If you’re ready to sell your home much faster than you would with the usual process, here are some tips to help ensure a quick sell:

1.       Improve the outside. Perhaps there are some dead plants in the yard, debris scattered out back, or maybe the grass needs watering and the house could stand a good pressure wash. Whatever the issue, take a long hard look at the outside of your home. Don’t be afraid to ask the opinions of family members, friends, and even your realtor. You’ll want to make sure everything looks nice, as this will be the first impression your home gives to a potential buyer.

2.       Identify and utilize your home’s selling point. Your home’s selling point is what makes it stand out from other homes on the market. If you’re unsure as to what that is, consider what made you want to buy it. If you still aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask your realtor. Maybe it has a spacious backyard, is in close proximity to good schools for your children to attend, it’s near a thriving downtown area, it has a walk-in closet, etc. Find what will make a buyer sold on the thought of living in your home and let that be the main focus of selling.

3.       Remove all personal items. It may seem distracting, or even strange, for potential buyers to visit your home with your personal belongings still in it. Rid all rooms of any personal items, including photos. This will make it easier for the buyer to imagine what it would be like to live there. Be sure the home is free of clutter and junk also, as this can create a bad image as well as a safety hazard.

4.       Prevent foul smells. This can be done by cleaning your drains and wash bins, allowing the proper amount of air flow and ventilation, using scented room sprays in the kitchen to mask cooking smells, cleaning the carpet, and removing old furniture (especially if you smoke indoors and the furniture has fabric). You may also brew coffee, which is an enjoyable smell to many. Some may wish to light candles, but keep in mind what may smell pleasant to you may not always be the same for others.

5.       Keep your offer reasonable. Your realtor can help you come up with a price that buyers cannot resist. You’ll need to be careful in selecting the price; if it’s too high, it will sit on the market for a lot longer than desired. If your house sits on the market for too long, potential buyers may notice and assume something is wrong with the home since it has yet to be sold.