When you’re selling your house, it’s always better to have time to strategize, but you don’t always have that option. Whether you’ve taken a job in another city, you’re liquidating an estate, or you’re moving on to a new chapter in your life, we have all the tips and tricks for how to sell your house fast at the best price possible.
Understanding the Market
The real estate market moves at different speeds depending on location, season, and economic conditions. If you’re in a buyer’s market, you’ll need to pull out all the stops when figuring out how to get your house to sell fast. In a seller’s market, you may not need to take every recommended measure to get your house to sell, but if you want the best price, it’s better to take all the steps below.
How to Price Your House to Sell Fast
Pricing strategy is the most critical factor in getting a quick sale. Don’t price your house high, thinking you can always reduce it later; if you use this strategy, you could wind up with a listing that sits on the market for weeks or months and makes buyers wonder what’s wrong with the property. Start with a price that will get buyers’ attention right from the time you list the property.
For guidance on how to price your house to sell fast, have your real estate agent do a comprehensive market analysis. The analysis should include recent comparable sales, current market inventory, and local market trends.
Consider pricing your home slightly below market value to get multiple offers. In a good market, this approach can create a bidding war that drives the final sale price at or above your asking price.
How to Prepare Your House to Sell Fast
Buyers place a lot of emphasis on first impressions and how easily they can picture themselves moving into a home. Remove the obstacles from their vision with these key steps:
Declutter and Depersonalize
Remove excess objects and furniture to create a palette free of clutter and distractions. A clutter-free home also looks larger, even with the same square footage. Remove personal objects such as family photos and things that are specific to your taste; while you may be into horror movie memorabilia or vintage dolls, that may not be for everyone!
Deep Clean
A spotless home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, and it also means they won’t need to do a lot of work when they move in. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and floors. Since you’re already trying to figure out how to sell your house fast, you’re probably very busy, so hire professional cleaners to handle this part for you.
Deal with Minor Repairs
Patch and paint scuffed walls, make sure handles and doorknobs are tight, and nail down squeaky floorboards. These small issues may be easy for you to overlook, but they can raise red flags about overall maintenance, causing potential buyers to have doubts. In a competitive buyer’s market, even these minor issues can cause them to pass on your house.
Improve Curb Appeal
Make sure your home makes a strong first impression. Ensure your lawn is well-maintained, add fresh mulch to garden beds, power-wash your driveway and walkways, and consider adding some plants or flowers near the entrance. Declutter your front porch and fix any chipping paint.
Get Professional Staging
While full professional staging isn’t always necessary, consider doing it for the main areas of the home. That can make a difference in a buyer’s market when you’re concerned about how to sell your house fast. You can also do the staging yourself with simple techniques such as arranging furniture to maximize space, adding fresh flowers, and ensuring good lighting throughout the home.
Marketing Strategies for a Quick Sale
Once your home is priced and prepared properly, the next step in how to get your house to sell fast is strategic marketing. Buyers usually start house-hunting by browsing online listings, so make sure your home stands out among others in the area in the same price range. Here’s how to sell your house fast with slick marketing:
Get Professional Photography
High-quality photos are a must. Professional real estate photographers know how to showcase your home’s best features and create images that get attention. Consider including drone photography for large properties or properties located near attractive features such as green space or bodies of water. Video walk-throughs can also be helpful in making the listing look high-quality and professional.
Build a Comprehensive Online Presence
Ensure your listing appears on all major real estate websites, including MLS, or your agent’s own platform. The listing should include detailed descriptions, floor plans when possible, and virtual tours.
Maintain a Flexible Showing Schedule
A key element in how to get your home to sell fast is to make it available for showings at buyers’ convenience, including evenings and weekends. The easier it is for potential buyers to view your property, the faster you’ll get offers. Consider a lockbox system or smart showing technology to accommodate last-minute requests.
Negotiation Strategies
To get a quick sale, you’ll need to be flexible with conditions and terms. Respond to offers quickly, and be prepared to cover closing costs and make other concessions. Although you’re hoping for a fast closing, you may have to get bridge financing if the buyer wants a later closing date. Work closely with your real estate agent when deciding on what concessions to offer.
Working with the Right Real Estate Professional
When you’re worried about how to sell your house fast, a skilled, experienced real estate agent is an invaluable resource. At this time in your life, you likely have a lot on your plate; a good agent will handle a lot of the work for you while helping you stay level-headed, enabling you to make smart, timely decisions. Look for an agent with strong local market knowledge, a proven track record of quick sales, and comprehensive marketing strategies. Together, you’ll figure out how to sell your house fast so you can move forward with your life confidently.