7 easy hacks to speed up the selling of your home, according to property experts

While the process of trying to sell your home can feel daunting, there are some simple yet highly effective hacks that can reel in buyers quickly.

Every seller wants to increase their chances of an offer to avoid having their home on the market for longer than expected, and while making big upgrades can improve your home's appeal, these can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, small details can make a significant difference. The key is to appeal to potential buyers when finding ways to sell a house fast.

We asked property experts what were the simple tricks that they have found make houses sell much quicker. These are the seven techniques and tweaks you can make to ensure selling your home is a smooth and speedy process.

Easy hacks to speed up the selling of your home

'Simple yet impactful, these easy home selling hacks create an environment where buyers can visualize themselves moving in immediately,' says Jim Gray, real estate professional and a performance coach at Agent Advice. 'With some strategic prep, you could be holding that sold sign before you know it!'

So before you resign yourself to playing the long listing game, try implementing a few of these tricks.

1. Depersonalize the space

'Personalizing can help make a house a home, but it’s important that potential buyers can envision your property as their own. To do this it's essential to avoid having too many personal possessions, such as family photos, around the home,' explains Gavin Powell, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes.

'Buyers will be keen to view a home as a blank canvas, which can be challenging when walls and shelves are covered in another family’s photos.'

2. Improve the curb appeal with small touches

First impressions are everything, so you've got to bring your A-game when it comes to curb appeal ideas. Potential buyers only get to see your home for a small window of time, and minor issues that might seem trivial could leave a lasting impression.

'The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make sure it looks inviting and well-maintained,' advises Adam Chahl, real estate agent at Place Real Estate.

'Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint on the front door, a well-mowed lawn, and well-maintained landscaping can go a long way in creating curb appeal,' he explains. 'You can also opt for simple and inexpensive upgrades like adding new house numbers, a welcoming doormat, or some potted plants to add charm and personality,'

Additionally, consider power wash siding and walkways to ensure they look fresh. These small updates can make a big difference in attracting buyers to your home.

3. Remove obstructions to make the space seem larger

When staging your home for potential buyers, it's important to remove any items that are not contributing to the overall appeal of the space. These items can draw attention away from your home's best features and make it feel cluttered and smaller than it actually is.

For instance, Gavin Powell says: 'A crowded driveway can make the property appear smaller than it is. Simply removing any obstructions such as cars can give the illusion of more space, which can be attractive to potential buyers.

'Coats and shoes can take up excess space and collect dust and dirt. Clearing these items away ensures that the hallway is clean and tidy, and feels larger.

'Ensure your outdoor space is also clear of any distractions such as laundry, as this creates a more inviting environment for viewers and allows them to focus on the important features and potential of the property.'

By tactically removing anything non-essential, you'll create distinct living spaces that showcase the home's spaciousness and flow.

4. Get quality photos

'In the digital age, stunning visuals are paramount. High-quality images can attract more online views and generate greater interest among prospective buyers,' explains Mehdi Khachani, CEO of JMK Property Management. 'Make sure your agent uses a professional photographer to capture your home's best features.'

Well-lit, clean photography with the correct angles that clearly and accurately showcase your property to get the most interest, likes, and appointments.

Mehdi Khachani

Mehdi Khachani is the founder and CEO of JMK Property Investment, a real estate company that offers investment, construction, brokerage, and property management services.

5. Have a flexible viewing schedule

'Accommodate potential buyers by offering flexible viewing hours,' recommends Mehdi Khachani. 'This increases the likelihood of attracting serious buyers who may have tight schedules.'

Allowing showings during evenings and weekends, even with short notice, can help to draw in more interested parties.

6. Maximize lighting

'Brilliant lighting can make even a small room feel huge. During showings, fling open those curtains to increase natural light in your home,' recommends Jim Gray. 'But don't stop there – incorporate ample lamps and even under-cabinet lighting to eliminate dark corners and show buyers how bright and airy the home can feel.'

You can find low-cost lighting tricks that could add value to your home instantly, that you can temporarily install to illuminate the best parts of your house for the showing. We recommend these rechargeable wireless strip lights, from Amazon. 

7. Invite potential buyers back for another viewing

'Buying a house is usually the biggest purchase that most people make, so there is every chance potential buyers will want to view the property more than once,' says David Wilson.

'Sometimes buyers can feel that they are taking your time, so at the end of the viewing, take the time to welcome them back for another viewing or send them a follow-up message.'

FAQs

What is something you must do if you want to sell your home quickly?

'The number one thing that delivers when it comes to selling your home at its highest value is staging a home professionally,' says Jared Blumberg, real estate salesperson at Compass.

'When someone looks at your property online you have only eight seconds to capture their attention before they move on to the next one. A well-staged home will make for incredible photos and show in its best possible light. 

'I have seen it time and time again where a home is on and off the market for months or years, a new real estate agent is hired who brings in a great home stager and then it is sold in a matter of weeks. 

'It may not be the cheapest option, but it without question is the most bang for your buck that is a near guarantee to get results.'

This technique helps potential buyers imagine how their life could be in this particular space, ultimately speeding up the decision-making process.

Jim Gray, real estate professional, advises that you should try to be as flexible and responsive as possible throughout the process: 'You never know when that perfect buyer is going to want to swing by, so accommodate showing requests whenever you can. Reply promptly to inquiries and queries to demonstrate your eagerness.' 

A motivated seller who makes the process easy can be a tiebreaker against other properties.