5 tips to sell your house quickly
5 September 2023 - Insights

5 tips to sell your house quickly

Finding a suitable buyer for your house may be a challenge on its own, and trying to speed up the process can add to the complexity. The great news is that there are strategies available that can significantly improve the chances of quickly selling your property.

Often, we may find ourselves in a situation where we need to sell a house quickly, whether it’s to finalize the purchase of another property or simply for personal and family reasons. We post an online advertisement and wait with hopeful anticipation, but as time goes by, weeks and months slip away without any promising offers on the horizon.

This scenario is incredibly common. While it's undeniable that luck plays a role in the success of a sale, there are strategies that, when used effectively, can ensure the property receives the attention it deserves in the market, rapidly attracting buyers. These strategies prove to be particularly useful during periods of sluggish real estate transactions, much like the present situation.

#1 Check the documents

Before listing your house for sale, it's essential to ensure that you have access to all the necessary documents. This initial step is particularly important as it contributes to ensuring a smooth and quick selling process.

These documents primarily comprise certificates that officially verify specific information about the property and its ownership. The key ones include:

  • - The Deed of Ownership, which certifies the rightful ownership of the house.
  • - The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which provides insights into the property's energy performance, specifying its energy class.
  • - The Cadastral Plan, which provides metric data and details about the property within a defined area, including accurate boundaries and any potential third-party rights or encumbrances affecting the property.
  • - The Urban Compliance Certificate, which ensures that the house adheres to local urban planning regulations.
  • - The Mortgage Certificate, which confirms the absence of any liabilities on the property that could impact the transaction.
  • - The Certificate of Occupancy, which validates the property's adherence to current occupancy regulations.
  • - The Systems Compliance Certificate, which verifies that the systems installed in the house (plumbing, electrical, heating, etc.) meet the current technical and safety standards.
  • - If the property is an apartment, a copy of the condominium regulations and a statement of the condominium expenses balance will be required as well. If the apartment is rented, the lease agreement will also need to be presented.

#2 Prepare the house for the market

To sell your house quickly, it's crucial to showcase the property in the best possible condition, like a place ready to be comfortably inhabited. . Presenting a well-maintained house is a powerful tool to attract potential buyers, who tend to invest more in a property that looks its best.

For this purpose, it's essential to contemplate strategic enhancements that elevate the property's overall appeal. Nothing too demanding, but rather targeted maintenance to increase the property’s value in the eyes of prospective buyers. Small adjustments like a fresh coat of paint to enliven walls, polishing wooden floors, or tending to the garden can help create a more appealing image of the property. Those who can might also consider eco-friendly upgrades, such as replacing outdated fixtures or incorporating renewable energy systems. It's worth noting that green homes have demonstrated shorter time-to-sale.

Moreover, it's wise to proactively address any potential issues that might surface during the final stages of the closing, including plumbing problems or electrical anomalies. While these interventions necessitate a modest investment, the value they add – both in terms of speed and final selling price will outweigh the costs involved. Simultaneously, such actions will provide reassurance to potential buyers regarding the property's overall quality and condition.

#3 Enhance interiors with home staging

Making a good first impression is essential, and this is precisely where the art of home staging comes into play. This practice of real estate marketing employs specific design and presentation strategies with the aim of maximizing the appeal of the various spaces, highlighting the potential of each environment, while diverting attention from any minor imperfections that may exist.

Through home staging, spaces are strategically organized, creating visual narratives that vividly portray the lifestyle they could offer. This empowers potential buyers to tangibly envisage how the property seamlessly aligns with their own way of life.

Home staging, too, represents an astute investment that brings significant benefits. A thoughtfully curated aesthetic not only sets the property apart but also significantly enhances its perceived value, thus expediting the sales process.

#4 Use only high-quality photos and videos

The involvement of a professional home staging expert can work wonders in elevating the visual appeal of your property. This, in turn, makes it easier to create alluring images perfect for advertisements and marketing initiatives. Visual marketing represents without a doubt one of the most effective strategies for selling a house quickly.

Photographs taken under optimal lighting conditions have the ability to increase the perceived value of the property and contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere within the living spaces. Moreover, leveraging video tours of the house and utilizing drone footage stand as potent mechanisms to grab the attention of prospective buyers, offering them a distinctive outlook on the property.

Beyond the emotional impact generated by high-quality photos and videos, multiple studies have shown how their use can substantially reduce the selling time by up to 50% - and even lead to more competitive offers!

#5 Set a realistic and competitive price

The selling price of your house can significantly influence the speed and success of the transaction. If the price is set too high, it might scare off potential buyers, leading to prolonged selling times. It is therefore essential to involve a professional who can accurately determine the property's correct market value, considering factors such as size, location, features, and property condition.

Furthermore, a realistic and competitive price opens the door to negotiation. This strategic approach could expedite the selling process and, paradoxically, allow for closing at a higher price point.