Owning a home has been a dream for generations, but it hasn’t always been easy to achieve. According to Statista, home sales saw a temporary spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, with the economy struggling, sales have slowed across the U.S.
Buying or selling a home isn’t simple. Buyers have to build strong credit to qualify for a mortgage, while sellers face a long, often costly process to get a fair price. And one of the biggest headaches? Showings that seem never-ending but lead nowhere.
We’ve got three smart ways to make selling easier—cutting down on unnecessary showings and attracting serious buyers only
1. Use a Pre-Qualification Process
A lot of sellers let anyone tour their home, hoping it’ll lead to more offers. While that casts a wide net, it also means wasting time on people who aren’t actually in a position to buy. Open houses, for example, attract plenty of folks who are just curious but not serious.
Recently, Reader’s Digest compiled a hilarious list of how open houses can go wrong— from dogs needing an inspection to guests who forget to flush. While these stories might be entertaining to read, they’re not so funny when you’re the seller dealing with them firsthand.
To avoid this, adding a pre-qualification step can help weed out unqualified buyers. Real estate agents often ask for pre-approval documents, which makes the process smoother and saves time for everyone involved.
It also helps to ask for basic details like employment status and whether the buyer has any specific needs. This way, you don’t waste time setting up showings for people who aren’t a good fit.
2. Consider a Cash Buyer for Selling As-Is
If you want to skip the hassle of endless showings, selling to a cash buyer can be a real lifesaver. These folks buy homes fast, usually as-is, so you don’t have to mess with repairs or drawn-out negotiations. It’s a solid option if you need to sell quick—whether you’re moving in a hurry or just need the cash.
According to johnbuysbayareahouses.com, homeowners can sell to a cash buyer to avoid the hassle of cleaning and inspections, making the process even smoother.
For example, homeowners in places like San Francisco may struggle with expensive repairs after disasters like earthquakes or fires. In those cases, cash buyers provide a no-fuss solution by making a direct offer, allowing sellers to skip the stress of fixing up the house. Most of the time, you only need to do one showing before closing the deal.
3. Use Targeted Listings and Marketing
Instead of casting too wide of a net and dealing with endless showings, focus on attracting the right buyers from the start. A well-crafted listing with high-quality photos and a detailed description can help filter out people who aren’t actually interested.
If you’re trying to sell to Gen Z buyers, highlight features like energy-efficient designs and dedicated workspaces. According to EY, sellers should focus on the defining traits of homebuyers from this generation: intuitive, authentic, and pragmatic. Younger buyers look for homes that are practical, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
The platform you use matters, too. You won’t get much traction listing your home in a print magazine if you’re trying to reach younger buyers. But social media and online platforms make it easy to showcase your property with stunning visuals and shareable content. Many buyers want to see a home online before scheduling an in-person visit, which naturally cuts down on wasted showings.
Sealing the Deal
Selling a house ain’t easy, but you can make it a whole lot smoother by cutting down on unnecessary showings. To find the right buyer faster, pre-qualify buyers, consider cash offers, and use targeted marketing. That way, you’re not wasting time, and you can feel confident that everything’s on track to close the deal just like you planned