Even in a seller’s market, there are some listings that sit stagnant with few showings and no offers. Why? What makes these homes different? There are a number of reasons why some homes sell quickly while others sit on the market for months at a time. Let’s take a look at a few key factors that affect the length of time it takes for a home to sell.

Quality photos. First things first. In order to get prospective buyers to book showings, you have to reel them in with great photos. Listings with professional photos are statistically proven to sell faster and garner slightly more money.

Curb appeal. A recent Zillow study named curb appeal as the number one factor affecting the length of time a home is on the market. In fact, we’ve known buyers to take a look at the outside of a home and decide they’d rather not bother going through with the full showing.

Staging. “Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in,” says Barb Schwarz, founder of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. According to a 2011 study conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend 73% less time on the market than their unstaged counterparts.

The right price. Price is a huge factor in the amount of time a house spends on the market. One Zillow study showed that houses priced at or slightly below current market value were almost 50% more likely to sell within 60 days.

Move-in ready. A home in move-in condition will usually sell faster than a fixer upper. Specifically, homes said to be in “move-in condition” sell 12% faster.

Location. Obviously this isn’t something you can change if it works against you, but it is a huge advantage if you’re in a prime location. Homes in walkable neighborhoods, great school districts, and convenient locations tend to sell much faster than comparable homes in less desirable areas.

On-trend design. While it’s important to keep things neutral so buyers can have a blank slate, some design trends actually help a home sell faster. Farmhouse sinks, quartz counters, subway tiles, exposed brick, shaker cabinets, pendant lights, and stainless steel appliances are all current design features that are a plus to have on your side.

The best agent. An experienced agent who really knows their local market will help a home sell faster. Johnson & Wilson Real Estate agents are trained to price a home correctly and market it through all the right sources to find the perfect buyer for your home. Get in touch with us today for more advice on how to help your home sell quickly!