7 Ways to Speed Up Your Home Sale

If you’re like most sellers, you want to minimize the time your property is on the market. 

For one, showings and open houses are inconvenient. You have to leave your home at the drop of a hat, keep it clean 24-7, and let complete strangers onto your private property when you’re not there.

More than this, you’re ready to move on. Maybe you’ve already bought a new home or have a new job waiting for you in another city. Either way, you need that home sold so you can move onto the next chapter in your life.

While there’s no magic bullet to help you sell instantly, you can take a number of steps to make your home more marketable and quicken the pace at which it sells. Check out these 7 proven strategies:

1. Stage it

Staging helps to sell a home, leading to increased sale prices, shorter time on the market, and better buyer engagement. Studies show that staged homes sell for an average of 1 percent to 10 percent more than non-staged homes. And staging is especially effective online, attracting more clicks and showings.

According to a recent study from the National Association of REALTORS^®, 83% of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a potential buyer to visualize the property as a future home.

If you don’t have the budget to fully stage the whole house, stick to the most important areas. These are the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room.

2. Time it right

Real estate is typically seasonal, with home sales picking up speed in the spring and summer months. But mortgage rates and available inventory can also impact a home’s sale. If you can hit the spring market, great. If you need to sell offseason, don’t worry — the right home at the right price can sell any time of year.

Believe it or not, the day of the week you list your home matters. Typically, Wednesday or Thursday are the best days to capture the attention of buyers who plan to view homes over the weekend. However, the ideal day can depend on your local market, so it’s a good idea to consult a local real estate agent.

3. Be accommodating

You can’t sell a house that you don’t show, so be as flexible and accommodating as possible with showings — especially in the first few weeks after listing your home. Have a getaway plan and a reliable place to camp out when a last-minute showing crops up. You might even consider staying with a friend or family member for the first week or two the house goes on the market.

4. Price the home properly

Just because one agent says your home can sell for $500,000 doesn’t mean it necessarily will. Speak to a few different agents and get listing price quotes from each before putting your home on the market. 

Always ask each agent to show you their comps, which are the recent local sales that led them to their conclusion. You want a listing price that falls in line with what buyers are currently willing to pay in your area. It doesn’t do any good to inflate your price beyond this point. Though in rare instances, it could lead to a higher sale price, most of the time it simply means a longer, more drawn-out sale. And it also usually means dropping your price a few months down the road.

5. Choose the right partner

You don’t have to use a real estate agent to sell your home, but choose wisely if you do. Not all agents are created equal. If you want your house to sell fast, you need an agent who’s experienced and good at both marketing and negotiating. You’ll also want one with a wide network and solid local knowledge.

6. Know bargaining limits

What price are you willing to go down to? What contingencies are you willing to deal with? Are you okay with making repairs or covering a portion of a buyer’s closing costs? Most buyers are going to negotiate at least a little before agreeing to purchase your home. Knowing how much you’re willing to give and where there’s wiggle room can help speed up the process.

7. Start with a clean slate

The majority of buyers aren’t looking for a super unique or customized property. Instead, they want a clean slate — an attractive, well-cared for home that they can personalize and make their own. Because of this, it’s important to remove any personal photos or artwork, tone down any bright or bold decor choices, and make sure the home is clean and fresh. You want buyers to be able to see themselves in the home, not wonder about who currently lives there.

Want to buy somewhere new?

Are you thinking of selling your house and moving on? Embrace Home Loans can help. Contact us and get Approved to Move today.

FAQs: Sell you Home Fast

How can staging help my home sell faster?

Staging highlights your home’s best features, making it more appealing to buyers. It helps them visualize the space as their own, which can lead to quicker offers.

When is the best time to list a home for a fast sale?

Homes listed in late spring and early summer typically sell faster. Wednesdays and Thursdays are also shown to be the best day to list.

Should I lower my price to sell my home quickly?

Pricing correctly from the start is more effective than lowering later. Research comparable sales in your area and consult multiple agents to find the right listing price.

Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home quickly?

You can sell without one, but an experienced agent with strong marketing skills and local knowledge can help you attract buyers faster and negotiate better deals.

How flexible should I be with showings?

The more flexible you are, especially in the first few weeks, the better your chances of attracting serious buyers quickly. Be ready to accommodate last-minute showings.

What should I remove before listing my home?

Remove personal items like family photos and bold décor. Creating a neutral, clean environment helps buyers envision themselves in the space.