How to get your home SOLD fast

selling massachusetts home

✅If you need to sell your Massachusetts home due to circumstances such as relocation, a change in family status, or purchasing another home, but you haven’t listed it yet, here are some key strategies to get you started. While these tips are not ranked in any particular order, your listing price is likely the most critical factor. Price your home competitively—now is not the time to aim for what your neighbor received for a similar home two years ago. Market conditions have shifted, with real estate prices are rising significantly year after year.

✅Comparables are important, but it’s just as essential to understand current real estate market trends in Massachusetts. If home prices are rising, relying on comparables from 3–6 months ago may give you an outdated or inaccurate price expectation. Ultimately, neither you nor your agent determines the final sale price—the market does. One effective strategy is to price your home competitively, potentially lower than the competition. Additionally, Variable Range Marketing (VRM)—using a price range—can be a valuable approach. Consult your REALTOR® for more details on the best pricing strategy for your home.

✅Stage Your Home to Sell – Once you decide to sell your Massachusetts home, it becomes a product that needs to be effectively marketed. Staging is not decorating—it’s about presenting your home in a way that appeals to the widest range of buyers. Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in the space, so remove personal items like family photos, knickknacks, and trophies to eliminate distractions. Decluttering and depersonalizing are key. Ensure your home looks its best—inside and out—before showings unless absolutely unavoidable. If your house is vacant, professional staging is highly recommended. National statistics show that staged homes sell faster and often for a higher price.

✅Get a Pre-Listing home inspection – If you’ve owned your home for several years, consider a home inspection before listing to identify any potential issues. Addressing obvious defects upfront reassures buyers and can help minimize post-inspection negotiations (though buyers will likely still conduct their own inspection). Visible defects can raise red flags, leading buyers to suspect hidden problems—often resulting in lower offers. Proactively fixing issues can boost buyer confidence and streamline the selling process.

✅Be Flexible with Showings – While you don’t want showings around the clock, avoid restricting them to just a few hours a day or weekends only. Buyers and their agents need easy access, so work with your REALTOR® to set reasonable availability—and be open to occasional exceptions, such as for out-of-town buyers. Ensure the front door key works smoothly to avoid unnecessary delays. Also, remove pets from the home or yard during showings. A loud or unruly dog that prevents buyers from viewing the backyard can be a major turnoff. The more accessible and welcoming your home is, the better your chances of selling quickly!

✅Be Ready to Negotiate – In today’s real estate market, buyers almost always expect some negotiation. They will likely submit an offer below the asking price and may request price reductions or concessions. Stay flexible and work with your REALTOR® to develop a strategy that balances your goals with market realities.

Hiring a skilled REALTOR® in Massachusetts is crucial to selling your home successfully. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the best one:

1. Research & Gather Recommendations

✅Ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold a home.
✅Check online reviews on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Google.
✅Look at local listings and see which agents are actively selling homes in your area.

2. Interview Multiple Agents

✅How long have you been in real estate?
✅How many homes have you sold in the last year?
✅What is your marketing strategy for my home?
✅What is your commission structure?
✅How will you communicate with me during the process?

3. Check Their Experience & Credentials

✅Look for Massachusetts agents with experience selling homes in your area and price range.
✅Credentials matter! Agents with CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) have advanced training.
✅A strong track record in both buyers’ and sellers’ markets is a good sign.

4. Evaluate Their Marketing Plan. A good REALTOR® should have a comprehensive marketing plan, including:

✅ High-quality photography & virtual tours
✅ Strong online presence & social media marketing
✅ Print advertising & direct mail campaigns
✅ MLS listing & syndication to major real estate websites

5. Avoid These Red Flags

✅Agents who promise to get you a specific price (the market determines the price, not them).
✅Agents who suggest the highest listing price without market data to support it.
✅Lack of communication or availability—you need someone responsive.

6. Review Their Contract & Commission

✅Standard commissions in Massachusetts typically range between 4%–6% of the sale price.
✅Ensure there are no hidden fees and that you’re comfortable with the terms before signing.

7. Trust Your Instincts

✅Choose a REALTOR® who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and communicative. You’ll be working closely with them, so a good personal connection is important!

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Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

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Hi Dave,

I just wanted to write and thank you very much for doing our inspection today. You really took an awful lot of extra time to explain things to us. It was a huge help and by far my favorite part of this whole home-buying process. In addition to drawing our attention to the major projects that need to be undertaken right away or in the near future, I was glad that you were also so thorough as to point out smaller things and provide suggestions for fixes that we'd be able to do ourselves. Thanks again for all your effort. I'm finding your "Know Your Home" book a great source of information along with your report. I'll no doubt have some questions for you at some point and really appreciate your willingness to answer them. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Take care,

Sean