t good enough.
📣 The marketing didn’t reach the right buyers.
And while those things can play a role — there’s another factor I see again and again, especially in the Fort Myers and Naples luxury markets. One that no one talks about.
It’s not flashy.
It’s not complicated.
But it can absolutely kill your sale.
The real reason?
Access.
What Does “Access” Mean in Real Estate?
When we talk about “access,” we’re talking about how easy it is for potential buyers to get in and see your home in person.
Here’s what limited access can look like:
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Requiring 24+ hour notice to show
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Narrow showing windows (like only allowing 11am–2pm)
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Last-minute cancellations or reschedules
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Not allowing weekend or evening appointments
And while these restrictions might seem small or reasonable — especially if you’re still living in the home — they can cause serious problems.
Why It Matters More in Southwest Florida
In markets like Fort Myers and Naples, many buyers aren’t local. They’re flying in from the Midwest, Northeast, or even internationally. They’ve often got one or two days to tour homes — and they’re making serious, fast decisions.
If your home isn’t available when they are, they don’t wait.
They move on to the home that was ready, welcoming, and available.
Even if yours was better. Even if it was priced right. Even if they would have loved it.
I’ve Seen Incredible Homes Sit for This Exact Reason
I’ve worked with sellers who did everything “right” — great price, beautiful photos, top-tier marketing — but their showing availability was too limited.
And the result? Crickets.
Once we opened up access, everything changed.
Because when buyers fall in love with a home, it usually happens when they walk through the front door — not from the photos online.
So… What Should You Do?
If you're planning to sell in 2025, here’s what I recommend:
✅ Make showings as flexible as possible.
Weekend afternoons. Evenings. Short notice — if you can swing it, it helps.
✅ Use a lockbox or smart access system.
This lets agents in without delay and keeps your home secure.
✅ Stage and prep your home to be “show ready.”
So you’re not scrambling every time an appointment gets booked.
✅ Work with an agent who gets it.
I build this into every listing strategy I use — because it matters that much.
Ready to Sell Smarter?
If you're selling in Fort Myers, Naples, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, let's make sure you’re not making this avoidable mistake.
I put all my top strategies — including how to prep, price, and position your home — into a free resource called The SOLD Playbook.
📩 Click here to request your free copy
Because in this market, small decisions can make a big difference in how fast — and how profitably — your home sells.
