If you're in the market to sell your Des Moines home, then there are a few things you need to consider. The sooner you can sell your house in Des Moines, the better. The longer the home is on the market, the higher the probability of getting a lower offer.

In addition to the strategic component, a quick sale might be required. Perhaps you're short on funds or concerned about keeping an outdated inherited home that's accruing tax liabilities. Sometimes life forces you to hunt for the quickest way to sell a house, whether it's due to a divorce, a sick family member, or a new baby on the way.

For both buyers and sellers, the rise in mortgage rates that started in 2022 has already made things more difficult. The median days on market have increased by more than 50%, inventory has increased, and home sales have decreased. If sellers want to sell their homes quickly in current market, they should plan to work a little harder on their house presentation.

Here, we'll look more closely at your selling options and explain why a cash offer is typically the quickest method to consummate a deal. We'll also assist you in brushing up on  actions you can take to attract an offer in less time — because some people may find that listing their house is a better alternative.

To sell your home quickly, choose your strategy for luring buyers first. Requesting a cash offer, working with a top real estate agent that sells properties quickly, or doing the "For Sale By Owner" route are your main options. Take a peek at each now.

1. Ask for a cash offer.

Let's imagine that after meticulously preparing your home, you quickly receive an offer and move on to the closing stage of the sale. Even though it's the ideal seller scenario, the closing will probably still be at least 30-60 days.

When you list a house, it might be difficult to tell if you'll get an offer from a cash buyer or one who has applied for a mortgage. However, given that 78% of recent buyers financed their house purchase, you're more likely to see the latter. 

Steps like the inspection and lender-ordered appraisal take more time with a financed buyer. Additionally, the loan for your buyer must be approved, which takes around 30 days on average in the current market.

Despite your best efforts, selling your house the conventional way doesn't always result in a quick sale. Fortunately, you're not stranded. As an alternative, you can seek out a cash offer from a home buyer or real estate investor to move things forward.

A cash buyer can work more quickly and nimbly due to the absence of lender participation, giving sellers convenience and assurance.

Since investors are unlikely to increase their bid out of emotion and will likely want to earn a profit by flipping or renting out the home, you'll need to weigh the benefits against the likelihood of a reduced offer.

However, if you take out house preparation expenses like replacing a front door or repairing a rotten deck, along with agent commissions of 3% to 6%, you might receive a comparable amount from a cash buyer as you would via a standard listing process.

2. Hire a top realtor who sells houses quickly.

Working with a real estate agent is always a viable option since 86% of recent sellers had assistance from a real estate agent in the sale of their house, according to statistics from 2022 from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Skilled real estate agents are accustomed to moving quickly to negotiate repairs connected to a house inspection, title concerns, and other hiccups that emerge along the route if you are not interested in pursuing a cash offer.

Real estate professionals are also adept at navigating sluggish markets. It is even more crucial to return to the fundamentals of house selling in a market that is less favorable for sellers. This entails performing a thorough cleaning, taking expert photos, developing an effective marketing strategy, arranging your home, and setting reasonable prices.

3. Sell by owner

You might be able to sell your house yourself if a friend, relative, or neighbor wants to buy it. 10% of recent home sales were FSBO transactions. NAR data shows that when FSBO transactions close quickly, it's usually because the buyer is a person the seller knows.

You can avoid paying a listing agent's commission (about 3% of the transaction price, based on the national average) by going the FSBO route. On the bad side, you are forced to manage your own contracts, pricing, promotion, preparation, and staging.

You may always keep FSBO as a possibility, but be mindful of the drawbacks.

Contact The dsmSOLD Team to speak with a real estate agent in the Des Moines area who has a track record of selling houses more quickly than their competitors.

4. Be prudent with the listing price.

The listing price is the amount that you’ll accept to sell your home. It’s what potential buyers will pay for it when they show up at your open house, and it’s how much the real estate agent will request on the offer.

Get the perfect pricing to draw in buyers and sell your home quickly. Start with the comparative market analysis that your real estate agent performs on your house. This analysis compares it to other recently sold or active homes that are comparable to yours in terms of square footage, location, and age.

5. Depersonalize, declutter, and clean

A clean, uncluttered, and neutrally decorated home is the triple threat that purchasers can't resist. It's like a blank canvas.

Take the time to clean thoroughly, even if you want to sell the house quickly. If potential buyers walk in and smell workout socks and see a sink full of filthy dishes, you can't expect to get an offer right away. But go beyond simple cleaning. Make sure your bay window's glass sparkles in the late-afternoon sun and that the flooring aren't scratched. Always do a thorough cleaning before a showing.

6. Do quick repairs (but don't over-renovate)

If you're selling your house quickly, it's important to keep things in good shape. The last thing you want to do is take on a remodeling job that you can't handle when trying to sell your house quickly.

Before you start working on the house, ask your realtor what repairs are required to pass a house inspection and what they recommend doing, such as:

• Water damage

• Structural issues

• An old or damaged roof

• Plumbing problems

• A damaged electrical system

• Insect or pest infestation

• HVAC system issues

7. Boost your curb appeal

According to realtors, the exterior of your property creates interest and anticipation, something like getting ready for a date. Additionally, a neat exterior suggests that you've taken good care of your house as a whole.

Curb appeal is more than just the front door and mailbox. It encompasses everything from landscaping to roofing to windows and doors.

The best way to improve curb appeal is through proper maintenance and upkeep. Hire a professional landscaper who knows how to keep up with the weeds and grasses around your home's perimeter. Likewise, hire someone who knows how to maintain your roof so it doesn't leak or cause leaks in other parts of the house.

If you're thinking about selling your home soon, then it's important that you have an updated curb appeal so buyers can see how well-maintained your home is and how nice it will be to live in once they move in!

8. Home staging to spark potential buyers' imaginations

To highlight a home's features, staging carefully positions furniture and other decorative objects. A staged property sells more quickly than one that isn't.

Staging is more than just tidying up. It's about creating an attractive and inviting atmosphere that will draw potential buyers through the front door.

By using staging to create a beautiful display for your home, you will make it look like it was always this way: ready for a buyer to make an offer on.

The key to successful staging is knowing what to include in your staging plan and when to include it.

9. Take professional real estate photos.

When they're ready to buy, more and more homebuyers browse property listings on a smartphone or tablet. According to NAR statistics, 95% of recent purchasers utilized the internet to seek for a home, with 41% starting off by seeing homes online.

You may sell your home for hundreds of dollars more if you use professional, sharp images. According to the NAR's 2022 Generational Trends Report, 84% of buyers find listing photos to be "very beneficial." Professional photography is frequently offered as one of the listing services by agents.

10. Organize an open house (digital or in-person)

A conventional open house allows potential buyers to inspect a home's features, take measurements, and peep into cabinets and closets. Virtual open houses allow your agent to present the house live to potential buyers via a hosting platform, like Zoom or Facebook. While the agent discusses features, activates light fixtures, checks the water pressure in the faucets, and does other things, they can ask questions.

11. Be decisive while choosing your offer.

The serious buyer who makes the initial offer on your home is typically eager to outbid the competition. If you believe that this is too low, you can make a counteroffer in response to raise the figure closer to your desired range.

Top real estate agents claim that since they are worried about losing out to another buyer, buyers who make the initial offer are frequently skilled negotiators. You can sweeten the sale by making further concessions, including paying a portion of the buyer's closing costs.

Now that you have all you need: Go sell that house!

The strategy that fits your needs and timetable is the ideal method to sell your house. Improve your home's curb appeal, presentation, and marketing if you intend to post a "For Sale" sign. 

Those that need to close more quickly may choose to hire a realtor to do it on your behalf. The decision is always yours, but either way, please don't hesitate to contact The dsmSOLD Team if we can be of help.