How to Sell a House Fast in a Slow Market: 20 Tips That Work

The sale of a home is often attached to big life changes stamped with a deadline. Even in an active housing market, timing your sale can be challenging. In this post, we share 20 tips used by top real estate agents to show you how to sell a house fast in a slow market.

1. Hire a top agent with proven speed results

A seasoned real estate agent knows the tactics that work in slow markets. Look for an agent with a solid record of quick home sales and a plan to position your home competitively. A skilled agent will optimize your listing, price, and promotion strategy to attract buyers fast, leveraging their network and marketing tools to get your property in front of motivated buyers.

2. Price your home to sell

When selling fast is the goal, selecting the right listing price is critical, especially in a slow market. Your home’s price tag should aligned with recent comparable sales and create urgency among buyers who recognize a well-priced opportunity. Ask your agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA) to understand what similar homes have recently sold for in your area. If you’re curious about what your home might be worth now, try HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator.

3. Strategically time your listing

While a slow market may not offer perfect timing, certain months or even days of the week can yield higher visibility. Thursday listing starts or the beginning of the month often see more buyer interest. Consult with your agent to determine the optimal listing time based on local market data and trends. They’ll know how to capture the attention of active buyers when they’re most engaged. To see what works best in your city, check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator.

4. Anticipate buyer negotiation requests

In slower markets, buyers may feel more empowered to negotiate. By anticipating common negotiation points, such as needed repairs or closing costs, you can stay prepared. Planning for these requests upfront shows you’re open to working with buyers, creating a smoother and faster process toward an agreement. A top agent will know the best tactics for buyers in your market.

5. Be realistic about negotiations

Negotiations may feel like a back-and-forth, but being realistic and prepared to compromise can lead to a faster sale. If you have a pending offer, avoid fixating on an initial price or specific terms. Instead, approach negotiations with flexibility, understanding that adjustments can lead to a successful sale without extended delays.

6. Get a pre-listing inspection

A pre-listing inspection can speed up the selling process by identifying issues that might deter buyers or lead to extended negotiations. By tackling any repairs or adjustments before listing, you’ll present buyers with a more solid property that stands out in a slow market. Sharing the inspection report shows transparency, which can foster trust and may even reduce buyer requests for further inspections. However, ask your agent about local seller disclosure requirements before ordering a pre-listing inspection.

7. Make your home move-in ready

Homes that appear ready for immediate occupancy appeal more to buyers looking for a quick close. Address any maintenance tasks, from fixing leaky faucets to touching up chipped paint, to give buyers a sense that the property is well cared for. A move-in-ready home reduces buyer concerns about post-purchase expenses, increasing the likelihood of a faster sale. An experienced agent will know what to fix and what not to fix.

8. Declutter and depersonalize your home

Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, and clutter or personal items can make this difficult. Remove excess items, personal photos, and bold decor choices. Aim for a clean, neutral look that lets buyers mentally place their furniture and style in each room. A more neutral environment often increases buyer engagement and can lead to quicker decisions.

9. Clean and stage your home

A clean, staged home gives buyers a welcoming first impression. Professional staging can highlight your home’s best features, from spaciousness to natural lighting, creating an inviting environment. Even if professional staging isn’t feasible, deep cleaning and simple touches like fresh flowers or coordinated linens can make a big difference in helping buyers picture themselves in the space. You’ll find a handy home-prep checklist at this link.

10. Include superb photos and a walk-through video

Today’s buyers rely heavily on visual listings. Excellent photos and videos are crucial. Invest in high-quality photography that captures your home’s best angles, as well as a walkthrough or drone video to showcase your home’s layout and outdoor spaces. Top agents will ensure you have a visually engaging listing that stands out. Magnetic photos and videos will draw more interest and lead to faster offers, especially in a slower market.