As you're starting to think about your own move, you might’ve noticed that some homes seem to fly off the market while others just sit there. So what’s the difference? Well, as Redfin puts it:

“. . . 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.”

You might be wondering what to expect when it comes time to sell—so let’s break it down and go over some practical tips to help make sure your home sells quickly.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

First off, it’s good to know that in most areas, the market has cooled off a bit. You might remember when homes were flying off the market a few years ago, but that’s not really the case anymore.

Now that there are more homes available, Realtor.com reports that it's taking a little longer to sell in today’s market (check out the graph below):

Before you get too caught up in that ten-day difference from the past few years, Realtor.com offers some perspective to help you understand:

“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, if your house takes a bit longer to sell this year, don’t stress—it’s actually still quicker than average. Plus, it gives you a little extra time to find your next home, which is definitely a nice bonus when you’re moving!

Keep in mind, some homes sell faster than this, and some take even longer. So what’s the real difference? Why do some homes get snapped up right away, while others seem to struggle on the market?

It all comes down to having the right agent and the right strategy. Here are a few tips that can make all the difference.

1. Price It Right

One of the main reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. A lot of sellers aim for a higher price, thinking they can always lower it later, but that usually backfires and ends up turning buyers off.

What you should do: Team up with an agent to make sure your home is priced right. They’ll look at recent sales of similar homes in your area, so you’ll know you’re setting a price that matches today’s market and what buyers are actually willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, puts it:

“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 a fresh coat of paint? That’s definitely going to turn buyers off. Since most buyers make up their minds in seconds, making a great first impression is super important.

What you should do: On the outside, tidy up your front yard, spruce up the landscaping, power wash the walkways, and add some fresh mulch. Inside, declutter and take down personal items. You might also want to do some minor touch-ups, like repainting in a neutral color. Your agent will be able to give you specific advice on what needs attention.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

If your listing or photos don’t look professional, you might struggle to attract buyers who’ll think you're cutting corners.

What you should do: Instead, rely on your agent’s expertise and resources. They’ll help make sure you have:

High-quality photos that show your home at its best.
Descriptions that really highlight what makes your home stand out.
Your listing featured on multiple platforms, including major real estate websites and social media.

4. The Location of the Home

You’ve probably heard the saying “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate, and there’s definitely some truth to it. Homes in popular neighborhoods usually sell faster.

What you should do: While you can’t change your home’s location, your agent can spotlight the best features of your neighborhood or community in the listing. By highlighting what’s great about the area, they can help buyers imagine what life would be like in your home.