How can I sell my home fast? Proven local strategies that work

Houses that are currently on the market tend to fall into one of two types: the ones that sell in a few weeks and those that take a few months.

“Right now, the homes that are actually selling are generally getting sold within 3 to 4 weeks. However, on average it’s taking more like 60 to 90 days to get a house sold and this is why inventories are climbing,” says local Burlington Broker Clinton Howell.

It has been this way since the change in the US administration earlier this year.

“We had a pretty clear path from the Bank of Canada with interest rates and all that; it was focused on inflation and economic growth, etc., and then when all of the uncertainty around the tariffs started kicking in, that made the policies less clear. The Bank of Canada can’t, nor can anybody globally, tell us with any real certainty what’s going to happen. It changed things.”

To be one of the lucky ones who can sell within weeks, what are the tricks?

The standard advice still applies. These tips, “surefire things that are going to make a difference”, says Clinton, include:

• Declutter the home: Get rid of excess items. Less is more. The goal is to make each room feel open and spacious.
• Clean the windows: Let in as much natural light as possible. Bright spaces feel more inviting.
• Check lighting: Make sure all light fixtures and bulbs are working. Clean them so they shine bright and crisp.
• Pay attention to smells: If there are pets or smokers in the house, make sure the place smells clean and fresh. Be cautious about using air fresheners, because people are very personal about scent and may either like it or hate it. Choose something neutral that appeals to the masses.
• Maximize curb appeal: Cut the grass, tidy the gardens, clean the glass windows, freshly paint the front door.

“A lot of these are staging-related ideas,” says Clinton, “and they work. You want to get clients into the house feeling welcomed and attracted to the property. People can be turned off so quickly. Honestly, the first five minutes of a showing—pulling up to the house and the experience of getting inside the house—people have made up 95% of their mind at that point.”

To help your home stand out and sell faster than the average, Clinton suggests the following, which build on the above staging tips:

• Make sure your rooms are tastefully decorated.
• Store away any old, worn-out pieces of furniture. If needed, consider renting stylish pieces to elevate the space.
• Arrange your furniture in the best layout to showcase the room.
• Use plants and modern accessories to lighten and brighten the space, making it look more current.

“You’re really trying to show your house in its best light; it’s like a showroom designed to sell the house,” he says.

The REALTORⓇ has another helpful analogy. “Think of it like a hotel—you want it to feel inviting and welcoming and have someone desire to live in that space. It should feel neutral: buyers don’t want to smell your dinner, look at your family photos, and see your unmade bed.”

Sellers sometimes resist certain pieces of advice, but it’s to their own detriment. “A lot of times there are things you can do that make a huge difference,” says Clinton. These include transforming your home with a fresh coat of paint, and replacing old or outdated flooring. “Especially getting rid of carpet. People hate carpet!”

If something is worn out, uninviting, or simply doesn’t suit the space, take it out. You don’t need to remove everything or rent all new furniture—just aim to present your home in the best possible light. The goal is to help buyers understand the functionality of the space and imagine themselves living there.

“A lot of times people think whoever is going to buy this house is going to decorate it how they want anyway, so they don’t put a lot of stock into their decor. But most people can’t visualize the space well and see the potential beyond what it looks like now,” says Clinton. He estimates about 90% of people fall into this category; they are logical, straightforward thinkers and it’s harder for them to envision the possibilities.

This is a good time of year to check out properties: gardens are in bloom, pools have been opened, and the days are longer, allowing for more evening and after-work showings.

That said, the right time to list or buy a property is when you’re ready to do so, says the broker. “Maybe the property of your dreams is going to come onto the market in July. There’s no hard and fast rule, and there are pros and cons to every time of year. Property gets bought and sold every single month, so it’s more about when are you ready?”

Lastly, getting the pricing correct is critical to success. “Where we see mistakes most in terms of pricing is in regard to location,” says Clinton. “It can be hard to find a comparable property to your exact location.” You have to take into consideration what advantages each location has: the amount of light the home receives, the noise in the area, the quiet- or busy-ness of the street (is there fast through traffic?), if you can walk to things like schools, if a home backs onto a ravine or a road.

These details impact the value and pricing of each location. That’s why even in new construction you often see lot premiums. “Neighbourhoods versus other neighbourhoods can be a big deal as well,” he says. “Homes that are centrally located, near downtown where you can walk to the lake, restaurants and Spencer Smith Park have higher price tags versus properties in the middle of Burlington. You might have a wartime bungalow in each, but the land value is drastically different.”

The solution? You need to be looking for comparables within the same neighbourhood and adjusting for those differences to nail your pricing.

April 2025 update: Burlington

Broker Clinton Howell has helped hundreds of buyers purchase their dream home in Burlington, Waterdown, Ancaster and beyond, guiding them each step of the way

To view the latest listings, visit RE/MAX Escarpment Realty or call 905-537-2246.

Watch Howell’s weekly real estate market updates on YouTube. You can also follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.