How to Sell a House Fast: Top Tips for Homeowners
Selling a house can often feel like a daunting process, especially if you need to sell quickly. Whether you’re relocating, dealing with financial challenges, or simply want to move on to your next chapter, the goal remains the same: get your house sold as fast as possible. Fortunately, there are many proven strategies to help you achieve a quick sale while still getting a fair price. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Price It Right from the Start
One of the most critical factors in selling your house quickly is pricing it appropriately. Overpricing can scare away potential buyers causing it to sit on the market for a long time. When looking for a quick sale, you typically want to aim for the lower side since the first week or two a house is listed will have the most activity. Buyers respond to value, and even if you underprice it, you can get a bidding war that gets you better terms or even more money than you asked for. We recently had a house that we started low to move it quickly. It got multiple offers, and we ended up making $30k more than we expected! Research your local market, compare similar properties (known as “comps”), and consider getting a professional appraisal. A competitively priced home is more likely to attract multiple offers and sell faster. If you are not getting many showings in the first week or two, lower the price quickly.
2. Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. When buyers see your home for the first time—whether online or in person—the exterior needs to impress. Simple upgrades like fresh landscaping, a clean driveway, and a new coat of paint on the front door can make a significant difference. Make sure the lawn is mowed and trash is picked up in the yard too. These small investments can entice buyers to schedule a showing rather than passing your property by.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, which can be difficult if your personal items dominate the space. Remove family photos, knickknacks, and excess furniture to create a clean and neutral environment. Consider renting a storage unit temporarily to store items you don’t immediately need. Furniture can be helpful or harmful when trying to sell a house fast, but try to remove anything polarizing or from the 80s.
4. Stage Your Home Professionally
Home staging highlights your property’s best features and helps buyers visualize its potential. If hiring a professional stager isn’t in your budget, you can DIY by arranging furniture to maximize space and lighting, adding fresh flowers, and keeping the house spotless. Professional staging usually costs $2,000-$3,500 depending on how many rooms you want done. There is also technology to do virtual staging now, which can be a budget option to make your listing photos pop.
5. Market Your Property Effectively
A robust marketing strategy can mean the difference between selling a house fast and a prolonged listing. Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your property online. Leverage social media platforms, real estate websites, and even local classifieds to reach as many potential buyers as possible. Hiring an experienced real estate agent who understands how to market properties effectively can also expedite the process. Typically, agents won’t do much more than put it on the MLS (multiple listing service), maybe put it on Facebook groups, and occasionally run Facebook ads. They are great resources for helping with paperwork, negotiations, value recommendations, and inspection response.
6. Be Flexible with Showings
The more available you are for showings, the quicker your home is likely to sell. Accommodate last-minute requests and try to keep your home in show-ready condition at all times. Offering flexible viewing times can increase your chances of finding a buyer quickly.
7. Consider Selling to a Cash Buyer
If speed is your top priority, selling to a cash buyer could be your best option. Cash buyers, such as real estate investors or companies like BuyHousesBR, often purchase homes “as-is,” allowing you to skip repairs, inspections, and lengthy negotiations. This approach is particularly helpful if your property needs significant updates or if you’re facing time-sensitive circumstances. If you want to sell a house fast, this is the fastest option.
8. Make Minor Repairs
While selling “as-is” is an option, small, cost-effective repairs can go a long way in attracting buyers. Fix leaky faucets, patch up holes in walls, and replace broken light fixtures. These minor upgrades show buyers that the property has been well-maintained.
9. Sweeten the Deal
To stand out in a competitive market, consider offering incentives such as covering closing costs, including appliances, or providing a transferable home warranty. These extras can tip the scales in your favor when buyers are deciding between your home and another.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house fast doesn’t have to be stressful if you approach the process strategically. By pricing your home right, enhancing its appeal, and exploring options like cash buyers, you can sell a house fast. If you’re in Baton Rouge or surrounding areas and need to sell a house fast, contact BuyHousesBR today. We specialize in helping homeowners sell quickly, no matter their situation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.