Watching your home sit on the market without any offers is incredibly frustrating, but you’re not alone. Many sellers are facing the same challenge today.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time homes spend on the market has increased in recent years (see graph below):
A recent article from Realtor.com reflects this trend:
“During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more options available and mortgage rates projected to drop, buyers are taking their time, meaning sellers will need patience and flexibility.”
There are two main reasons for this:
- Increased Inventory: Buyers have more homes to choose from.
- Higher Mortgage Rates: Demand has slowed over the past two years due to rising rates.
While these factors are out of your control, there’s one crucial thing you can influence: choosing the right real estate agent. Many sellers fail to sell quickly because they didn’t work with an agent who understands today’s market dynamics.
With the right strategy and agent, your home can still sell quickly—even in a shifting market.
Why the Right Agent is Essential
If selling quickly is your goal, you need a real estate expert who understands the current trends and knows how to position your home to attract buyers. A great agent will offer valuable insights into what buyers are looking for right now and ensure your home is in top shape to stand out.
Here are three key ways an experienced agent can make all the difference:
1. Competitive Pricing
Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in achieving a quick sale. A local real estate agent will conduct a competitive market analysis, comparing recent sales and current listings in your area. This allows them to set a price that reflects today’s market conditions, ensuring your home is attractively priced to draw in serious buyers.
U.S. News warns against overpricing:
“Setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate… A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut.”
A strategic price from the start helps avoid these pitfalls and gets your home sold faster.
2. Home Condition
Homes that are well-maintained, have curb appeal, and feature modern updates tend to sell more quickly. If you want to attract buyers fast, your home’s first impression is critical. An agent will guide you on essential repairs, potential staging, and updates that make your home shine.
Ramsey Solutions advises:
“Talk to your agent about fixes you’ll need to make to pass the home inspection, like plumbing issues, roof damage, or HVAC glitches. Taking care of these now helps your home sell faster.”
The right agent will help you determine which improvements are worth the investment to speed up the sale.
3. Offering Incentives
In a competitive market, incentives can be a great way to differentiate your home from others. Whether it’s offering to cover closing costs, including appliances, or even offering a home warranty, a savvy agent will know which concessions will appeal to buyers in your area and get your home sold quickly.
Bottom Line
Selling your home fast in today’s market requires a well-thought-out strategy and a deep understanding of buyer behavior. That’s why partnering with an experienced real estate agent is crucial.
As Forbes puts it:
“When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to take a chance on an inexperienced housing professional. Instead, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who knows your market and has helped sellers in your situation before.”
With the right agent by your side, you’ll have a competitive advantage, making sure your home sells faster—even in a challenging market.