Selling a home is often a time-consuming process. But in some cases, such as in the event of a relocation or other life-changing situation, a seller can’t afford to let the house sit on the market for months. If you find yourself in a position where you need to sell your house as soon as possible, following these quick-sell tips may help you hand over the keys faster than your competition.

Set the Right Price for Your House

When selling your home, you want to attract interested buyers as quickly as possible. One way to turn off potential buyers is to set the asking price of the home too high. Some buyers may try to negotiate with you, but far more won’t even give your house a second look if they think the price is unreasonable. Plus, if you keep lowering your price slightly as the weeks pass, potential buyers will sense desperation and steer clear.

To estimate a fair price, check out the selling (not asking) prices of similar homes in your neighborhood, and hire a home inspector to give you a fair, unbiased report of your home’s condition. Then set your asking price at 10 percent below the selling prices of other houses in your neighborhood. Buyers are attracted to new listings that are less expensive than the competition, so if you have both right off the bat, your chances of selling the house quickly will increase.

Stage Your House

Whether you’re holding an open house or showing your home by appointment only, it’s important to stage your house properly. People are more likely to buy a home that looks move-in ready. Remove as many personal touches as possible–after all, the buyers want to imagine themselves living in the house, and if every wall is covered with your family’s photos, they may be unconsciously distracted.

Devote a large chunk of time toward getting your home showroom-ready. Thoroughly clean and de-clutter every room, move some of the extra furniture into the garage or storage, give the walls a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint and spruce up the landscaping. If you have a fireplace and the weather is chilly, have a fire roaring whenever potential buyers visit. In addition:

• Close the toilet lid and place fresh, clean towels in your (sparkling clean) bathroom.
• Organize closets–they should look like they could handle more items.
• Make all beds with fresh linens.
• Open the doors to every room.
• Open the drapes and air out the house.
• Polish the floors and walls.
• Put new, bright light bulbs in every light fixture, and turn them all on.
• Repair any broken fixtures.
• Scrub the kitchen, polish the sink and replace old drip pans on the stove.