If you've been thinking about putting your house on the market in the next few months, then you should start preparing now. The more time you have to get ready, the better the chances are that your home will be sold quickly. Statistics also show that homes sold within 4 weeks are more likely to sell for the asking price. The longer your home is for sale, the lower the sale price will be. So, if you're looking to learn a few tricks to improve your chances of selling your house fast, keep reading.

1. Make Renovations and Stage Your House

Before you put your house on the market, make sure that all minor repairs are made. While some renovations, like updated kitchens, can increase the value of your home, there are actually renovations that won't give you a return. So save your money and make changes where it counts!

Not only should you make the proper renovations, you'll want to work on curb appeal since the exterior is the first thing many buyers will see. Make sure your lawn has been mowed, bushes are trimmed; and, it's also a good idea to contact someone to either repave or reseal your driveway. If you have bare spots on your lawn, put down some grass seed. It's also a good idea to plant some blooming flowers if you are going to sell your house during the spring or summer.

You can also do a few things inside your house to make it more appealing to buyers. This is called staging. If you have any bold colors inside your home, put on a fresh coat of a light, neutral paint. Remove the majority of your personal photographs and collectables. Also, clear off your kitchen counters, remove any extra furnishings, and clean the house from top to bottom until it's immaculate. Your potential buyers will have an easier time imagining the house as their own if your family pictures and personal tastes are kept to a minimum.

2. Hire A Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents are experts at selling houses. They know the market, they know what's currently selling and what isn't, and they know what selling strategies work the best in your area. With this in mind, it's in your best interest to hire one to guide you through the selling process. He or she will help you set a selling price, will give you suggestions for improving your staging, take pictures and put the details of your home on a multiple listing service (MLS), and make sure you complete all the necessary forms and documents.

3. Set A Realistic Price

The next step is to set a realistic selling price for your property. Your real estate agent will help you. While it's easy to price your home high so you can get as much money as possible, you'll only turn potential buyers away. Real estate agents will suggest that you set a competitive price in line with comparable homes in your area that have recently been sold. Of course, the price always takes into consideration the condition of your property, the condition of the house, and any special features or circumstances that will be appealing to buyers.

4. Offer Incentives To Buyers

Sometimes buyers love a home, but they need a little push to make a commitment to purchase it. This is when incentives work great. You can offer to throw in a few appliances, like the washer, dryer, and refrigerator for no extra cost. Or, you could offer to cover the closing costs to help first-time home-buyers struggling to come up with a large amount of cash all at once. Your expert real estate agent will help you come up with some incentives to seal the deal.

As long as you follow these 4 tips, your home will be sold quickly and you can begin the next chapter of your life somewhere new. Making a few updates to improve the appearance of your home, like driveway paving and staging, will go a long way in ensuring your home sells quickly for a fair price.