Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others in Southwest Florida Real Estate: Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice

As you prepare to move in the vibrant Southwest Florida real estate market, you may have noticed that some homes sell in mere days while others linger for much longer. But what exactly causes this difference in speed? According to Redfin, the housing market has been unpredictable since the pandemic:

“…today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”

This raises a common question for sellers: what can you expect when selling your home in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice? Let's break it down and offer actionable tips to ensure your home is the one that sells quickly.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

First and foremost, it's important to understand that although the market has slowed slightly, homes are still selling faster than they were before the pandemic. As inventory has increased, Realtor.com reports that homes are now taking a bit longer to sell. For example, in April, the typical home took about 50 days to sell—a marked difference from the ultra-quick sales of the past few years. (see graph below):

However, as Realtor.com points out, this is still much faster than what was typical before the pandemic. This means that if your home takes a little longer to sell, it’s not a cause for concern—it’s actually still ahead of the pre-pandemic norm. Plus, the extra time could give you a bit of breathing room to find your next home, which is always helpful during a move.

But what sets apart the homes that sell in days from those that struggle to attract buyers? Here’s the secret: it all comes down to having the right agent and the right strategy.

1. Price It Right

Overpricing is one of the most common reasons homes sit on the market. Many sellers set their asking price too high, thinking they can lower it later—but this approach often backfires, deterring potential buyers right from the start.

What to do: Work with an experienced agent who understands the market trends in Southwest Florida. They will help you price your home competitively by analyzing recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, ensuring that your home is priced to appeal to today’s buyers. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, advises:

“My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions."

2. Focus on the First Impression

Buyers often make their decision about a home within seconds of seeing it. If your home is cluttered or in need of some updates, it could leave a bad impression before they even step inside.

What to do: Make sure your home’s exterior is well-maintained—tidy up the landscaping, power wash the walkways, and refresh the mulch. On the inside, declutter and neutralize the space, possibly adding fresh paint where needed. Your agent can provide valuable advice on which updates will make the biggest impact.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

If your listing or photos don't look professional, potential buyers might assume you're cutting corners or not taking the sale seriously.

What to do: Trust your agent’s expertise to ensure that your listing shines. From high-resolution, professionally taken photos to well-crafted descriptions, your agent will help you present your home in the best possible light. They’ll also ensure your property is featured on the most popular real estate websites, social media platforms, and more.

4. The Location of the Home

As the saying goes in real estate, “location, location, location” is key. Homes in highly desirable areas often sell faster than those in less sought-after neighborhoods.

What to do: While you can’t change your home's location, your agent can work with you to highlight the best features of your community or neighborhood. Whether it’s proximity to local amenities, a highly ranked school district, or nearby parks, showcasing the unique benefits of your location can make your home even more appealing to buyers.

Bottom Line

Homes that sell quickly don’t necessarily have better features—they simply have the right agents and strategies in place. Whether you’re in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Venice, the key to a quick sale is partnering with an expert who understands the local market and knows how to present your home in the best possible way.

Are you thinking about selling your home in Southwest Florida? Let's talk about how we can help you get it sold quickly and for top dollar. Reach out today!