Why Some Listings Get Snapped Up Quicker Than Others

As you start thinking about your own move, you’ve probably seen it firsthand—some homes are snapped up in just a few days, while others seem to sit for weeks. So, what’s the difference? According to Redfin:

“Since the pandemic, the housing market has been all over the place. Low inventory—although it’s climbing—and high prices have created an unusual situation: Some homes are selling fast, while others stay on the market much longer.”

That naturally raises the question: What can you expect when it’s time to sell your home? Let’s unpack what’s really happening—and more importantly, how you can position your house to sell faster.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Before the Pandemic

The first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect today.

It’s true that things have cooled a bit from the whirlwind market of a few years ago. Back then, homes were flying off the market. Now, with more listings available, the pace has adjusted. Realtor.com reports that homes today are taking longer to sell compared to recent years—but they’re still moving faster than in pre-pandemic times.

Before you stress over the fact that homes may take a few days longer to sell this year compared to the past few, let’s put things into perspective. As Realtor.com puts it:

“In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market... marking the 13th straight month homes have taken longer to sell year-over-year. Still, homes are moving faster than they did before the pandemic.”

So, if your home doesn’t sell immediately, don’t panic. Compared to historical trends, it’s still moving at a relatively brisk pace. And the extra time can actually be a blessing—it gives you more breathing room to prepare your next move.

Of course, some homes sell in a weekend, and others linger for weeks. Why the difference? It usually comes down to having the right game plan—starting with a smart pricing strategy and the right agent on your side. Here’s how to get your home into that “sold fast” category:

1. Price It Right from the Start

One of the biggest reasons homes sit unsold? Overpricing. Many sellers aim high, thinking they can adjust later—but this often backfires. A high price turns off potential buyers and can cause your home to sit too long, ultimately leading to lower offers.

Pro tip: Work with an experienced agent who will use local data and recent comparable sales to determine a price that reflects your home’s true market value. As Redfin’s Chen Zhao notes:

“Price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to go lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid concessions.”

2. First Impressions Matter—A Lot

Buyers form opinions within seconds of seeing your home. If your curb appeal is lacking or your interior feels cluttered, that negative first impression can be hard to shake.

What to do: Spruce up your yard, refresh landscaping, and power wash exterior surfaces. Inside, keep things clean, neutral, and decluttered. Ask your agent for advice on what updates give you the best return without overinvesting.

3. Market It Like a Pro

If your listing doesn’t stand out online, it may not get the traffic—or the showings—you need. Poor-quality photos or generic marketing copy can keep buyers from even walking through the door.

What to do: Leverage your agent’s marketing know-how. That includes:

• High-resolution, well-lit photos
• Compelling descriptions that spotlight what makes your home unique
• Broad exposure through real estate sites and social media channels

4. Play Up the Location

While you can’t move your home, you can make the most of where it is. Whether it’s close to top-rated schools, parks, public transportation, or trendy spots, location is a major driver of buyer interest.

What to do: Make sure your listing highlights the perks of your neighborhood. Your agent should help buyers imagine what their day-to-day life would look like in your home—commute, coffee shops, community.

Bottom Line

Homes that sell fast aren’t always the ones with the most upgrades or flashiest features—they’re usually the ones with the smartest game plan and the right agent leading the charge. A strong pricing strategy, great marketing, and expert guidance can make all the difference.

Thinking about selling your home? Let’s connect and talk about how to position your property to attract the right buyers, sell quickly, and get the best possible price in today’s market.