You may have noticed that some homes sell quickly while others take longer to sell as you prepare for your own move. However, why is that? Redfin states: That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly.
Still, homes are selling faster than before the pandemic. The first thing you ought to be aware of is that things have somewhat slowed down in the majority of markets. You might recall how quickly homes sold a few years ago, but that is not the case today. Now that inventory has grown, according to Realtor.com, homes are taking a bit longer to sell in today’s market (see graph below):
However, Realtor.com will assist you in putting this into perspective before you get caught up in the ten-day difference compared to the previous few years: By this comparison, if your house does take a little more time to sell this year, it’s not really a concern. Actually, it’s still faster than usual. Plus, it gives you a bit more time to find your next home, which is welcome relief when you’re trying to move, too.
Just remember, some homes sell in less time than this. Some take even longer. So, what’s the real difference? Why do some homes attract eager buyers almost instantly, while others sit and struggle?
It comes down to having the right agent and strategy. Here are a few tips you need to know.
1. Price It Right
Overpricing is one of the main reasons homes stay on the market. Many sellers want to set a higher price in the hope that they can lower it later, but doing so turns away buyers. What to do: Consult with an agent to ensure that the price of your home is appropriate. They will look at recent comparable sales—that is, how much other homes in your area have sold for recently—to make sure your prices are right for today’s market and what buyers are willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains:
2. Focus on the First Impression
a house that needs to be painted or a messy yard? It’ll turn buyers off. Since buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home, a good first impression is key.
What to do: Outside, clean up your front yard, tidy up your landscaping, power wash walkways, and add fresh mulch. Inside, declutter and depersonalize. And consider minor touch-ups like repainting in a neutral tone. Your agent will give you suggestions for what to do.
3. Photos of the listing of high quality and strong marketing
If your listing or your photos don’t look professional, you could have trouble drawing in buyers who think you’re trying to cut corners.
What to Do: Instead, lean on your agent’s skills, expertise, and resources. They’ll help you make sure you have:
High-resolution listing photos showing the home in its best light.
detailed descriptions that highlight your house’s distinguishing characteristics. Your listing on multiple platforms, including major real estate sites and social media.
4. The Location of the Home
You may have heard the phrase “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate. And there’s definitely some truth to that. Homes in highly sought-after neighborhoods tend to sell faster.
What to do: While you can’t change where your house is located, your agent can highlight the best features of your neighborhood or community in your listing. By showcasing what’s great about your area, they can help draw buyers into what life would look like in your house.
Bottom Line
Homes that sell quickly have better agents and a better strategy, not necessarily better features. Are you considering selling? Talk to an agent about how to sell your house quickly and for the most money.
