Sell My Home Fast in 2025: A Guide for Busy Physicians

According to Fred Economic Data as of October of 2024, homes in the United States stay on the market for about 58 days (median number).

This is the time it takes to go from listing the house for sale to the offer getting accepted and a contract signed by both parties.

It doesn’t account for the time it takes to close the sale.

When you factor in the closing, which takes an average of 44 days according to the latest data, the total time can get even longer.

So, between listing and closing, you’re looking at around 3-4 months to sell a house.

If this is too long of a wait for your situation, we’d recommend starting to work on home projects that could improve your home’s appeal and market value.

Which Selling Strategy Is Right For You?

Should you go the traditional route with real estate agents, try to sell on your own (FSBO), or work with an instant cash buyer (iBuyer)? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Real Estate Agents

The quickest way to sell your home and maximize your profit is by working with an experienced real estate agent.

They’ll know how to price your home correctly, stage it to attract buyers, and negotiate the best deal on your behalf.

They’ve been through the home-selling process countless times, and their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay or devalue your sale.

Even though agent commissions are involved, homes sold through an agent tend to fetch significantly higher prices than those sold through FSBO and iBuyers.

For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

Selling your home without an agent is a good idea if you’re looking to save on commission fees and are confident in your ability to market your home and your negotiation skills.

But there’s a catch!

According to NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers report, most FSBO homes (57%) are sold to someone the seller already knows. So, unless you have a pre-existing buyer in mind, you could wait a long time for the right offer.

Besides, FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-listed properties. The same NAR report indicates that homes sold with an agent went for nearly $100,000 more than FSBO homes.

iBuyers

Instant buyers, or iBuyers, are real estate investors who can buy your home directly for a cash offer; super fast and hassle-free. It sounds appealing, but as you’d expect, it comes at a cost—literally!

Most of these cash home buyers offer much less than your home’s market value so that they can resell it for a profit.

Granted, they can close a sale quickly, but you’re giving up a significant portion of your home’s value.

It’s worth noting that iBuyer transactions aren’t that common, making up only 1% of home sales as per NAR’s report, and that many sellers end up regretting accepting the lowball offer.

How to Sell My House Fast: 10 Expert Tips

Choosing the right selling strategy is half the battle. The second half is maximizing your home’s curb appeal and market value so that it captures the attention of buyers.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Clean Everything

Nothing turns off buyers like a dirty, unkempt house. So before putting your house on the market, make sure you clean every inch of it, most importantly:

• Kitchen countertops and inside appliances
• Bathroom surfaces, including toilets, showers, and tubs
• Floors, including corners where dust often collects
• Windows, inside and out
• Scuffed walls, baseboards, and doors

Since you’re probably too busy to do this yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning company. Their services are pretty affordable, and by the time they’re done, your house will be sparkling.

2. Depersonalize Your Home

Buyers need to be able to see themselves living in your home, which can be difficult to do if it’s filled with items that make the space feel too personal.

Start by removing all family photos, collections/memorabilia, personal mementos, and other items that make the space feel distinctly “yours.” This also includes clearing the refrigerator, walls, and other surfaces of kids’ artwork, magnets, and other paraphernalia.

Another thing we recommend doing is paring down furnishings, decor, and storage to create a clean, minimalist aesthetic that allows buyers to mentally “move in.”

3. No Excess Furniture

Overstuffed rooms can make your home feel cramped and disorganized, which is a major turn-off for potential buyers. We recommend renting a storage unit that can contain as much non-essential furniture, decor, and belongings as possible.

The goal is to make each room feel open, airy, and spacious.

4. Professional Photography

Professional photos can highlight your home’s best features in a way that amateur photos simply can’t. They ensure your home looks its best online.

In addition to high-quality photos, make sure you include detailed floor plans and, if possible, a video tour to give buyers a complete view of your home.

5. Home Staging

If your existing furniture and accessories don’t create an appealing, neutral aesthetic, it may be worth investing in professional home staging.

A staging specialist can bring in rental pieces that highlight your home’s best features and help buyers easily visualize themselves living there.

6. Spruce Up Curb Appeal

A recent study from The University of Texas at Arlington indicates that curb appeal in residential housing could account for up to 7% of a home’s value when sold.

So not only does investing in your home’s curb appeal help attract more buyers, but it also puts more money in your pocket once your property is sold.

Consider these small yet significant touches:

• Manicure the landscaping with trimmed shrubs and colorful flowers
• Power-wash walkways, driveways, and the home’s exterior
• Add a fresh coat of paint or new house numbers for instant impact

Note: When it comes to paint, neutral colors such as gray, taupe, and white are preferred. They make a home feel fresh and modern.

7. Natural Light

People are drawn to bright, light-filled spaces, so make sure your home lets in as much natural light as possible during showings.

Open up curtains and blinds to let the sun in. And if you have any darker rooms, add extra light sources to brighten up the space.

8. Make Necessary Updates

Strategic updates that could increase your home’s value, such as replacing old cabinet hardware and installing new light fixtures, can go a long way.

Even small investments like these can create the impression of a more modern, well-maintained home, encouraging buyers to offer a higher price.

If buyers feel they won’t need to do major renovations, they’re more likely to make a solid offer.

9. Be Flexible With Showings

Try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to showings, allowing for tours with little advance notice and being ready to quickly vacate the premises when buyers arrive.

After all, the more buyers get to see and experience your home, the better your chances of selling fast.

10. Price It Right From the Start

Overpricing your home in hopes of negotiating down later is a common pitfall that can seriously backfire. Buyers and their agents have access to vast amounts of data on comparable sales, and they know when a home is priced too high.

An inflated initial asking price can deter interest, leading to your home languishing on the market even after price reductions.

Work closely with your agent to price your house competitively from the outset, based on market conditions rather than what you ideally hope to get.

Related: When to Worry about House Not Selling?

If you absolutely need to sell your house fast, there are ways to sweeten the deal without slashing your price. You might offer to cover some closing costs or include appliances that you’d normally take with you. Your agent can help you figure out what incentives might work in your market.

Remember, a fast sale is great and all, but not at the expense of your home’s value. So make sure you work with an experienced agent and price your home right from the start. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the right buyer can come along when everything is done properly.

The best part? All of the tips provided in this guide are compatible together. A well-priced, well-maintained home, marketed by a great agent, typically sells faster and for more money than homes that cut corners.

For personalized advice from an advisory group that helps doctors and surgeons make financial choices with confidence, contact Physicians Thrive today.

Also Read: Best Time to Sell a House