The Right Marketing Strategy

Find a buyer for your home in short order.

Homeowners cite a myriad of reasons why they want to sell their home in a hurry. A job transfer, the imminent arrival of a new child, retirement, encroachment of development or changes in local zoning laws or school district boundaries may prompt a sudden decision to move. Moreover, most sellers simply would prefer to avoid the uncertainty and inconvenience of having their home on the market for many weeks or perhaps even months.

A fast sale depends first and foremost on setting an asking price that will entice a ready, willing and able buyer. But an attractive price isn't the only strategy that can lead to a quick sale.

Here are some other suggestions:

Choose your Realtor with Care

The right realtor may be the most vital element in your ability to sell your home in a hurry. Interview at least three candidates and ask each of them these questions:

  • How would you market my home to potential buyers?
  • How would you position my home for the best possible offer in a short time frame?
  • How would you respond if my home doesn't receive a strong offer within, say, a week or 10 days?

The realtor you select should be able to suggest quick and easy improvements to enhance your home's appeal, price your home to meet your objectives and accommodate local housing market conditions, and quickly execute a back-up plan if the original scheme doesn't produce the results you want.

Focus on your Home's Strengths

A marketing plan that emphasizes your home's unique characteristics should be a boon towards a quick sale. If you're willing to include appliances, furniture, a home warranty or other extras, the marketing effort should to feature those inducements to make your home as appealing as possible.

Overcome Objections before they become Objections

A pre-sale inspection by an experienced agent can uncover problems that might derail a deal and enable you to make repairs in advance or disclose defects early on. Your agent should help your prioritize repairs and improvements according to their cost-effectiveness.  Pre-sale inspection can also be useful for marketing your home to potential buyers.

 Make Cosmetic Improvements

Sellers who want to spruce up their property quickly can do well to focus on the exterior front of the home, master bedroom and bathroom, and kitchen. An attractive drive-up appearance creates "curb appeal," which entices buyers into the home, while an upgraded master suite and kitchen are often priority items on home buyers' wish lists. Fresh flowers out front, new light fixtures in the bedroom and new cabinet hardware in the kitchen are examples of three projects that can be completed in just a few hours. A quick tour of comparable homes on the market can net other ideas as well.

 Welcome Short-Notice Showings

Buyers rarely purchase a home sight unseen. That means your home needs to be available for showings at all times if you want to find a buyer as quickly as possible. Be ready to take a walk, run an errand or visit your neighbors on short notice so prospective buyers will be able to tour your home at their convenience and leisure.