When you’re in the process of selling your home, it can be frustrating to watch your neighbor’s property sell before yours. You may start wondering, “What did they do differently?” While every home and situation is unique, there are a few key factors that could have helped your neighbor’s home stand out and sell quickly. Here’s a closer look at what they may have done differently — and how you can apply the same strategies to your own sale.
1. Pricing It Right from the Start
One of the most common reasons a home sells faster than others is proper pricing. If your neighbor’s home sold first, it’s likely that they priced it strategically. Pricing a home too high can scare away potential buyers, while pricing it too low can leave money on the table. A competitive price, based on market trends and comparable homes in the area, is key to attracting interest.
Your neighbor may have worked closely with their realtor to ensure the listing price was aligned with the current market conditions, which created more demand and possibly even multiple offers. If you’re not sure how to price your home correctly, consulting a local real estate professional can help you determine the best approach.
2. Staging the Home to Perfection
Homes that are staged tend to sell faster and for higher prices than those that aren’t. Your neighbor’s home may have been staged in a way that helped buyers envision themselves living there. Effective staging can make a home look more inviting, highlight its best features, and create a space that feels both comfortable and aspirational.
Consider arranging furniture to create open, airy spaces and add stylish decor touches that make the home feel warm and welcoming. If you’re unsure about staging, hiring a professional stager can ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.
3. High-Quality Photos and Virtual Tours
In today’s digital world, first impressions are often made online. If your neighbor’s home sold quickly, it could be because their listing featured high-quality photos and a virtual tour that allowed buyers to get a clear sense of the property from the comfort of their own home. Professional photography captures a home’s best angles, lighting, and features, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
If your listing photos are less than stellar or lacking altogether, it might be time to consider investing in professional photography. Virtual tours or video walkthroughs can also make a big difference, especially for buyers who may be relocating or those who want to get a closer look at the home before scheduling an in-person tour.
4. Making Small Improvements and Repairs
Your neighbor may have made strategic updates or repairs that increased the appeal of their home. Simple improvements like fresh paint, new light fixtures, or updated faucets can make a home feel more modern and well-maintained. Even small repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in walls, or replacing worn-out flooring, can go a long way in making a strong first impression.
If your home is in need of repairs or cosmetic upgrades, consider tackling these projects before listing. Buyers are more likely to pay top dollar for a home that feels move-in ready.
5. Curb Appeal and Landscaping
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, and it can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells. If your neighbor’s home had great curb appeal, it likely attracted more attention right from the start. A well-maintained lawn, fresh landscaping, and even simple touches like a freshly painted front door or a clean driveway can make a big impact on first impressions.
Take a good look at the exterior of your property and consider what improvements could enhance its curb appeal. A few simple changes, like planting flowers, trimming bushes, or adding outdoor lighting, can make your home more inviting and increase buyer interest.
6. Effective Marketing
Your neighbor’s home may have been marketed more effectively than yours. A good real estate agent will use a variety of strategies to get the word out about your listing, including social media, email campaigns, and open houses. If your neighbor’s home sold quickly, their agent may have gone above and beyond to ensure the listing reached the widest audience possible.
Make sure your home is being marketed in the right places, including online platforms, social media, and traditional real estate listings. Work with an agent who knows how to effectively promote your property to attract the right buyers.
7. Flexible Showing Times and Open Houses
Sometimes, the difference between a quick sale and a lingering listing can come down to how accessible your home is for showings. If your neighbor was more flexible with showing times or hosted an open house, they may have attracted more buyers who were able to see the home in person. Flexibility allows potential buyers to tour the home at their convenience, which could lead to a faster offer.
If possible, try to be flexible with showings and consider hosting an open house to increase foot traffic. The more people who see your home, the more likely you are to receive an offer.
8. Creating a Sense of Urgency
In some cases, your neighbor may have created a sense of urgency around their listing by pricing the home competitively, staging it beautifully, and getting it on the market quickly. This combination can create a situation where buyers feel they need to act fast before someone else snatches up the property.
If you’re in a competitive market, consider pricing your home slightly below market value to spark interest and generate multiple offers. This can create a bidding war that may lead to a faster sale.
9. Responding Quickly to Offers
Once offers start coming in, it’s important to respond quickly to potential buyers. If your neighbor’s home sold quickly, they may have been quick to accept an offer or negotiate terms, speeding up the closing process. In today’s market, time is often of the essence, and making quick decisions can help keep buyers engaged.
Be ready to act when you receive an offer. Consider how quickly you can respond and whether there’s any flexibility in your terms to make the deal more attractive to buyers.
In a competitive market, selling your home quickly often requires more than just putting a sign in the yard. If your neighbor’s home sold first, they may have used a combination of pricing strategies, home improvements, and effective marketing tactics to make the property stand out. By paying attention to these details, you can increase your chances of a quick sale and ensure your home gets the attention it deserves.
