Looking to sell your home quickly but feeling overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. Selling a home can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but trying to figure out how to sell your home fast can be a little tougher. While it may seem daunting, with the right tips and knowledge, it is possible. Whether you are relocating, facing some financial difficulties, or just ready to move on, here’s our guide to help you sell your home fast.
Key Takeaways
- A cash deal is often the fastest way to sell a house, since there is no buyer financing to delay closing
- Aggressive pricing and marketing may be the best way to attract qualified buyers in a traditional sale
- Understanding local market conditions and your goals can help you decide if you want to look for a cash offer or a traditional sale
What is the Fastest Way to Sell a House in Canada?
For those looking to sell a home quickly, there are two main options: selling to a cash buyer or real estate investor, or marketing aggressively as a traditional listing. Of course, selling your home fast is the primary goal, but in doing so, are you looking for immediate cash, or would you rather maximize your profit? Your goal will determine which option is best for your situation.
Option 1: Selling to a Cash Buyer or “We Buy Houses” Company
Selling to a “we buy houses” company is your best bet if you are looking for the fastest way to sell your house and want immediate cash, especially if you’re selling as-is. In this situation, a real estate investment company will assess your house, and if it’s a good fit, offer you a cash price. There are no fees, no agents, no extra wait time, and you don’t have to worry about any updates or fixing things up to sell.
Plus, since cash offers forgo mortgage underwriting and other contingencies, you can sell your home quickly and walk away with the cash in hand.
Pros:
- Can close within a couple of days
- No repairs or staging
- No additional costs or agents needed
Cons:
- Likely means accepting an offer lower than market value
Option 2: Pricing Aggressively with a Local Real Estate Agent
If you are looking to maximize your profit, a better approach to selling your home quickly is to work with an experienced real estate agent who can price your house strategically. In this case, your agent will likely price your home slightly below market value and list it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). The hope is that it will sell quickly, but by posting on MLS®, it will also garner more attention and potentially trigger a bidding war, leading to a quick sale and more money in your pocket.
Pros:
- Allows for maximum market exposure
- Bidding wars could net a higher sale price
Cons:
- Requires additional costs like agent commissions
- No guarantee your home will sell quickly
Why Is My House Not Selling? Common Reasons a Home Sits on the Market
The housing market has its ups and downs, and unfortunately, that is not something you can control. However, there are several factors you can control to keep your listing from appearing stale and help your home sell faster. Here are common reasons a home sits on the market and how to resolve them:
- The price doesn’t match current market conditions – The truth is, your home is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay. If you are looking for a quick sale, chances are you will have to go below market price. A real estate agent can help price your home based on current comparable sales
- Poor first impressions – Chances are, the first time people see your home will be online in photos, and if the photos are of poor quality or the home looks messy in photos (and in person), prospective buyers will struggle to see its potential
- Unaddressed maintenance – Most people don’t want to buy and move into something that looks like it needs a lot of work. Visible issues like a leaky roof, stained ceilings, outdated electrical, or a cracked foundation should be addressed before listing, since they can weaken buyer confidence
- Hyper-specific our outdated decor – The goal in selling a home is to appeal to the masses. Repainting and creating a neutral palette can help buyers see themselves in the space
- Inadequate marketing exposure – The best chance to sell your home quickly for the most money is to get as many eyes on it as possible. Working with real estate professionals who will list your home on the MLS® System is an easy way to reach interested buyers
Top 7 Strategies to Sell Your Home Fast
For those who choose to list their property publicly, here are our top strategies to sell your home fast.
1. Price It Right from Day One
Pricing is key if you want to sell your home quickly. To catch attention and maybe even trigger a bidding war, you could price your property a bit under market value.
Working with a real estate agent to accurately price your home is crucial if you want to sell quickly. Underpricing your home can lower the final sale price, while an overpriced home may sit on the market for too long, leading potential buyers to wonder if there is something wrong with it.
2. Maximize Curb Appeal and First Impressions
Appearance matters when it comes to selling your home, and a few easy, low-cost changes can really boost your property’s curb appeal. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint and tidy up the lawn and garden. If it’s winter, shovel the driveway and walkways.
3. Declutter, Depersonalize, and Stage
Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves and their belongings in the space, so keep things as neutral as possible by decluttering and removing personal items, such as family photos.
The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes spent 73% less time on the market than non-staged homes. Therefore, professional staging can be very beneficial and help speed up the selling process.
4. Sell As-Is or Make Repairs?
If you are selling to a cash buyer, then you can sell your home as-is. However, if you plan to list your home on the market, it might be worth making some upgrades and repairs, as most retail buyers prefer move-in-ready homes.
You should consider addressing any issues that may arise during a home inspection and could delay the deal or prompt buyer objections, such as roof or foundation problems, plumbing leaks, mould, or HVAC issues. Painting, enhancing curb appeal, and updating your kitchen and bathroom can go a long way toward adding value.
5. Invest in Professional Photography and Virtual Tours
The majority of Canadians search for homes online before visiting in person. If you want to attract buyers and sell quickly, high-quality professional photos and 3D walkthroughs are a must.
6. Marketing
Marketing your home is key if you want to sell fast. Moreover, working with a local real estate agent can help you reach as many buyers as possible. Your marketing strategy could include:
- A listing with benefit-led copy
- A first-week promotional campaign
- Running targeted ads to local buyer profiles
- Emailing top local buyer agents before launch
- List on the MLS® and national portals like Zolo
7. Be Flexible with Showings
Most people will want to see your home in person before they buy, so you need to make sure there is ample opportunity for them to do so. This means keeping your space “show-ready,” accommodating short-notice requests, and extending showing availability so more buyers can see your home. That flexibility matters even more in a buyer’s market or a slow market.
Bottom Line
When you want to sell your home as quickly as possible, the best strategy depends on your goal. If you’re searching for top-dollar in a tight time frame, an aggressive marketing and pricing strategy may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’d rather sell fast for cash, you can sell to a cash buyer or “we buy houses” company and close quickly.
A local Zolo real estate agent can help you sell your home fast by reaching millions of Canadian home searchers each month. Get a free property value estimate to see how much your home is worth before you list.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to sell a house in Canada?
The average length of time that a home is on the market in Canada varies depending on a variety of factors, including location, time of year, and price range. In Canada, traditional home sales often take 30 to 90+ days. However, a hot market may shorten that timeline, while a buyer’s market could extend it.
Can I sell my home fast without an agent?
It is possible to sell your home fast without a real estate agent through For Sale By Owner (FSBO) platforms or cash buyers. However, real estate agents often have access to a database of buyers who are ready to buy, which can sometimes speed up the selling process.
What fixes should I prioritize for a quick sale?
When you are trying to sell your home fast, you should prioritize fixing anything that could derail a sale, such as safety issues, roof damage, foundation cracks, or mould. Additionally, cosmetic fixes such as neutral paint and replacing outdated fixtures can help improve buyers’ impressions of your home.
Does selling a house fast mean I have to take a low offer?
Selling your home quickly does not necessarily mean taking a low offer. The final sale price of your home will depend on your pricing strategy, the local market, and your home’s condition.
What decreases property value the most?
Property values often decrease due to neglected maintenance, outdated fixtures, and low-quality renovations, among other issues. Additionally, your home’s location plays a major role in its value, and properties in undesirable locations decrease your property value.
What are common mistakes when selling?
Common mistakes when selling your home include overpricing, using low-quality listing photos, and failing to market it effectively.
