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Speeding Up the Process

By
Real Estate Agent with Associate Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties 256152

The rules for selling your home quickly never really change, but they can get muddled in the market conditions. While location may determine price, timing definitely determines time. So here are the basics of selling one more time ... it ain't rocket science!

1. Price your house correctly: Working with your agent, choose a price that’s somewhat lower than what you’re seeing in the market, but not too low that it will send up red flags. Let your agent establish a price he or she feels will make your house the buzz of the neighborhood. The amount may not be what you had envisioned—remember, the market has changed substantially over the last five years—yet when priced slightly below comparable sales you should attract serious buyers.

2. Be flexible, compromise: know your basement price and don’t be offended by offers within those parameters. Consider negotiating housewares and fixtures that may appeal to prospective buyers, such as those expensive new drapes you just installed, the dining-room chandelier or that slick, washer-drier combo. Conduct a complete inventory of household features to determine what you can and can’t live without.  

3. Remove the clutter from your home: This must be done regardless of time frame. Throw away anything you won’t be taking with you and pack in storage items that you won’t miss during the sale process. Consider renting a storage pod that can be picked up and eventually moved to your new home.

4. Offer incentives: One popular incentive for a fast closing is to share or pay for your buyer’s closing costs. You may also offer higher commissions for a fast sale, which may lead to even more showings.

5. Rent to buy: I’m not personally a big fan of this, but if there’s interest in your home but no one is willing to step up to meet your timeline, you can offer prospective buyers the chance to rent your property with the right to buy it in six months or a year. Both parties win, as buyers can experience the home and neighborhood firsthand while you transition with cash flow to cover expenses.

Indeed, home-selling requires time and patience yet there are several things you can do to help expedite the process, if necessary. With flexibility and creativity, you can increase your chances of a quick sale.

Comments (2)

Christine McDaniel
Christine McDaniel Realty, LLC - Avon, IN
Broker Associate

Great tips for sellers Ron!  I especially like number one!  Price is everything.

Mar 07, 2013 01:20 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Most folks will not price correctly and never will, so I get the listing, market the heck out of it and with two months they will usually get the price right.

Mar 09, 2013 09:33 PM