Key Insights
- Selling your home to a cash buyer or iBuyer is typically the quickest and most hassle-free method.
- An experienced local real estate agent can help market and position your home for a fast sale as well.
- Quick sales often come at the expense of higher profits — speed usually means settling for less money.
- Traditional home sales involve multiple stages — marketing, showings, offers, and closing — which can stretch the process out over months.
If you’re eager to sell, the wait can be frustrating. Whether you’re relocating for work, facing a divorce, or simply ready for a change, there are ways to accelerate the process. Below is a complete breakdown of how to sell your home fast — and whether doing so is the right choice for your situation.
Why You Might Need a Fast Sale
Selling quickly isn’t always about convenience. Common reasons include:
- You’ve inherited property you don’t wish to keep
- You’re going through a divorce
- You’re relocating for a new job
- Your home requires repairs you can’t afford
- You need cash urgently
When Selling Fast Isn’t Ideal
There are times when speeding up the sale may not be wise:
- Selling soon after purchase may trigger capital gains taxes
- A weak market may prevent you from recouping your investment
- If your mortgage balance exceeds the home’s value (being “underwater”), a fast sale likely won’t help
How to Sell Quickly and Still Earn a Good Return
If time is a factor but you don’t want to leave too much money on the table, here are your best options:
🔹 Cash Homebuyers
Best for: Sellers needing fast cash with minimal effort
Typical timeline: Several days to a few weeks
✅ Pros:
- Very quick closing
- No repairs or cleaning required
❌ Cons:
- Lower offers
- Offers are usually non-negotiable
Cash homebuying companies purchase homes in their current condition, often to flip or rent out. This route eliminates repairs, inspections, and commissions — the trade-off is a significantly reduced price. If speed and simplicity are your priorities, this option may work well.
🔹 iBuyers
Best for: Sellers who want speed with digital convenience
Typical timeline: Offers within 24 hours; closing in 1–3 weeks
✅ Pros:
- Fast offer turnaround
- Streamlined process
❌ Cons:
- Service fees can be steep
- Limited availability and property requirements
iBuyers operate online and use automated tools to assess value and make offers. They provide convenience, but homes must meet certain criteria, and the fees can reduce your profit. Opendoor remains one of the few major players still active in this space.
🔹 Local Real Estate Agents
Best for: Maximizing profit
Typical timeline: Varies significantly by region
✅ Pros:
- Higher selling price
- Tailored support through every step
❌ Cons:
- Longer sale process
- Commission costs
Working with a qualified agent often brings the best returns. According to April 2025 data from the National Association of Realtors, homes typically spend around 29 days on the market. A seasoned agent knows how to price, market, and negotiate effectively — all while guiding you through a smoother closing. If time is critical, be upfront with your agent so they can adapt their strategy.
Additional Tips for Selling Fast
Whether you’re working with an agent or going solo, these tactics can help accelerate your home sale:
💲 Price Strategically
Listing slightly under market value can attract more attention, often sparking bidding wars that push the price up.
🛠️ Offer Buyer Incentives
Offering to cover part of the buyer’s closing costs or giving a repair credit can make your listing more attractive.
🔧 Tackle Minor Repairs
Even small touch-ups — like fixing leaky faucets or replacing outdated light fixtures — can increase your home’s appeal.
🏠 Get a Pre-Listing Inspection
Identifying potential issues ahead of time allows you to fix them or prepare buyers for what to expect.
🖥️ Use 3D Tours and Floor Plans
Virtual tours can capture buyers’ interest before they ever step inside — especially in today’s digital-first world.
🌼 Enhance Curb Appeal
A neat lawn, clean walkway, and inviting entryway set the tone. Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions.
🛋️ Stage Your Home
Neutral paint, minimal clutter, and furniture arrangement help potential buyers picture themselves living there — boosting your chances of a quick, high-quality offer.
Next Steps
If getting top dollar is your main objective, focus on finding a skilled real estate agent with a proven record of fast sales. Ask for references and average days on market. But if speed is your number-one priority, explore local cash-buying companies — you may be surprised at how many operate in your area.
15 Secrets to Selling Your Home Faster
Choose the Right Home Selling Strategy
Before listing your property, it’s crucial to determine the selling method that suits your goals. If you’re confident in marketing and negotiation, going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route might work, though it may not deliver a quick sale or top dollar. If you’d rather focus on other matters, partnering with a real estate agent may be more efficient.
In a rush to sell? Consider reaching out to an iBuyer, a tech-driven company that often finalizes transactions much quicker than traditional buyers. Once you’ve selected a method, stick to it—frequent changes can confuse or discourage potential buyers.
Work With a Skilled Real Estate Agent
If you’re listing your home on the open market rather than working with an iBuyer, hiring a knowledgeable agent is vital. During interviews, assess each agent’s track record and familiarity with your local area.
“Much of the home preparation process comes down to experience,” says Alec Cantley, a real estate professional with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Asheville, NC.
Thoroughly Clean Your Home
A clean house is essential when attracting buyers. If needed, hire a professional cleaning service to deep-clean every corner. “Your home should be spotless at all times during the listing period,” says Ellen Cohen, an associate broker with Compass in NYC.
Pay special attention to:
- Kitchen surfaces, appliances, and cabinets
- Flooring and baseboards
- Bathrooms, including sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Windows (inside and out)
- Closets, garage, and basement
- Scuffed walls and doors
Make It Neutral and Inviting
Buyers should be able to picture themselves living in your space. Remove personal items like family photos, kids’ artwork, or any politically/religiously themed décor. Replace with neutral artwork or keep the walls bare.
Collections and personal memorabilia should also be tucked away to avoid distracting buyers from the home’s features.
Maximize Natural Light
A bright space always feels more inviting. Open all curtains and blinds before showings, and turn on lights in dim areas. Clean windows will further enhance brightness. “Clean windows can make a massive difference,” says Benjamin Dixon of Douglas Elliman in NYC.
Declutter and Remove Bulky Furniture
Large or excess furniture can make rooms appear smaller. Rent a storage unit if needed and adopt a minimalist approach—clear surfaces, remove most personal items, and tidy closets to highlight available storage space.
Consider Professional Staging
Even if you have great taste, professionally staging your home can help potential buyers see the home’s full potential. Heather Hobrock of Premier Sotheby’s recalls restaging a property that had struggled to sell for years. After updating it with simple, neutral décor, it quickly received multiple offers and sold over asking.
Hire a Professional Photographer
According to NAR’s 2024 data, most buyers begin their home search online. High-quality photography is a must. Aim for 30+ clear, well-lit images showcasing both the interior and exterior. Include floor plans and virtual walk-throughs where possible.
Offer a 3D Virtual Tour
Since the pandemic, 3D home tours have become standard. These allow potential buyers to view a home in detail without visiting in person. “Buyers now make decisions without stepping foot inside,” notes Cantley. Ensure your home is spotless before filming—the camera sees everything.
Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Update your entryway with a fresh coat of paint on the front door, new house numbers, and tidy landscaping. Remove dead foliage, power wash paths, and keep outdoor lighting on in case of evening drive-bys.
Make the Entryway Stand Out
The foyer should be inviting and uncluttered. “Buyers often decide how they feel about a house within moments of entering,” says Hobrock. If your renovation budget is limited, focus on high-visibility areas first.
Repaint in Light, Neutral Colors
Fresh paint can transform a space. Replace bold or dated colors with soft neutrals like gray, beige, cream, or white—popular in modern home design. Avoid wallpaper or accent walls that might turn off buyers.
Update Outdated Features
Small upgrades can have a big impact. Replacing cabinet hardware, updating light fixtures, or swapping outdated countertops can all boost appeal. Even minor investments can yield a significant return at closing.
Be Flexible With Showings
Buyers often want to tour homes on evenings or weekends—and quickly after spotting a listing online. If your schedule is too rigid, you may miss out. Try to accommodate showings with short notice and step out of the house when they occur.
Price Your Home Accurately
Setting a fair market price from the start is critical. Overpricing can deter interest and prolong the sale, even if you later reduce the price. “No amount of good presentation can overcome a listing that’s simply priced too high,” warns Dixon.