Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

As you start planning your move, you might’ve seen that some properties sell almost immediately, while others stay on the market. So, what causes that? According to Redfin:

“. . . 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.”

That can leave you wondering what to expect when it’s your turn to sell. Let’s go over what’s happening and offer tips to help your home sell fast.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Before the Pandemic

First, understand that in many areas, the pace of home sales has slowed compared to the recent past. You may recall how quickly houses moved a few years ago, but that’s not quite the case anymore.

With more homes available, Realtor.com reports that listings are staying on the market a bit longer than they were before (see graph below):

But don’t let that ten-day increase compared to recent years worry you. Realtor.com puts it into context:

“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 even if your home takes slightly longer to sell this year, it’s still selling faster than the pre-pandemic average. Plus, that extra time can make it easier to secure your next home without added pressure.

Keep in mind, some homes sell quicker than others—and some take more time. Why is that? What sets the fast-selling ones apart?

It really comes down to your agent and strategy. Here’s what you need to focus on:

1. Price It Right

Homes often linger because they’re priced too high. Sellers sometimes aim high thinking they can reduce the price later, but that can turn away potential buyers.

What to do: Partner with an agent to get the price right from the start. They’ll review recent comparable sales in your area and help determine what today’s buyers are actually willing to pay. Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, advises:

“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

Curb appeal and presentation matter. A cluttered yard or chipped paint can deter buyers instantly.

What to do: Freshen up your landscaping, clean up outdoor areas, power wash paths, and add mulch. Inside, keep things tidy and neutral. Your agent can recommend easy updates to boost appeal.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

Poor visuals or bland listings won’t generate much interest. Professional marketing is essential.

What to do: Lean on your agent to provide:

• Sharp, high-quality images

• Clear descriptions that highlight what makes your home special

• Broad exposure through real estate sites and social media

4. The Location of the Home

The phrase “location, location, location” rings true—desirable areas naturally move faster.

What to do: While the location can’t be changed, your agent can showcase what makes your neighborhood great. That way, buyers can picture living there.

Bottom Line

The fastest-selling homes don’t always have the best features—but they do have the best agents and the smartest plans.

Thinking about selling? Let’s chat about how we can get your home sold fast and for top dollar.