Link: 10 Cheap Upgrades for a Fast Home Sale

The keyword here is FAST. As you’re aware, the longer a property sits on the market, the more likely the price will need to drop. Meanwhile, your costs of holding the property—mortgage, taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance—mount. The goal is simple: get it sold ASAP.

From the Hartford Group, a 10-point article offers economical ideas to prep a house for a fast sale. These are solid, practical tips ranging from applying a fresh coat of paint to adding greenery. Real estate is a practical business, and as the article notes, “when you’re trying to sell real estate, it’s important for potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there and making it their own home.”

We would also add: get help from a friend who can act as an independent set of eyes—and yes, a nose. A house you’ve lived in for years can carry “lived-in” smells that you might no longer notice. A trusted friend can give honest feedback, point out small details you’ve missed, and help guide you through the emotional process. Readying mom or dad’s home for a quick—and hopefully lucrative—sale can be challenging, but having an outside perspective is invaluable. Your real estate agent can also help provide this detached viewpoint.

Other fast sale strategies include: decluttering closets and pantries to make spaces look larger; depersonalizing rooms so buyers can imagine themselves there; updating light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware to give a modern, cared-for appearance; touching up paint or regrouting tiles for a fresh, clean look; cleaning carpets and wood floors to remove signs of wear; and even adding some greenery to improve curb appeal.

Small investments in these areas can make a FAST sale possible without spending months or thousands of dollars. Each action sends a clear message: this home is move-in ready, well cared for, and ready to welcome its next owners. Time is money—so get started now to sell your property fast, and reap the rewards of a well-prepared home.