Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others
As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:
“. . . 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.”
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.
Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic
The first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect 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):
But before you get hung up on the ten-day difference compared to the past few years, Realtor.com will help put this into 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 . . .”
By this comparison, if your house does take a little more time to sell this year, it’s not really a concern. It’s actually still faster than the norm. 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
One of the biggest reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. Many sellers want to shoot for a higher price, thinking they can lower it later – but that backfires by turning buyers away.
What to do: Work with an agent that will stick to their pricing strategy and not agree to your higher price plans. I’ll analyze recent comparable sales (what other homes have sold for recently in your area plus compare the condition of the home to yours), so you know you’re pricing appropriately for today’s market and what buyers are willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains:
“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.”
2. Focus on the First Impression
A messy yard or a house that needs paint? 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. I will offer advice on what to prioritize based on your budget.
3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos
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.
I Offer:
- High-resolution, edited listing photos showing the home in its best light.
- 2-D Floor Plans, 3-D Interactive Floor Plan, Video Tours
- Aerial Photography
- Detailed descriptions that highlight SEO features of your house.
- Your listing on multiple platforms, including major real estate sites
- Paid and Targeted Social Media Advertising
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, I 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 don’t necessarily have better features – they have better agents and a better strategy.
Are you thinking about selling? Let’s talk about how to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.
