Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
There's no shortage of reasons to sell your home quickly: unexpected financial challenges, sorting out an inheritance, seeking to move before a new school year starts — the list goes on and on.
That said, selling a home quickly can be tricky too, particularly in an uncertain real estate market. If you're looking to expedite the sale of your home, there are certainly strategies that will help. Of course, a competent real estate agent can help you navigate any challenges, so be sure you're seeking professional guidance to help you get the most from your efforts.
Entertain cash offers
One of the quickest ways to sell a home is by accepting a cash offer. While cash offers might be less than your asking price, a cash deal can close within days, providing immediate financial relief to sellers.
According to Bankrate, 34% of home purchases were all-cash transactions as of September, 2023, marking a significant presence in the real estate market. Cash offers may come from house-buying companies or real estate investors, who often value speed and efficiency over price. This can be particularly attractive for sellers in urgent situations — as long as you're ready for a quick close.
Partner with a top real estate agent
Teaming up with an experienced and well-performing real estate agent, like those at The Stern Team, can greatly expedite the home-selling process. Not only will this provide efficiency, as an experienced agent is well-versed in these transactions, but you may also fetch a higher selling price.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) home sold for $310,000 in 2023, compared to $405,000 for agent-assisted home sales. Not only do agents excel in marketing properties, negotiating deals and navigating closing processes efficiently, but they are intimately familiar with current market trends and can help you price your home right.
Do-it-yourself (with professional guidance)
For those considering a FSBO approach, it's still possible to sell your home quickly, but professional guidance remains crucial. You'll save on agent commissions by selling your home yourself, but you'll still need to be up to the task of navigating the entire process, from pricing your home right to negotiating a sale.
U.S. News recommends FSBO sellers find a way to get their home listed on Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which feeds many home-listing websites and services. If you need help, seek professional guidance from experts like The Stern Team to help you navigate pricing, marketing and negotiation (and ensure your home is listed on the MLS), all while reducing the commission costs associated with hiring a traditional real estate agent.
Create a welcoming atmosphere
Giving potential buyers that have-to-have-it first impression is crucial if you're looking for a quick sell. Decluttering, cleaning and even applying fresh paint can enhance the property's attractiveness — but staging might be the secret in your selling arsenal.
The Real Estate Staging Association reports that 73% of staged homes sold for more than the list price, while selling nine days faster than the average home. For more ideas on staging, visit the Stern Team website.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere encourages potential buyers to envision the property as their own, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Address repairs proactively
Addressing repairs before listing your home can prevent a potential deal breaker for a motivated buyer during the negotiation phase. According to HomeLight, selling a home as-is, with repairs necessary for move-in, tends to result in aggressive price negotiation or even withdrawal of offers.
Proactively managing repairs not only speeds up the selling process but also helps in maintaining the value of the home.
Offer incentives
Incentives can be a decisive factor for buyers who are comparing multiple properties. These might include covering closing costs, offering repair credits or including high-end appliances in the sale. According to Forbes, offering concessions can be a good way to expedite the sale of your home and attract buyers in a crowded or difficult market.
Professional guidance with The Stern Team
With the right help, adapting these strategies to current market conditions can greatly enhance the likelihood of a swift sale. If you're looking to sell your home quickly, The Stern Team can help by providing a comprehensive approach to expedite the home-selling process. For more information about how they can help you sell quickly, visit The Stern Team website.
