As you consider your upcoming move, you might observe that some homes sell quickly while others stay on the market for a while. Have you ever wondered why that is? According to Redfin:

““. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”
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— Redfin

You might be curious about what selling your home involves. Let’s go through it and provide some practical tips to ensure your house sells quickly.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

Just so you know, things have slowed down a bit in most markets. While you might recall how fast homes were selling a few years back, you shouldn't expect that pace now.

With more homes available now, Realtor.com reports that properties are taking a little longer to sell in the current market.

But before you focus too much on the ten-day difference compared to previous years, Realtor.com is here to help put things in perspective.

““In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market . . . This marks the 13th straight month of homes taking longer to sell on a year-over-year basis. Still, homes are moving more quickly than they did before the pandemic . . .”
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— Realtor.com

If your house takes a bit longer to sell this year, don't worry about it. It's still selling faster than usual. Plus, that extra time can be a blessing as it allows you to search for your next home without the added pressure.

Some homes sell quickly, while others linger on the market for longer periods. What’s the reason behind this? Why do some properties draw in excited buyers right away, while others seem to have a tougher time?

It really hinges on finding the right agent and having a solid strategy in place. Here are some essential tips you should keep in mind.

1. Price It Right

One of the main reasons homes stay on the market is because they’re priced too high. Sellers often aim for a higher price, believing they can just lower it later. However, this strategy can backfire and discourage potential buyers from even considering the property.

What to do: Team up with an agent to ensure your house is priced correctly. They’ll look at recent sales of comparable homes in your area, helping you set a price that reflects today’s market and what buyers are ready to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, points out:

““My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions.”
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— Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin

2. Focus on the First Impression

A yard that's untidy or a house in need of fresh paint can really put off potential buyers. Remember, they often make up their minds within seconds about whether they like a property, so making a strong first impression is essential.

What to do: Make sure to clean up your front yard and tidy up the landscaping. Power wash the walkways and add some fresh mulch to give it an inviting look. Inside, focus on decluttering and removing personal items. You might also want to do some minor touch-ups, like repainting in a neutral color. Your agent can give you specific suggestions on what to focus on.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

If your listing or photos aren’t polished and professional, you might struggle to attract buyers who could think you're skimping on quality.

What to do: Instead, rely on your agent’s skills, knowledge, and resources. They’ll ensure you cover all the essentials:

• Stunning high-resolution photos that showcase your home beautifully.

• Comprehensive descriptions that emphasize what makes your property unique.

• Your listing will be featured on various platforms, including top real estate websites and social media channels.

4. The Location of the Home

You've probably come across the saying "location, location, location" in real estate, and there's a good reason why it stands true. Houses in popular neighborhoods usually sell more quickly.

What to do: Even though you can't change your home's location, your agent can focus on the best aspects of your neighborhood in the listing. By emphasizing what makes your area special, they can help potential buyers envision what life would be like in your home.

Bottom Line

Homes that move off the market quickly aren't always the ones with superior features; often, it's about having skilled agents and an effective marketing strategy in place.

Are you considering selling your home? Let’s discuss how to sell it quickly and maximize your profit.