As you plan your upcoming move, you may have noticed that some homes sell in a matter of days, while others stay on the market longer. What makes the difference? 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.”

This may leave you wondering what to expect when it’s your turn to sell. The good news is, with the right approach, your home can be one of the fast-selling ones. Let’s explore what’s happening in the market and what you can do to maximize your chances of a quick, successful sale.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Before the Pandemic

First, it’s important to understand that while the pace of home sales has slowed slightly compared to the ultra-competitive years during the pandemic, homes are still moving faster than they did in pre-2020 markets. According to data from Realtor.com, homes are currently taking a bit more time to sell—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing (see graph below).

As Realtor.com explains:

“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 . . . ”

So, even if your home takes a little longer to sell than it might have during the peak pandemic frenzy, it’s still moving at an impressive pace by historical standards. Plus, this slight slowdown can actually benefit you by giving you more time to find and transition into your next home.

While some homes sell within days and others take a bit longer, the key difference often comes down to preparation, strategy, and having the right real estate professional by your side. Here are four crucial tips to help your home stand out and sell quickly:

1. Price It Right from the Start

One of the most common reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. While it’s tempting to aim high and adjust later, this strategy can backfire by turning off potential buyers before they even take a look.

What to do: Partner with a knowledgeable agent who can provide a competitive market analysis. They’ll evaluate recent sales in your area to ensure your pricing aligns with current buyer expectations. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, advises:

“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. Make a Memorable First Impression

Buyers often form their opinions within seconds of seeing your home—both online and in person. A well-maintained, inviting appearance can make all the difference.

What to do: Outside, keep your yard neat, refresh landscaping with mulch, and power wash walkways. Inside, declutter, depersonalize, and consider painting in neutral tones to appeal to a broader audience. Your agent can guide you on which touch-ups will have the biggest impact.

3. Use High-Quality Marketing and Photos

A compelling listing is essential in today’s competitive market. Low-quality photos or vague descriptions can lead buyers to overlook your property altogether.

What to do: Rely on your agent’s marketing expertise. They’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible light with:

- Professional, high-resolution listing photos
- Engaging descriptions that highlight your home’s unique features
- Broad exposure across multiple platforms, including top real estate websites and social media

4. Showcase Your Location’s Best Features

The old saying “location, location, location” still holds true—homes in desirable areas often sell faster. But even if your location isn’t a hot spot, there are still ways to highlight what makes your neighborhood special.

What to do: Your agent can emphasize local amenities, schools, parks, and community highlights that make your area appealing. By painting a picture of the lifestyle buyers can enjoy, your listing becomes more compelling.

Bottom Line

Homes that sell fast aren’t necessarily the biggest or most luxurious—they’re simply well-prepared and marketed strategically by experienced professionals. If you want to sell quickly and for top dollar, the key is working with a trusted real estate expert who knows how to position your home for success.

Thinking about selling your home? Reach out to Mike Panza and the team at Panza Home Group to learn more about how to get your home sold efficiently and effectively. You can connect with them anytime here: https://panzarealestate.com/team/mike-panza