Watching your home sit on the market with no offers coming in can be frustrating—especially when you’re ready to move on to your next chapter. You’re not alone in this. Many sellers in Brookings, South Dakota and surrounding areas are experiencing this challenge today.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house stays on the market has been increasing. This is a trend that’s becoming more common nationwide. As Realtor.com recently noted:
"During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more choices available and mortgage rates expected to fall, buyers are taking their time, which means sellers will need to be patient and flexible.”
The reasons are clear: buyers have more options, and higher mortgage rates over the last two years have cooled demand. But don’t worry, there’s a silver lining. While some factors—like inventory and interest rates—are beyond your control, there are key strategies you can implement to speed up the sale of your home. And it all starts with partnering with the right real estate agent.
If you work with an experienced local agent who knows the Brookings housing market, you can still sell your home quickly, even in a challenging market. Here’s how.
1. Strategic Pricing is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their home too high. In today’s shifting market, buyers are being more selective and price-conscious, so setting the right price from the start is essential. Your local real estate agent will conduct a competitive market analysis to evaluate recent sales and current listings in Brookings and the surrounding area. They’ll use this data to price your home competitively, helping you attract buyers right away.
As U.S. News points out:
“. . . setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate . . . A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.”
This is where the expertise of a local agent comes in handy. They know the market and can help you hit the pricing sweet spot to attract serious buyers.
2. Make Sure Your Home is Market-Ready
Condition matters—a lot. Homes that are well-maintained, have great curb appeal, and offer modern finishes tend to sell faster. Before listing your home, ensure that it makes a strong first impression. Your real estate agent can help identify any necessary repairs or updates that can make your home stand out in the Brookings market.
According to Ramsey Solutions, it’s important to handle potential deal-breakers early:
"In the spirit of selling your home fast, take care of things now that will be a problem in the closing process. Talk to your agent about fixes you’ll need to make to pass the home inspection, like plumbing problems, roof damage, electrical issues, HVAC glitches. . . These are issues you’ll be expected to take care of before any buyers close on your house—you might as well get ahead of the game to help your home sell faster.”
Simple upgrades like fresh paint, landscaping improvements, or staging your home can make a world of difference in attracting buyers quickly.
3. Offer Incentives to Entice Buyers
In a market with more options, standing out is crucial. One way to do that is by offering buyer incentives. This could include contributing to closing costs, providing a home warranty, or even including furniture or appliances in the sale. These extra perks can help sway buyers to choose your home over the competition.
Your agent will know what incentives are most appealing in today’s market and can recommend the best options to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Why Working with the Right Agent is Essential
Selling a home quickly in a shifting market like Brookings requires a smart, strategic approach. Working with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances of the market and knows what buyers are looking for will make all the difference. An experienced agent will guide you through the process, from pricing your home correctly to preparing it for sale and offering the right incentives to close the deal.
As Forbes says:
“When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to take a chance on an inexperienced housing professional. Instead, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who knows your market and has helped sellers in your situation before.”
In Brookings, partnering with the Brookings Home Team means working with agents who know the ins and outs of the local real estate landscape. We understand what buyers are looking for, and we know how to position your home to sell quickly—even in a tough market.
How Brookings is Shifting for Sellers
The Brookings housing market has seen some changes over the past few years, much like the rest of the country. While homes are sitting on the market a bit longer than before, it doesn’t mean they won’t sell—especially if you take a proactive approach.
Increased inventory and rising mortgage rates have given buyers more leverage, but this is exactly why you need an expert by your side. Your real estate agent will help you navigate these changes and make sure your home stands out from the competition, whether you're in Brookings, Volga, Aurora, or any of the surrounding communities.
Bottom Line
Selling your home in today’s shifting market doesn’t have to be a slow process. By working with the right local agent, strategically pricing your home, ensuring it’s in top condition, and offering attractive incentives, you can still sell quickly.
At the Brookings Home Team, we’re here to help you get your home sold, no matter the market conditions. Let’s connect to make sure you’re set up for success and can move forward with confidence.
Posted by Shane Andersen on
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