9 Best Tips on How to Sell a House Fast in a Slow Market

Selling a house can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when the market is slow. Fewer buyers, longer listing times, and price drops can make it frustrating. But don’t worry, you can sell your home quickly, even in a slow market. You just need the right strategy.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to speed up the sale of your home in a slow market. Let’s get into it!

1. Price It Right from the Start

In a slow market, overpricing is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. If your price is too high, your home will sit on the market while other, more competitively priced homes sell first. Here’s how to price it effectively:

• Research Comparable Sales: Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood to get a realistic price range.
• Use a Professional Appraisal: A licensed appraiser can give you an accurate valuation based on the current market.
• Price Slightly Below Market Value: This can generate more interest and create a sense of urgency among buyers.

Bonus Tip: If your home has been on the market for a while with little interest, consider adjusting the price. Even a small reduction can make a big difference.

2. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression. Real estate is no different. You could have the most amazing house on the market, but if it looks like a haunted house on the outside, nobody will step inside.

Simple Ways to Improve Curb Appeal:

• Freshen up landscaping with new mulch, flowers, and trimmed bushes.
• Power wash the driveway and walkway.
• Repaint the front door and add a welcoming doormat.
• Ensure the house number is visible and stylish.
• Clean or replace outdoor lighting fixtures.

Example: A home in Calgary sold in just two weeks after the owner invested $500 in curb appeal updates, including repainting the door and adding potted plants.

3. Stage Your Home to Attract Buyers

Home staging can make a massive difference in how buyers perceive your space. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more money. Buyers want to see what their home will look like, now what yours looks like.

Staging Tips:

• Declutter: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes the space feel crowded.
• Depersonalize: Take down family photos and personal decorations to help buyers envision themselves in the space.
• Maximize Light: Open curtains, add bright lamps, and use light-colored decor to make rooms feel bigger and more inviting.

Bonus Tip: Rearranging furniture to create better flow can make rooms feel more spacious and functional.

4. Market Like a Pro

A slow market means you need to go the extra mile to make sure buyers see your home. If nobody knows your house is for sale, nobody can buy it. You must make it visible to buyers, here’s how:

Professional Photography & Virtual Tours

Listings with high-quality photos and virtual tours attract more buyers. If possible, hire a professional photographer or use a high-resolution camera.

List Your Home Everywhere

• Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and MLS
• Facebook Marketplace & local real estate groups
• Instagram and TikTok (yes, buyers are there too!)

Highlight Unique Selling Points

What makes your house more unique than others? Does your home have a large backyard? A finished basement? Smart home features? Emphasize these differences in your listing to stand out.

Traditional Methods

• Advertising on social media and google
• Direct mail to leads
• Lawn signs

5. Offer Buyer Incentives

Sometimes, giving buyers a little extra incentive can push them toward making an offer. Consider:

• Covering closing costs
• Offering a home warranty
• Providing flexible move-in dates
• Include appliances or furniture
• Offer temporary interest rate buydowns

Example: A seller in Edmonton included a $2,000 closing cost credit in their listing and got three offers in a week!

6. Timing Matters: List at the Right Moment

 

Did you know that listing your home on a Thursday can result in a faster sale? Studies show that homes listed mid-week get more engagement over the weekend when buyers are actively searching.

Additionally, spring and early summer tend to be the best times to sell, while winter months can be slower. However, with the right strategy, you can sell in any season!

If you’re selling in a slower season, consider adjusting your approach:

• Highlight Winter Perks – If selling in winter, emphasize cozy features like a fireplace, energy-efficient heating, or nearby holiday attractions.
• Capitalize on Summer Appeal – In warmer months, showcase outdoor spaces, pools, and nearby parks.
• Adjust Pricing for Market Conditions – If demand is low, a competitive price can attract serious buyers faster.

Resource: Find out the best time to sell based on market trends here: NYPost. Also check out my Calgary housing market forecast for 2025.

7. Consider Alternative Selling Options

If the traditional route isn’t working, exploring alternative selling options can help you close a deal faster. These methods often bypass the lengthy listing and negotiation process, making them ideal for homeowners facing time constraints or financial pressures.

Sell to a Real Estate Investor

Real estate investors, including house-flipping companies and buy-and-hold landlords, purchase properties quickly, often in cash.

• Sell As-Is – Investors typically buy homes in any condition, so you can skip costly repairs and staging.
• Faster Closing – Unlike traditional buyers who need mortgage approvals, investors can close in as little as a few days.
• Avoid Showings and Negotiations – Since investors make direct offers, you don’t have to deal with multiple showings or extended negotiations.

Best for: Homeowners needing a quick sale, distressed properties, or those who don’t want to invest in repairs.

Try a Real Estate Auction

Selling a home at auction can generate interest and create competition among buyers.

• Fast Sale Process – Auctions set a fixed date, ensuring a quicker sale than traditional listings.
• Potential for a Higher Price – Competitive bidding can drive up the final sale price, especially if multiple buyers are interested.
• No Lengthy Negotiations – Auction sales are final, meaning you won’t have to worry about buyer demands or contingencies.

Best for: Unique or high-demand properties, sellers willing to take a risk for a potentially higher return. Learn more about home auctions here: The Times

Explore iBuyer Services

iBuyers are companies that use technology to make quick cash offers on homes based on market data.

• Instant Offers – iBuyers provide near-instant quotes, allowing sellers to bypass the traditional market.
• Convenience – No need for open houses, showings, or waiting for buyer financing.
• Predictable Closing – These services typically close within weeks, offering a set timeline.

Best for: Homeowners who want convenience and are willing to accept a slightly lower price for a fast, hassle-free sale.

8. Work with a Realtor to Sell Faster

If it wasn’t already obvious, working with an experienced realtor makes your life much easier. A good realtor knows how to price your home competitively, market it effectively, and negotiate the best possible deal.

Why You Should Work with a Realtor:

• Expert Pricing Strategy: Agents use market data and comparables to price your home correctly, preventing it from sitting too long.
• Professional Marketing: They leverage MLS listings, social media, and professional photography to attract buyers.
• Negotiation Skills: A realtor can help you navigate offers, counteroffers, and closing terms to get the best deal.
• Access to Buyer Networks: Agents have connections with other realtors and buyers actively looking for homes.
• Time-Saving & Stress Reduction: Handling showings, paperwork, and negotiations on your own can be overwhelming—an agent takes care of it all.

9. Address Common Buyer Turn-Offs

When buyers walk into a home, they’re looking for reasons to say yes, but they’re also quick to say no. Addressing common buyer turn-offs before listing your home can increase interest and help you sell faster.

Top Buyer Turn-Offs and How to Fix Them:

Unpleasant Odors

• Deep clean carpets, furniture, and air ducts to remove pet, smoke, or mildew smells.
• Use neutral, fresh scents like citrus or vanilla before showings.
• Keep litter boxes, trash cans, and laundry areas clean and odor-free.

Outdated or Bold Paint Colors

• Repaint walls in neutral tones like beige, gray, or white.
• Touch up scuffs and marks to give walls a fresh appearance.
• Remove outdated wallpaper or textured finishes that may not appeal to buyers.

Clutter and Personal Items

• Declutter rooms by removing excess furniture and decor.
• Store away personal photos and memorabilia.
• Organize closets and storage areas to make them look spacious.

Poor Lighting

• Replace old light bulbs with brighter, daylight LED options.
• Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
• Add floor or table lamps to brighten darker spaces.

Signs of Neglect

• Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles.
• Repaint peeling or chipped walls and trim.
• Clean and maintain gutters, siding, and outdoor areas.

How to Ensure Your Home is Buyer-Ready:

• Walk through your home as if you were a buyer and note any concerns.
• Ask your real estate agent for feedback on high-impact improvements.
• Consider a pre-listing home inspection to catch and address issues early.

By addressing these common concerns, you’ll make your home more appealing, reduce time on the market, and attract stronger offers.

Final Thoughts: Selling Fast in a Slow Market IS Possible

Selling a home in a slow market requires strategy and persistence, but with the right steps, you can attract buyers and close the deal. By pricing competitively, enhancing curb appeal, staging effectively, and leveraging strong marketing techniques, you’ll increase your chances of a quick and successful sale.

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Research recent home sales in your area to determine a competitive price.
• Make a list of quick curb appeal upgrades like repainting the front door or adding fresh landscaping.
• Declutter and stage key areas of your home to make it more inviting.
• Take high-quality photos or schedule a professional photographer.
• Start promoting your listing on social media and real estate platforms.
• Contact me here, and let’s get that house sold!

FAQ: Selling a House Fast in a Slow Market

How to sell a house in a slow market?

To sell a house in a slow market, price it competitively, enhance curb appeal, stage it effectively, and use aggressive marketing. Offering incentives like covering closing costs can also attract buyers. Selling to real estate investors or exploring alternative options like auctions can speed up the process.

What makes a house sell faster?

Homes sell faster when they are priced correctly, well-presented, and marketed effectively. Professional photography, virtual tours, and listing on multiple platforms help. Staging, minor renovations, and flexible buyer incentives can also boost interest and lead to quicker offers.

How to sell a house in a soft market?

In a soft market, where demand is low, sellers should focus on competitive pricing, standout marketing, and offering incentives. Highlighting unique selling points, making minor repairs, and ensuring the home is move-in ready can attract hesitant buyers.

What do real estate agents do when the market is slow?

In a slow market, real estate agents focus on targeted marketing, networking, and finding motivated buyers. They may use pricing strategies, virtual tours, and social media ads to generate interest. Some agents also explore off-market sales and investor connections to close deals faster.