Foolproof Methods for Selling a House Fast in San Diego, or Anywhere in the U.S.

In life, we never know when the chaotic flurry of deadlines and responsibilities can pile up and quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’ve lost a job, need to relocate for a new one, or maybe there was a loss in the family…life’s events aren’t always in sync with OUR plans or timelines. If you find yourself in a situation that demands a big change, and that change requires you to sell a house fast, then you may be feeling quite stressed at the moment. As if selling a home wasn’t stressful enough on its own, sometimes the whirlwind of life can make it downright daunting. But, don’t panic. There are surefire, proven ways to get your home sold faster that may help you. Whether you choose to list the home or sell it to a buyer, there are tips and tricks that can help your home sell faster so that you can move on to what’s next.

Be realistic and begin with a good price:

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not pricing their homes right. While there are many things that go into pricing a home (comparable homes in the neighborhood, its condition, its position on the street, location, time of year, etc.), consider a more conservative list price to encourage multiple offers. We all want the most money we can get for our homes, but listing them at a high price point, is not the way to achieve that goal. Some would even recommend listing below market value to elicit extra attention and guaranteed offers.

Include a deadline in your ads:

If your home is listed on the market, you can include a deadline for offers. A deadline will show that you are a serious seller, and want to move quickly. For some buyers who fear missing out on the opportunity, this will encourage them to act and submit an offer sooner than they may have otherwise. We wouldn’t recommend announcing why you’re on a deadline, but it is a great idea to market your deadline IN your marketing and on your listing.

Selling your house to a cash buyer:

Selling your home to a buyer who can pay cash, or a flipper as some say is the fastest way to sell a home. These buyers (like us) can close very quickly, even as soon as a week. Plus, you don’t have to carry the burden of costly repairs or prepping the home to sell. All in all, there is no arguing in the industry that if you want a property off of your plate, selling to a cash buyer is the fastest way to do so.

Offer special incentives:

Who says you can’t get creative in marketing your home? Think about if you were a buyer looking to purchase a home, what kinds of incentives would sweeten the deal? Maybe a flat-screen TV? Or a new Tempur-Pedic mattress? Maybe a Jacuzzi included in the backyard? Consider what things you may have access to, or own, that you can include when offering your home to buyers. Incentives can even be offered to help motivate your broker. Want to be sure they take special care of your listing and do everything in their power to sell it? Offer them a spa getaway weekend in addition to their commissions.

Selling to a developer:

While this may be a method that is less frequently used, it could work for some. Like a cash home buyer, developers have access to capital and can usually close a transaction really quickly. But, this is typically most beneficial for homeowners who own a great chunk of land (in a desirable location or urban area where land is scarce) and the home itself is very old and dated. In this case, the developer would buy the land, tear down the old home, and develop something brand new.

Spread the word:

If you’re really that eager to sell fast, don’t rely on your real estate agent to do all of the marketing. Beginning by sharing your plans with your neighbors is a great place to start, as they may know someone who is interested. If you’re eager and want to move quickly, the word can travel fast to those willing to strike a deal. Plus, selling to a neighbor or someone that isn’t a complete stranger can speed up the complete home selling process.

If you list, be flexible:

The best way to help your real estate agent get your home sold fast is to be flexible as can be. For example, if your agent wants to show the home on a Monday night, do it. If your agent wants to host open houses during the week and it means you need to keep things spic and span every day, do it. The more eyes and feet you can get on and in your property, the more likely you are to sell fast.

Make your home look its best:

One of the best ways to ensure your home sells fast on the open market is to ensure it looks its best. And this includes in-person AND on the web. Most folks will begin their home hunt online, so be sure that the home’s photos look enticing and are professionally edited. Another added step you can take to ensure your home shows well is to hire a professional stager. While this is an added expense, it can mean way better results. We’re not saying your interior design skills are lacking, but they may be too personal or not current with market trends. A stager can provide a vision that buyers can emotionally connect to.

The Clock is Ticking: Which Route Will You Take to Sell Fast?

Whether you decide to list on the market (assuming your time crunch isn’t TOO threatening), you will need to make sure you’re hiring a proven Realtor in your area. Start by doing your research, asking for referrals, checking to see how many listings the agent has sold and how fast, and structure your agreement with the agent around your deadlines. If for some reason the agent is not holding up their end of the bargain and your home isn’t selling as quickly as you’d like, you don’t want to be stuck in a contract.

If you are in an extra big hurry and don’t have time to ready your home to sell traditionally, then selling direct to a cash buyer, or developer, as mentioned above, is definitely your safest bet. But, we still recommend taking necessary precautions as you would do with hiring an agent. Is the cash buyer legitimate? Do they have a proven track record and good reviews? Can you trust them to do what they say? Can they really pay cash as they promise? Verify all of these things before accepting any offers from a local flipper.