Life can throw curveballs.
Maybe you’ve landed your dream job on the other side of the country, or your financial situation has changed, and your current mortgage is no longer sustainable.
Perhaps you’re going through a tough divorce or inherited a property you can’t maintain. Whatever the reason, when you need to sell your house fast, the traditional real estate process feels like quicksand – slow, stressful, and expensive.
The average home in the US sits on the market for 44 days before selling. Add another 30-45 days for closing and you’re looking at over 3 months of uncertainty. For many homeowners in a hurry, this is just not an option.
Mortgage payments, keeping the property looking like a show home, and your life in limbo is overwhelming.
But what if you could sell your home in days or weeks instead of months? What if you could skip the repairs, endless showings, and nail-biting negotiations? Selling to cash home buyers in Michigan offers a fast and hassle-free sales process, with fair offers and the ability to sell houses in any condition.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to sell your house fast so you can navigate this difficult situation with less stress – and a faster sale!
Want to learn why Michigan homeowners are selling their homes faster with Speedy Home Buyers? Download our free guide to the pros and cons of selling to a local home buyer!
Why sell fast?
Speed in real estate transactions is not unusual. Many homeowners find themselves in situations where they need to sell their house fast:
- Job relocation
- Financial distress or foreclosure looming
- Divorce or family changes
- Inherited property
- Health issues that require a move
Whether the market is hot or not, speed can be an advantage and a challenge. That’s why you need a plan before you go to market. With the right plan, you can sell your house fast and for top dollar.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Fast Sale
When time is of the essence, focus on high-impact tasks that won’t cost an arm and a leg or take weeks to do:
Fresh paint, fixing minor issues, and decluttering can make a significant difference. These preparations can help attract buyers, making your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Remove personal items and excess furniture: This helps buyers see themselves in the space. Pack away family photos, personal collections, and any furniture that makes rooms feel small. The goal is to create a blank slate for buyers to imagine themselves.
Clear out closets and storage areas to show space: Overcrowded closets give the impression of not having enough storage. To make these areas look bigger, aim to remove at least 30% of your belongings.
Create a blank canvas for buyers to imagine themselves: Deep clean every room, including carpets and windows. Consider painting bold-colored walls in neutral colors to appeal to more buyers.
Quick Fixes
Fresh paint in neutral colors is magic: A new coat of paint is one of the cheapest ways to freshen up your home. Stick to light, neutral colors like beige, grey, or white to create a bright and airy feel.
Fix the obvious stuff like leaky faucets or squeaky doors: Small things can be deal-breakers for buyers. Fix any minor repairs that look like neglect. This includes fixing dripping faucets, tightening loose doorknobs and replacing burnt out light bulbs.
Tidy up the curb appeal with some quick landscaping: First impressions count. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and add some potted plants near the front door. A good exterior sets the tone for the whole viewing. These quick fixes can make the home more appealing to those looking to buy houses quickly.
Staging
Move furniture to open up space and flow: Create clear paths through each room and arrange furniture to show off the room’s best features. For example in the living room, create a conversation area to show off the fireplace or big window.
Use lighting to create warmth: Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light. In darker areas, add lamps or update light fixtures to brighten the space. Soft warm lighting makes a home feel warm and welcoming.
Rent a few key pieces to boost your home’s style: If your furniture is old or doesn’t fit the space, consider renting a few statement pieces. A modern sofa, stylish dining table or elegant bedroom furniture can make a big difference.
Remember, the goal is to present a home that’s move-in ready and appealing to all buyers. These tips will help buyers see themselves in your space and sell fast.
Pricing for a Fast Sale
Pricing is the most critical factor in selling your home fast. An overpriced home will sit on the market, while an underpriced one will raise flags or leave money on the table. It is crucial to price your home based on its market value to attract serious buyers and ensure a fair transaction.
Research Comps
Look at recent sales of similar homes in your area: Focus on homes sold in the last 3-6 months. Look at properties with similar square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and overall condition.
Consider size, condition and location: Adjust your comps based on these factors. For example if your home has a newly renovated kitchen and the comps don’t then you might be able to price slightly higher.
Look at how long these homes were on the market: This will give you an idea of the local market conditions. If homes are selling fast, you can price more aggressively.
Price a Little Lower
Pricing below market can attract more buyers and potentially get multiple offers: For example if the comps are selling for $300,000 pricing at $295,000 will get more interest. This will create a sense of urgency in buyers.
Be ready to sell at your asking price: If you price right be prepared to move fast. Have your next steps planned out if you get a full price offer immediately.
Be Flexible
If time is of the essence, be open to negotiation: Decide in advance how low you’re willing to go. This will help you respond quickly to offers and keep buyers engaged.
Consider offers below your asking price if they offer a quick and hassle free close: Sometimes a lower offer with a quick close can be more beneficial than holding out for a higher price if you need to sell fast.
Remember, in a fast sale scenario, the goal is to find the sweet spot where speed meets your circumstances.
Marketing Your Home
Even in a rush, effective marketing can make a big difference in your sale speed:
Professional Photography
- High quality photos will make your listing stand out online: Most buyers start their search online. Professional photos that show off your home’s best features will increase click through rates on listings.
- Consider virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs for extra appeal: These have become very popular especially for out of town buyers. They allow potential buyers to get a feel for the layout and flow of your home without an in person visit which can speed up the sale process.
Leverage Online Listings
- Make sure your home is listed on major real estate websites: Sites like Zillow, Realtor.com and local MLS listings are key. Make sure your listing is complete with all the details about your home’s features and recent updates.
- Use social media to promote your listing: Share your listing on Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor. Ask friends and family to share as well to expand your reach.
Networking
- Tell friends, family and colleagues about your home sale: Personal connections can be powerful. Someone in your network might know someone looking for a home just like yours.
- Consider reaching out to local real estate investor groups: These groups have members looking to buy properties quickly. They may be willing to make cash offers, which can speed up the sale process.
By using these strategies, you’ll cast a broad net to get buyers in quickly. Remember the more exposure your home gets, the higher the chances of finding a buyer ready to move fast. Working with an experienced agent can also provide effective marketing strategies and a free comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the best listing price.
What’s the Right Selling Method?
When speed is key it’s important to choose the selling method that fits your goals. Here are the options:
Traditional Real Estate Agents
Pros:
- Access to a large pool of buyers
- Will handle the paperwork and negotiations for you
- Marketing expertise and resources
Cons:
- Commission fees (5-6% of sale price)
- Can still take several weeks or months
- Less control over the sale
For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Pros:
- No agent commission fees
- Total control over the sale
- Direct to buyer communication
Cons:
- Time consuming and stressful
- Limited marketing reach
- Responsible for all paperwork and legalities
Cash Buyers or Real Estate Investors
Pros:
- Fast close (often within days)
- As-is sales (no repairs or staging)
- No financing contingencies
Cons:
- Limited negotiating power
Need To Sell Fast? Speedy Sale Home Buyers Can Help
When time is critical, and you need a quick and reliable solution to sell your home, Speedy Sale Home Buyers is your go-to partner. Speedy Sale Home Buyers can provide a cash offer.
When you sell your house to Speedy Sale Home Buyers, you do not have to pay any closing costs. We also provide a fair cash offer, ensuring you receive a reasonable and immediate cash offer based on your property’s market value.
Speed and Simplicity
- We can close deals in day, not months
- Our process eliminates many of the time-consuming steps in traditional home sales
As-Is Purchases with Cash Offers
- Sell your home as-is – no repairs or staging needed
- Avoid the uncertainty of traditional sales with our cash offers
Local Knowledge and Personalized Approach
- As a Michigan family-owned business we know the local market
- Our team works with you to find a solution that fits your needs and timeline
Transparent and Stress Free
- We pride ourselves on our core values of integrity and honesty
- We handle all the paperwork and logistics, so it’s a hassle free sale
At Speedy Sale Home Buyers, we’re not just buying houses – we’re solving problems for homeowners in tough situations. Whether you’re facing foreclosure, inherited a property, or just need to move fast for a new job, we can help.