Watching your house linger on the market without any interest can be incredibly frustrating. Unfortunately, some sellers are finding themselves in that tough situation right now.

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that the average time a house stays on the market has risen over the last few years.

A recent post from Realtor.com highlights a comparable trend.

“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Realtor.com

Inventory has increased, giving buyers more choices. Meanwhile, rising mortgage rates have reduced demand over the past two years, and that’s beyond your influence. However, there’s one aspect you can manage – this is where many other sellers fall short. They didn’t partner with the right agent.

With the right approach and a skilled agent by your side, your home can still sell quickly, even in today's market.

If time is a priority for you, it’s important to team up with an agent who knows the current market trends. This agent will be your key resource for understanding what buyers want today and how to effectively showcase your home to meet those needs.

Here are a few tips that a good real estate agent will guide you through. They might seem straightforward, but this kind of advice can really make a huge difference.

1. Competitive Pricing: One of the key aspects of selling your home quickly is setting the right price. A local real estate agent can help by performing a competitive market analysis. This involves looking at recent sales and current listings in your area to determine the best price for your home in today’s market. Having a strategic pricing approach is essential to hitting that sweet spot. If you try to go it alone without an agent’s expertise, it can significantly slow down the selling process.

““. . . setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate . . . A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.”
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— U.S. News

2. The Home’s Condition: Homes that are well cared for, showcase appealing exteriors, and feature modern updates usually sell more quickly. If you want to sell fast, ensure your house leaves a positive impression from the start. A real estate agent can provide valuable insights into what buyers want, whether staging is beneficial, and which repairs you should prioritize before listing your property. According to Ramsey Solutions, this approach will help you get the most out of your sale.

““In the spirit of selling your home fast, take care of things now that will be a problem in the closing process. Talk to your agent about fixes you’ll need to make to pass the home inspection, like: plumbing problems, roof damage, electrical issues, HVAC glitches. . . These are issues you’ll be expected to take care of before any buyers close on your house—you might as well get ahead of the game to help your home sell faster.”
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— Ramsey Solutions

3. Incentives and Extras: If you're looking to make your home stand out in a crowded market, consider offering incentives or concessions. Things like assistance with closing costs, a home warranty, or including appliances or furniture with the sale can make your property more appealing to buyers. A real estate agent can provide tailored suggestions for the best incentives based on the current market and what buyers are looking for, helping you close the sale more quickly.

Bottom Line

Selling a home quickly in a changing market calls for a smart strategy and a solid grasp of what buyers are looking for. This is why working with a local real estate agent is crucial. According to Forbes:

““When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to take a chance on an inexperienced housing professional. Instead, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who knows your market and has helped sellers in your situation before.”
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— Forbes

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