15 Essential Tips to Sell Your House Fast

Quick Checklist to Sell Your House Faster

✔ Fix broken items and small repairs
✔ Remove clutter and personal items
✔ Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms
✔ Improve lighting throughout the house
✔ Add fresh flowers or simple decor
✔ Boost curb appeal with plants or landscaping

15 Tips to Sell Your House Quickly

Whether you wish to sell your house right away or are considering selling in the near future, here are some simple tips for a more successful sale.

1. Don’t start a remodel or new project. But do repair whatever is broken, big or small—especially potential hazards like decrepit cellar stairs or a roof that needs replacing (for example, if it contains asbestos). See tips on how to find a good roofer.
2. If you have any peeling paint, peeling wallpaper, or areas that need touch-ups, such as a stair banister, address these so it’s clear that the house has been well-maintained.
3. Make small rooms look bigger by putting excess furniture into storage, such as a corner desk. Another good trick is to add a mirror in the corner (where you might have put framed art).
4. Remember that many houses today are first seen online, so you must prioritize how the house will be photographed. Most house hunters observe the living room first, then the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Eliminate clutter from shelves, closets, and drawers. Buyers want to see your house, not your stuff. Go room by room and clear it out! Start selling whatever can be sold and donate the rest. There are many websites where you can post “free stuff” and have someone pick up your items.
6. Big closets in the master bedroom are a strong selling point. Make a positive impression with neat closet storage, good lighting, and clothes that are neatly hung or folded. If your closet is overflowing, remove some clothing so that it will appear more spacious.
7. Depersonalize rooms wherever possible. Those photos of Junior from kindergarten may be adorable, but stash them away when it’s time to show your house.
8. Remove any holiday decorations. No dried-out wreaths in March, please!
9. Dust, vacuum, and scrub every room, with extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Shine windows, polish fixtures, and wipe down surfaces so everything feels fresh and well cared for.
10. Don’t forget the exterior. Power-wash the patio, front porch, and house exterior if needed—you can rent a power-washer at any home improvement store. Also, fill and reseal driveway cracks if necessary.
11. Plant flowers. If gardening isn’t your thing, containers of blooming annuals add bright, easy color. Or display fresh-cut flower arrangements.
12. Let the light in! Buyers love bright spaces. Open curtains or shades, replace burned-out bulbs, add lamps, or increase wattage in fixtures to make dark rooms feel bigger.
13. Remove your pets during showings. A barking dog can be distracting, and scared animals may pose a safety risk to agents and buyers.
14. Make yourself and your family scarce. Buyers prefer to explore a home on their own. Trust your broker to handle the showing.
15. Promote pleasant smells. Bake a pie or bread on showing day, or light a subtly scented candle. Be sure to remove unpleasant odors, like those from a cat’s litter box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a house sell faster?

Homes sell faster when they are well-priced, clean, clutter-free, and professionally photographed. Bright lighting, neutral décor, and a welcoming exterior can also attract more buyers.

Does staging really help sell a house?

Yes, home staging can help buyers visualize living in the space. Removing personal items, rearranging furniture, and adding simple décor can make rooms appear larger and more appealing.

How important is curb appeal when selling a home?

Curb appeal is extremely important because it creates the first impression for buyers. A tidy yard, clean exterior, fresh flowers, and a well-maintained entryway can make the home more inviting.

Do smells affect home buyers?

Yes, odors can strongly influence buyers. Removing pet odors, cleaning thoroughly, and creating a fresh, pleasant scent—such as baking bread or lighting a subtle candle—can improve the home’s appeal.

Need home improvement tips? See our articles on How Much Do You Need: Wallpaper and How Much Paint Do I Need? And also find out how to repair a hole in the drywall.

Do you have any other suggestions on readying your house to sell? Please share your comments below!