{"id":2703,"date":"2022-02-28T10:30:01","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T18:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=2703"},"modified":"2023-12-18T12:46:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T20:46:24","slug":"sell-your-house-fast-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/sell-your-house-fast-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"9 \u2018Sell Your House Fast\u2019 Myths You Might be Falling For"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a lot of advice floating around out there, and you\u2019ll probably hear from friends, family, or neighbors about the best way to sell. Unfortunately, not all of that advice is good <i>or <\/i>accurate. When trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/guide-how-to-sell-a-house\/\">sell your house<\/a> fast, myths that may have once been common wisdom may be getting in the way of a quick and valuable transaction.<\/p>\n<p>We broke down some of these common misconceptions and myths by speaking to experienced agents about what really works when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-sell-your-house-in-5-days\/\">selling a house fast<\/a> in today\u2019s market, and what doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>If your house has been on the market for a while and you\u2019re tired of trying to sell, read on to see if you might be falling prey to some of these \u2018sell your house fast\u2019 myths!<\/p>\n<section class=\"building-block bb-type-default bb-agent-quote bg-none\" id=\"bb-1\"><div class=\"body block\"><div class=\"container-fluid\"><div class=\"block-content\">            <blockquote class=\"post-blockquote\">\n                <q>We are seeing a record low inventory, but we are also seeing price reductions. Not every property gets multiple offers or sells overnight.<\/q>\n                                    <div class=\"contributors\">\n                        <ul class=\"list\">\n                            <li>\n                                <div class=\"inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"opener\">\n                                        <div class=\"avatar\">\n                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.homelight.com\/uploads\/agent\/picture\/3348714\/c60d1d71-9597-43bb-aece-90be37bfa4fe.jpg?width=121\" alt=\"Rick Ruiz\">\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"info\">\n                                            <strong>Rick Ruiz<\/strong>\n                                            <span>Real Estate Agent<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"contributors-detail-modal\">\n                                        <div class=\"holder\">\n                                            <a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-close close\">\n                                                <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close<\/span>\n                                            <\/a>\n                                            <div class=\"top\">\n                                                <div class=\"avatar\">\n                                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.homelight.com\/uploads\/agent\/picture\/3348714\/c60d1d71-9597-43bb-aece-90be37bfa4fe.jpg?width=121\" alt=\"Rick Ruiz\">\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"info\">\n                                                    <strong>Rick Ruiz<\/strong>\n                                                                                                            <span>Real Estate Agent at Signature Real Estate Group<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <div class=\"rating\">\n                                                                                                                    <span>5.0<\/span>\n                                                            <ul class=\"star-list inline-list\">\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                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                                                                                     <\/div>\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                            <div class=\"btm\">\n                                                    <ul class=\"exp-list inline-list\">\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Years of Experience<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>24<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Transactions<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>1378<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Average Price Point<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>$265k<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Single Family Homes<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>1147<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/blockquote>\n        <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div id=\"section--1\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #1: \u201cEvery listing means a bidding war, regardless of the home\u2019s condition\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cEvery listing means a bidding war, regardless of the home\u2019s condition\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> With housing shortages in nearly every region of the U.S. and with so many motivated buyers, you can almost guarantee that listing your home will bring an immediate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/escalation-clause\/\">bidding war<\/a> and a strong likelihood of selling for well over the asking price, even if your house is dated or needs work.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth:<\/b> While most agents will agree that the market has changed quite a bit in the last two years, this doesn\u2019t mean that every house listed will automatically have multiple buyers vying for it. According to HomeLight\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-estate-top-agent-insights-year-end-2021-report.pdf\">2021 Q3 agent insights report<\/a>, top agents say that entering 2022, there has been a decline in bidding wars as the housing market stabilized.<\/p>\n<p>There are still specific factors that can impact a home\u2019s value, and you can\u2019t necessarily get away with avoiding all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/what-not-to-fix-when-selling-a-house\/\">repairs<\/a> or improvements.<\/p>\n<p>Veteran Las Vegas agent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/agents\/rick-ruiz-nv-54121\">Rick Ruiz<\/a>, who sells properties more than 49% faster than the average agent in his area, says that while bidding wars aren\u2019t uncommon these days, not every house will get multiple offers or sell overnight. \u201cWe are seeing a record low inventory, but we are also seeing price reductions,\u201d he says. \u201cNot every property gets multiple offers or sells overnight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ruiz says that while a house doesn\u2019t have to be in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-that-needs-work\/\">perfect condition<\/a> to sell, it\u2019s important to remember that most buyers are still going to be going through a mortgage lender, and those lenders may have certain requirements that must be met to finance the sale.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSafety conditions are key,\u201d he says. \u201cA house must have a functional heater and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/replace-hvac\/\">air conditioner<\/a>, and the exterior of the home needs to be in good condition. When the appraiser comes in, if they find something that a seller isn\u2019t willing to cure, that can delay time on the market.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For Pennsylvania agent Cathy Wanserski, decluttering and fresh paint are two of the main things she advises sellers. \u201cYou can\u2019t just do nothing to a house and expect it to sell in a day,\u201d she says. \u201cSellers still have to declutter, and while you think it might be okay to have different colors of paint in every room, it really should all be neutral.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Don\u2019t assume that a hot market means an immediate sale, or that you can skip out on any required repairs, cleaning or updating the home.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8006\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8006\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house.jpg\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"a picture of an open house wondering if it will help you sell your house fast\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house-64x45.jpg 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house-128x89.jpg 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house-192x134.jpg 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house-432x301.jpg 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-open-house-500x348.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8006\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (RebeccaPavlik \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"section--2\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #2: \u201cOpen Houses are a thing of the past\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cOpen houses are a thing of the past\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 meant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-can-anyone-go-to-an-open-house\/\">open houses<\/a> went by the wayside, and nowadays, most buyers prefer to do their house hunting online.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth:<\/b> Depending on the market in your area, open houses can still be a viable way to bring buyers in, and can even help streamline the selling process.<\/p>\n<p>Wanserski says that even though many buyers are choosing to shop primarily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-truths-about-shopping-online-for-a-house\/\">online<\/a>, she still hosts open houses for her listings. \u201cIt\u2019s a good way to pick up buyers in this market,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Ruiz agrees, noting \u201cI know if I put a new listing up on a Friday, I\u2019m likely to have a lot of people wanting to look over the weekend, so why wouldn\u2019t I have an open house?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ruiz says that open houses can help streamline things and can provide more access, allowing the seller to also potentially be able to avoid having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-many-showings-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house-on-average\/\">multiple individual showings<\/a>. \u201cIt creates efficiency,\u201d he says. \u201cWe notice a lot of people, especially buyers, who feel more comfortable going to an open house and being able to see the house for themselves without having to set up a showing. And it can both qualify and disqualify buyers, since they get a chance to come in and look around, see if the house works for them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Open houses <\/i><b><i>are<\/i><\/b><i> still a thing, and depending on your area, you may want to see about having your agent host one or two to see if it hastens your home sale.<\/i><\/p>\n<div id=\"section--3\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #3: \u201cFor sale by owner (FSBO) can save you money\u201d \" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cFor sale by owner (FSBO) can save you money\u201d<b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> If you sell your house on your own, you won\u2019t have to pay that real estate agent commission, which can save you thousands of dollars!<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth: <\/b>According to data collected by the National Association of Realtors\u00ae (NAR), the average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/sell-your-house-yourself\/\">FSBO<\/a> listing sold for nearly $60,000 less in 2020 than agent assisted sales. Selling on your own might seem like a good idea, but hiring a reputable agent may mean more money in your pocket at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<p>That <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/real-estate-agent-commission\/\">agent commission<\/a> can seem like a big chunk of money when you get ready to list your home, which might tempt you to go the FSBO route. All you have to do is put up a few photos online and stick a \u201cfor sale\u201d sign in the front yard, right?<\/p>\n<p>Not exactly.<\/p>\n<p>Selling a house successfully takes a fair amount of work. First, you\u2019ll need to assess your home\u2019s value. You could go online and see what those free valuation calculators say, but those aren\u2019t necessarily accurate for your specific house (more on that later) and listing your house for the wrong price could slow down your sale by weeks or even months.<\/p>\n<p>Then you need to market your home, highlighting what buyers might be looking for. Ask yourself, do you even know what buyers in your area are looking for? Oh, and if you want to do an open house, that\u2019s on you. So is setting up showings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-much-can-you-negotiate-on-a-house\/\">negotiating the sale<\/a>, and lots and lots of paperwork.<\/p>\n<p>And while you might save money on the listing agent commission, unless you and your buyer agree to do the transaction without an agent at all, you\u2019re probably still going to have to pay their agent\u2019s commission.<\/p>\n<p>Sounds kind of daunting, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n<p>Before you decide to sell your house yourself, make sure you fully understand the process and what it involves. You might save money on the agent commission, but you\u2019ll have the added stress and responsibility of doing all the legwork yourself, and you could end up <i>making less<\/i> money on the sale. Working with an agent not only helps reduce the stress of selling, it can actually mean <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/cost-of-selling-a-house-with-a-realtor\/\">more money<\/a> in your pocket, even after paying commissions.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> There\u2019s a reason why most sellers opt to go with an agent \u2013 FSBO doesn\u2019t always mean a big savings!<\/i><b><i>\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29839\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29839\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A person researching online about how to sell their house fast.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-myths.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29839\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (\u00c1rp\u00e1d Czapp \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"section--4\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #4: \u201cThat online automated valuation you found for your house is accurate\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cThat online automated valuation you found for your house is accurate\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> Trying to figure out what your house is worth? Just plug some basic information into one of the many online valuation sites out there to determine your home\u2019s value!<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-free-home-appraisal\/\">Automated valuation models<\/a> (AVMs) estimates can vary widely, as each site may use different data methods to estimate what a house is worth. While valuable for getting a sense of home values in your area generally, these valuation models don\u2019t always take into account any unique aspects of your property, such as neighborhood, proximity to schools or amenities, and home improvements.<\/p>\n<p>This is where help from an agent can make all the difference. Before listing your home, your agent will most likely provide you with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/comparative-market-analysis\/\">comparative market analysis<\/a>, or CMA. They will review data from homes that recently sold in your area, using the sales from those houses most similar to yours to calculate a proposed listing price.<\/p>\n<p>An experienced agent also understands how to tweak the sales price based on less tangible factors, such as walkability or if the house is on a busy street. \u201cToo many people are overpricing their listings, which creates unrealistic expectations,\u201d says Ruiz.<\/p>\n<p>While you should never confuse an online valuation with a CMA or an actual appraisal, if you want to at least get an idea of your home\u2019s value when you start thinking about selling, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/home-value-estimator\">HomeLight\u2019s Home Value Estimator<\/a> can be a good place to start.<\/p>\n<p>It not only uses multiple sources to gather information for a home value estimate, it includes a questionnaire that allows you to provide more detailed information specific to your property, which can help you find out a closer estimate on what your home is really worth.\u00a0 From there, we\u2019ll <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/find-real-estate-agents\">connect you with a top local agent<\/a> in your area to start the ball rolling.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Online valuations can vary greatly, so you shouldn\u2019t rely solely on these numbers when determining your listing price. Some, like <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/home-value-estimator\"><i>HomeLight\u2019s Home Value Estimator<\/i><\/a><i>, thread the needle by analyzing local real estate data and using the information you provide about your unique home.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"geo-cta widget-cta widget-cta--content     widget-cta--dark widget-cta--dark-blue-gradient\">\n    <div class=\"widget-element--content\">\n        <div class=\"widget-element--content-header\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"homelight logo\" class=\"widget-element--logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/logo-small-cta.png\" width=\"106\" height=\"25\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n        \n                <h3 class=\"cta-headline widget--bold\">Get an Estimate on Your Home's Value<\/h3>\n                        <p>While setting an accurate price is best done with the help of a top agent, getting a glimpse of your home&#8217;s value is a great starting point if you&#8217;re thinking about selling. HomeLight&#8217;s Home Value Estimator <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only takes two minutes to answer a few questions, and you\u2019ll receive a detailed analysis of your home straight to your inbox immediately. <\/span><\/p>\n        \n                <div class=\"widget-element--buttons\">\n            <a data-type=\"In Content CTA\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/simple-home-value\/quiz?#\/qaas=0\/\" class=\"cta-click-track widget-element--button\">Get Estimate<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section--5\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #5: \u201cOne real estate agent is as good as another\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cOne real estate agent is as good as another\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> Finding an agent is as simple as doing a google search in your area. Experience levels tend to be the same across the board, and just about any agent will do.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth: <\/b>Not all agents are created equal, and as a seller, you want someone with expertise in both your particular housing market and the type of home you\u2019re selling. For example, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/tips-for-selling-your-condo\/\">condo<\/a> might be marketed differently than a single family home, so having an agent who specializes in a particular type of property can be a big advantage.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll want to talk to a few different agents in your area, and treat it almost like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent\/\">job interview<\/a>. Does the agent know your neighborhood? How many homes have they sold this year? Are they readily available to talk to you, or does it take them a while to respond to emails or texts?<\/p>\n<p>These are all things you need to consider before choosing an agent, because hiring someone who doesn\u2019t have the level of experience you need can affect how long it takes to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-long-should-a-house-sit-on-the-market\/\"> sell your house<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You also want an agent who is willing to be honest with you about what your home is worth, and can give you accurate data on what kind of price to set. An agent who is new, or doesn\u2019t know the market, might be a \u201cyes-person\u201d who goes with whatever price a seller wants, as opposed to someone who will help you list your home to sell quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Ruiz says that if a house isn\u2019t selling, overpricing could be the reason behind it. \u201cSometimes an inexperienced agent might take on a listing that is priced outside of the market,\u201d says Ruiz.<\/p>\n<p>When shopping for an agent, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/find-real-estate-agents\">HomeLight\u2019s Agent Finder<\/a> is one way to streamline the process. You\u2019ll connect with agents who know your area and are willing to go above and beyond, all at no cost to you. The process is as quick as a few keystrokes on your computer, and you\u2019ll receive agent matches in just minutes!<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Hiring an experienced agent is probably the most important part of the selling process if you want to sell your home fast.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"geo-cta widget-cta widget-cta--content     widget-cta--dark widget-cta--dark-blue-gradient\">\n    <div class=\"widget-element--content\">\n        <div class=\"widget-element--content-header\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"homelight logo\" class=\"widget-element--logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/logo-small-cta.png\" width=\"106\" height=\"25\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n        \n                <h3 class=\"cta-headline widget--bold\">Find the Right Agent for Your Home<\/h3>\n                        <p>Avoid falling into common myths on selling your home fast by partnering with a top local agent.<\/p>\n<p>We analyze over 27 million transactions and\u00a0 thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.\u00a0Our service is 100% free, with no catch. Agents don\u2019t pay us to be listed, so you get the best match.<\/p>\n        \n                <div class=\"widget-element--buttons\">\n            <a data-type=\"In Content CTA\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/find-real-estate-agents\" class=\"cta-click-track widget-element--button\">Find Agent<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section--6\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #6: \u201cProfessional photos are a waste of money\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cProfessional photos are a waste of money\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth:<\/b> Your smart phone has a perfectly good camera, it\u2019s easier to use it for pictures, and buyers don\u2019t really look that closely at photos anyway \u2014 do they?<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth:<\/b> With more and more buyers doing at least their initial house hunting online, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-stage-a-house-for-photos\/\">good photos<\/a> can make a huge difference in bringing in top dollar for your home.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst impressions are still everything,\u201d says Ruiz. \u201cAnd due to people now being comfortable purchasing remotely, that\u2019s an even bigger catch. If you have sub-par photos, you aren\u2019t going to interest anyone.\u201d He adds that sellers not only need professional photos, they need a strong online presence that includes 3-D tours and floor plans.<\/p>\n<p>Wanserski says that sellers also need to keep in mind that once a listing is on the MLS, they often trickle down to other sites, and having good photos is one of the best ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-stage-your-home-to-sell-quickly\/\">showcase the home<\/a> remotely.<\/p>\n<p>Amateur photographers also forget about another important thing: proper lighting. \u201cLighting is something I always discuss with sellers,\u201d says Wanserski. \u201cIf there isn\u2019t good lighting, a buyer might not be interested.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Get those professional photos if you want your home to sell quickly!\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<div id=\"section--7\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #7: \u201cAn empty house sells faster\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cAn empty house sells faster\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth: <\/b>An empty house not only helps give buyers an idea of how they can put their personal stamp on a new home, it shows that the house is \u2018move in ready\u2019 and they don\u2019t have to wait for the seller to move out.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth: <\/b>Again, this will depend on your market, and the type of home you\u2019re selling. Some types of properties do sell faster if they are vacant, some don\u2019t. And the type of buyer you\u2019re attracting can also be a factor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf it\u2019s a luxury listing, it\u2019s better to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/best-home-staging-ideas\/\">stage the home<\/a>,\u201d says Ruiz. \u201cBut if the house is at or below market value, vacant usually helps. We have a lot of investors buying right now, and they know they can rent the house out quickly if it&#8217;s empty.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sellers should also keep in mind that when it comes to a closing date, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-in-a-sellers-market-2\/\">low-inventory market<\/a> can mean they are in the driver\u2019s seat when it comes to vacating the house. \u201cI would say that sellers can write their own ticket in regards to when they want to close,\u201d says Wanserski. \u201cSometimes as a condition of the sale, we can allow the seller to stay in the home free of charge for a couple months.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeawa<\/i><\/b><i>y: As long as your house is <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/coronavirus-house-cleaning-tips-for-sellers\/\"><i>clean and uncluttered<\/i><\/a><i>, you probably don\u2019t need to worry too much about it being completely empty before you list it.<\/i><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8003\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8003\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer.jpg\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"Kids playing in the yard of a house in summer, when you might sell your home fast.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer-64x43.jpg 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer-192x128.jpg 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer-432x288.jpg 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/sell-your-house-fast-summer-500x334.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8003\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Anna Kraynova \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"section--8\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #8: \u201cList your house in spring or summer for a quick sale\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cList your house in spring or summer for a quick sale\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth: <\/b>Selling in spring or summer has long been considered the most optimum time to sell, as that\u2019s when the kids are out of school and families are most likely to move.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth: <\/b>While this used to be true, seasonality doesn\u2019t seem to affect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/when-should-i-sell-my-house\/\">home sales<\/a> as much these days.<\/p>\n<p>Says Wanserski, \u201cOur 2021 spring market started in January, and ended earlier.\u201d She adds that while spring is often a good time to list, as there can often be an influx of buyers, the holidays definitely shouldn\u2019t be discounted. Buyers will sometimes start their house hunt during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/tips-for-selling-your-home-in-the-winter\/\">holiday season<\/a>, with the anticipation that there might be less competition for homes.<\/p>\n<p>Ruiz explains, \u201cSeasonality is now out the window. We saw no seasonality at all in 2020, it was actually busier around the holidays. Here in Las Vegas, we already had people moving here for the climate and it being a tax-friendly state, and now that more people can work remotely, it\u2019s created an exodus from crowded metropolitan areas like the Bay Area or New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/blogs\/economists-outlook\/buyer-competition-intensifies-4-offers-for-every-home-sold-in-february-2021\">NAR report<\/a>, there were nearly four offers on every home sold during the month of February in 2021, and homes were selling within about 20 days. Low housing inventory in most regions means that buyers are shopping year-round, which is good news for sellers.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> While selling in spring or summer is never a bad idea, winter weather doesn\u2019t mean your house won\u2019t sell right away.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<div id=\"section--9\" data-toc-header=\"Myth #9: \u201cSelling to an iBuyer means less money for you\u201d\" data-toc-type=\"head\"><\/div>\n<h2>\u201cSelling to an iBuyer means less money for you\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><b>Myth: <\/b>When you sell to an iBuyer, you\u2019re immediately losing a huge percentage of your potential sale, not to mention removing any possibility of a bidding war.<\/p>\n<p><b>Truth: <\/b>While it is true that you won\u2019t attract a bidding war with an iBuyer, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019re walking away with less money. Selling to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-ibuyers-work\/\">iBuyer<\/a> can mean a much faster sale, and you don\u2019t have to do costly repairs or updates to the property. Plus, iBuyers often offer close to market value for your home, though depending on the company you work with, fees may vary.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably seen the ads on television and online about entities that buy homes for cash, and dismissed them as one of those \u201ctoo good to be true\u201d deals. But the iBuyer market has grown extensively in recent years, and has become a viable option for many sellers.<\/p>\n<p>Programs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/simple\">HomeLight\u2019s Simple Sale<\/a> platform offers a quick sale on your home, without the hassles of a traditional agent-assisted sale. HomeLight maximizes your sale with a competitive offer, and you\u2019ll be able to sell your house in a matter of weeks, not months. We also buy your house \u2018as-is\u2019, meaning you can skip the prep work and repairs.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe you need to sell your house fast so you can relocate for work, or maybe your house needs work that you really can\u2019t afford. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/ibuyer-companies\/\">Selling to an iBuyer<\/a> can save you time, as well as money on expensive repairs.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>The takeaway:<\/i><\/b><i> Using an iBuyer can be a quick and easy way to sell your house.<\/i><\/p>\n<h2>The final takeaway<\/h2>\n<p>While much of the real estate advice you receive can be helpful, don\u2019t blindly adhere to myths and misconceptions that could cost you time, money, or the entire sale. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/find-real-estate-agents\">top real estate agent<\/a> can help you dispel some of these real estate fables, and keep you on track for the fast home sale you want and deserve!<\/p>\n<p><em>Header Image Source: (Frontpage \/ Shutterstock)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your house isn\u2019t selling quickly and you\u2019re tired of trying to sell, maybe you\u2019ve fallen prey to some of these common myths.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":178,"featured_media":8013,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[737,319],"tags":[491,740,348],"class_list":["post-2703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sell-your-house-fast","category-selling-advice","tag-basics","tag-sell-fast","tag-sell-your-house-fast"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>9 \u2018Sell Your House Fast\u2019 Myths You Might be Falling For<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your house isn\u2019t selling quickly and you\u2019re tired of trying to sell, maybe you\u2019ve fallen prey to some of these common myths.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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