Selling your house can quickly become a mess of paperwork, showings, and negotiations. The average home sale takes 30 to 60 days from listing to closing, and some take much, much longer. Whatever timeframe that lies ahead, when you’re in the house selling game, you always want it to be going faster than it is. And there are ways to do it, without sacrificing profit. Whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing, or simply moving onto your next chapter, you can make it faster with these tips.
Price It Right From Day One
Setting the correct asking price is often the most critical factor in how quickly your home sells. Overpricing, even by a small margin, can result in your property sitting on the market for literally weeks or months longer than necessary. Homes that are priced competitively – not too much and not too little – from the start typically receive multiple offers within the first two weeks.
So how do you know if your home is up for a reasonable price? Research comparable sales in your neighborhood from the past three to six months. Focus on properties with similar square footage, lot size, and condition. Be honest with yourself about the pros and cons of these houses versus yours – and don’t just think that your house is better because, well, it’s YOURS! Hire a professional appraiser for an objective assessment if you know you’re too emotionally attached to the property. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure you get noticed, and quickly. Immediate interest can spark a bidding war, after all. Everyone wants to get the most for their property, but be sensible with your expectations and don’t try to test the market’s upper limits, just because you can.
One strategic pricing approach is to list slightly below market value. This can create urgency. It’s a psychological tactic, and it can result in offers above asking price, particularly in competitive markets where inventory is limited. But this approach can backfire too, so have a good think about it before you try this route.
Create Irresistible First Impressions
Linger or quickly move on to the next listing? The initial impact your home makes determines this. Professional staging can reduce time on market by up to 73%, according to the National Association of Realtors. But you don’t necessarily need to hire experts to achieve compelling results.
Start with decluttering every room, removing personal items, and creating neutral spaces that allow buyers to envision their own lives unfolding there. Fresh paint in warm, neutral tones can transform tired spaces. And this makes rooms appear larger and brighter too – so that’s an added bonus. Pay special attention to the kitchen and master bedroom, as these spaces heavily influence buying decisions.
Curb appeal deserves equal attention. A well-maintained exterior creates positive expectations before buyers even step inside. Simple improvements like power washing walkways, adding seasonal flowers, and ensuring all outdoor lighting works can significantly impact first impressions.
Market Strategically and Broadly
If you market your home well, you’ll reach buyers who are genuinely interested quickly. But you could also generate a bit of healthy competition – which is good for your prospects of getting top dollar. Top-quality photography is non-negotiable. We live in an era where most buyers begin their searches online, and your home can’t look like a cruddy option just because you didn’t opt for imagery that will wow. Professional photography and virtual tours is ALWAYS worth considering – it can actually increase online engagement by up to 87%!
List your property across multiple platforms. Major real estate websites, social media channels, and local publications – these are all a must if you’re serious seller. Your real estate agent should have a comprehensive marketing strategy – so ask them about it. It should definitely include targeted advertising to buyers actively searching in your area and price range.
Timing your listing launch a little bit strategically can also accelerate sales. Thursday afternoons through Sunday evenings typically generate the most online activity. Spring and early fall traditionally see increased buyer activity in most markets – and the whole ‘moving before Christmas’ narrative is something to jump on board with too.
Streamline the Inspection and Repair Process
Many sales slow down or fall apart entirely during the inspection phase. Getting ahead of potential issues can eliminate surprises that derail transactions or create lengthy negotiation periods.
Consider ordering a pre-listing inspection to identify and address problems before buyers discover them. While this requires upfront investment, it demonstrates transparency and allows you to handle repairs on your timeline rather than rushing to meet buyer demands.
For issues you choose not to repair, prepare detailed estimates from licensed contractors. It’ll help buyers understand what they’re dealing with – transparency is best here.
Use Digital Solutions for Faster Closings
Modern technology has revolutionized the closing process, eliminating many traditional bottlenecks that previously extended timelines. One particularly effective solution is using an online notary service for all the required documents.
Digital notarization allows you to complete necessary paperwork remotely, without coordinating schedules with traditional notaries or traveling to physical locations. This streamlined approach can save several days during the closing process, particularly when dealing with out-of-state buyers or complex documentation requirements. Many states now recognize remote online notarization as legally equivalent to traditional in-person services, making this an increasingly viable option for expediting transactions.
Additionally, digital document signing platforms enable all parties to review and execute contracts more efficiently, reducing the back-and-forth delays common with paper-based processes.
Maintain Flexibility and Responsiveness
Speed often comes down to your ability to accommodate buyer needs and respond quickly to requests. This means being flexible with showing schedules, even if it’s inconvenient, and responding promptly to offers and counteroffers.
Consider allowing buyers to schedule their own showings through digital lockbox systems or showing services. This convenience can increase the frequency of viewings and demonstrate your commitment to facilitating the sale process.
When offers arrive, respond within 24 hours, even if you need more time to make final decisions. Quick acknowledgment keeps buyers engaged and prevents them from moving on to other properties. Work with your agent to prepare standard responses for common scenarios, allowing for faster turnarounds on routine communications.
Speed shouldn’t come at the expense of maximizing your return. The most successful quick sales balance urgency with savvy decision-making. Timeline and financial goals can go hand in hand – and cutting out some of the time-sucking parts of the process can really help.
