Can You Really Sell Your House In Just 5 Days Flat?

by | May 3, 2025

Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s a sudden job transfer, money troubles, a divorce, or a growing family, big changes can come out of nowhere. And when they do, you might need to sell your house fast — sometimes in as little as five days. But is that even possible?

Typically, selling a home takes time. Depending on the housing market, it can take anywhere from 18 to 49 days just to get a signed contract. That’s not even counting the time it takes to close. So, selling your house in under a week might sound impossible — but it’s not.

With the right strategy, you can beat the odds. Some homeowners manage to go under contract in just a few days. The key? Knowing how to position your property, attract the right buyer, and remove as many roadblocks as possible. When everything aligns, you can sell your house much faster than the average timeline.

A person buying a house with cash.

Sell Your Home Fast for Cash in Massachusetts 

Need to sell your house quickly — even in just 5 days? Skip the slow and stressful traditional selling process. A faster, more straightforward option is selling directly to a cash buyer like New England Home Buyers.

Choosing this route helps you avoid a lot of the usual time-consuming steps, including:

  • No need to clean, repair, or stage your home before listing
  • No showings or open houses
  • No home appraisal delays
  • No waiting on loan approvals or financing issues

If you’re looking to sell your house fast, working with a cash home buyer is a much better solution. New England Home Buyers makes the process easy by giving you a fair cash offer — without the usual headaches.

You won’t have to make any repairs or pay out of pocket for agent fees or commissions. Just provide your address and a few basic details about your property. In return, you’ll get a no-obligation cash offer to buy your home as-is.

Find an Agent Who Knows How to Sell Your House Fast

If you need to sell your house quickly, then working with the right agent is a must — and you don’t have time to waste. Instead of scrolling endlessly through a long list of real estate agents, go straight to someone who delivers results.

Platforms take the guesswork out of the process. They review more than 27 million real estate transactions and thousands of client reviews to find the best-performing agents based on your specific needs. All you need to do is answer a short questionnaire about your home and your ideal selling timeline. In just two minutes, you’ll be matched with top local agents who know how to sell your house fast.

Even with the best matches, it’s smart to interview at least three agents to make sure you find the perfect fit. During your calls, ask the right questions to learn how they’ll help you reach your goal quickly and effectively.

Questions to Ask When You’re Ready to Sell Your House Fast

  1. How fast do you usually sell homes compared to others in this area?
    Speed matters when you’re in a rush to sell your house. Ask the agent about their average days on market — this is the number of days between listing your home and closing the sale. If the agent consistently sells homes faster than others in your area, that’s a strong sign they know how to move properties efficiently.
  2. Have you sold homes like mine recently?
    Agents who have experience selling homes similar to yours — in terms of size, location, and condition — are likely to have proven strategies in place. They understand the local market and know how to price and promote your home in a way that attracts serious buyers quickly. Ask how long it took them to sell these homes and what unique tactics they plan to use to sell your house even faster.
  3. What’s your online marketing strategy for my home?
    If you’re planning to sell your house quickly, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly all homebuyers start their search online. Make sure your agent is tech-savvy and has a clear plan to market your property across real estate websites and social media platforms. Ask for real-world examples of their marketing success, including website traffic stats and social media engagement (like shares, saves, and comments).

Choosing the right agent isn’t just about experience — it’s about their ability to take action fast. If your goal is to sell your house without delays, you need someone who’s ready to hit the ground running. The faster you find the right partner, the sooner your house will be sold.

A concept illustrating smart pricing when selling your house.

Use Smart Pricing: List Slightly Below Market to Attract Quick Offers

If you need to sell your house fast, setting the right price is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Overpricing can turn buyers away, while smart pricing can pull them in with urgency. One proven strategy is to price your home just below similar listings in your area.

Real estate experts advise that your listing agent should stay one step ahead by contacting the agents of nearby comparable homes the moment they go under contract. Why? Because getting inside info on what a similar home actually sold for — before it hits public records — gives you a competitive edge.

With that fresh data, your agent can build a precise Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This ensures your pricing is based on real-time sales, not outdated estimates.

A nearby home, smaller in size and requiring more work, was listed at $525,000. It quickly drew multiple offers and went under contract for $540,000. Leveraging that market insight, the decision was made to list another property at $579,000. The strategy paid off—two offers came in over asking, and the home sold within days.

This kind of pricing strategy works wonders in a seller’s market. When home prices are stable or rising, buyers are watching closely. If you price your home just under market value, you’ll grab their attention — and maybe even start a bidding war. That competition can drive the final sale price higher than you expected.

Just be cautious in a buyer’s market, where more homes are available than buyers. In that case, pricing low may not bring in multiple offers and could leave you settling for less.

But if you’re looking to sell your house quickly and for top value, pricing slightly below the competition is a smart, proactive move that can spark real momentum.

Stay Ahead of the Market to Sell Your House Fast

The property market is always shifting. What works to sell your house quickly today might not work the same way next month. With trends and buyer expectations constantly changing, it’s essential to stay one step ahead if you want a smooth sale.

This is where expert advice can really pay off. Speak with a local real estate professional who understands current market conditions. They can explain what’s helping homes sell fast right now—and what might slow your sale down.

One big trend that’s affecting sales? Many buyers are pulling back from homes that need any sort of fixing up. As home prices rise, so do costs for materials and labor. Even simple repairs can feel overwhelming or too expensive for buyers who just want to move in and settle down.

If your property isn’t move-in ready, this can make it harder to sell your house quickly. That’s why setting the right asking price from the start is more important than ever. A smart pricing strategy can attract more attention and help you stand out in a competitive market.

Taking action based on current trends and buyer behavior gives you the best chance to sell your house fast and for a solid price.

Clutter stored in boxes.

Use Your Garage to Declutter and Prepare Your Home for a Quick Sale

Clearing out clutter might not be the most exciting part of selling your home, but it can have a powerful impact. In fact, cutting down on excess items throughout your house can help your property sell faster—and potentially boost your sale price by 3% to 5%.

When potential buyers tour your home, they want to imagine their own belongings in the space, not yours. That’s why it’s essential to remove as many personal items as possible. Keep only a few well-placed pieces of furniture to highlight the size and purpose of each room, and let the rest speak for itself.

Here are a few simple but effective decluttering tips to get started:

  • Clear off all desks, kitchen counters, and bathroom surfaces to minimize distractions.
  • Tuck away furniture that isn’t necessary for the layout, along with any extra decorations or odds and ends.
  • Pack up belongings you won’t be using over the next few weeks and get them out of sight.
  • Wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and keep the home feeling fresh.
  • Make sure all walkways, entryways, and hallways are free from obstacles.

Save Money by Turning Your Garage into a Storage Hub

You don’t have to rent an expensive storage unit to make your home look clean and spacious. Your garage can do the job just fine. Stack boxes, bins, and packed items all the way up if needed. It won’t affect your home’s value—and buyers won’t care if your garage is filled with moving boxes.

A clean and tidy home, paired with a packed garage, gives buyers the message that you’re serious and ready to move. If the garage fills up, you can also make use of other out-of-the-way areas like the basement, attic, closets, or even a temporary shed.

Start early, stay organized, and use every bit of available storage space to your advantage. A decluttered home speaks volumes—and helps you seal the deal faster.

An aesthetic home office.

Stage a Home Office (or Even Two) 

Today’s buyers are actively looking for a home office—and in many cases, they want more than one. With more people working remotely, a dedicated workspace has become a top priority. If you already have a home office, take time to clean and organize it. Make sure it looks neat, professional, and photo-ready.

If there’s no designated office in your home, no problem. Choose a spare bedroom, a quiet corner of the living room, or even part of the basement. Set up a simple workstation with a desk, chair, and laptop or monitor. You don’t need to go all-out—just show buyers that the space can function as a productive work area. Even a small, staged setup can help people picture themselves getting things done in the space.

Highlight Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor spaces are a huge draw for buyers—and that’s not changing any time soon. In a national survey of top agents, outdoor living ranked right behind home offices and updated kitchens as a must-have feature. That means your garden, patio, or deck could be the reason a buyer books a showing.

Make the most of your outdoor space. Add string lights over your patio, place a few chairs or a fire pit in the backyard, and give the front porch some attention with seating and bright cushions. Even small touches can go a long way in helping buyers imagine relaxing or entertaining outside.

Got a pool? Make sure it’s clean, well-staged, and featured prominently in your listing photos. Capture it from a few different angles and make it a key part of your marketing strategy.

Create Buzz with a ‘Coming Soon’ Listing

Want to build early momentum for your home sale? Mark it as “Coming Soon.” It’s a simple but powerful way to catch attention before your home officially hits the market. This strategy gives buyers a preview, builds anticipation, and helps your listing stand out from the crowd.

A “Coming Soon” label means your home will appear online with professional photos and key details, but buyers can’t schedule viewings until it goes live. It gives your home a head start—by the time it’s officially listed, interested buyers may already be lining up.

Work with your agent to prepare a compelling preview listing, complete with polished photos and a standout description. The goal is clear: get as many eyes on your property as early as possible, and turn that attention into serious offers when launch day arrives.

A 3D video of a house for sale.

Give Buyers a Clear Look: Share a Floor Plan or 3D Tour

In today’s digital world, how your home appears online can make a big difference. More buyers are turning to the internet to explore properties, and they expect more than just photos—they want to understand the space.

It’s no longer enough to simply list a property with a few images. A recent report shows that 49% of buyers find floor plans extremely helpful, and 39% see virtual tours as a must-have tool. Instead of uploading endless photos of hallways or empty rooms, highlight how your home flows with a well-drawn layout or a 3D virtual tour.

Using a platform allows buyers to click through the home virtually, as if they’re walking through each room. They can zoom in, turn corners, and get a real sense of the space—right from their phone or laptop. It’s an immersive experience that helps buyers feel more connected to the home before they even step foot inside.

And the stats speak volumes: a recent survey found that 67% of homebuyers are more likely to engage with a listing that includes a 3D tour. Even more surprising, 90% said they’d consider making an offer on a home they’ve only seen through a virtual walkthrough.

Including a floor plan or 3D tour doesn’t just make your listing look more professional—it helps it stand out, builds buyer confidence, and can speed up the selling process.

Catch Buyers’ Attention with Bold, Unexpected Marketing

If you want your listing to stand out, it’s time to think beyond the usual tactics. Creative marketing draws attention, sparks conversations, and gives potential buyers a reason to remember your property. When a home listing is fun, imaginative, or emotionally engaging, it becomes more than just a house — it becomes a story buyers want to share.

Push the Limits with These Unconventional Marketing Ideas: 

Host an event around a quirky holiday 

Take advantage of fun national days like National Donut Day. Share treats during an open house or feature your favorite local donut spots on social media. It’s an easy way to create a memorable moment and tie your listing to the local lifestyle.

Bring the home to life with video content 

Use short-form videos to showcase how the home fits into everyday living. Take a selfie-style tour of a finished basement, whip up a quick no-bake dessert in the kitchen, or use a GoPro to capture a scenic bike ride from the property to a nearby trail. Lifestyle sells — show it, don’t just tell it.

Leverage local influencers 

Team up with a social media personality to host a fun online event. Whether it’s a virtual wine tasting, trivia night, or live Q&A, include a home showing as part of the experience. Their followers become your potential buyers.

Combine an open house with a moving sale 

The day your home hits the market, make it an event. Set up a “moving sale” by selling unneeded household items while hosting the open house. It brings in more foot traffic and gives curious shoppers a reason to stay and explore the home.

Use your home’s unique story 

If your home has a connection to local history, pop culture, or a former famous owner, use that to your advantage. Reach out to local media and pitch the story. Whether the house appeared in a film, has architectural significance, or holds a quirky past, these stories attract press — and more potential buyers.

Expand Your Reach to Non-Local Buyers

A skilled agent knows the importance of targeting buyers beyond your immediate area, ensuring your listing attracts a wide pool of potential buyers as soon as it goes live.

When your listing is published, it’s crucial for your agent to immediately connect with buyer’s agents in these out-of-area locations to build momentum. Here are some effective strategies to reach potential buyers from other regions:

  • Promote your listing through Facebook ads, targeting a 15-mile radius around the areas where your out-of-town buyers typically reside.
  • Use location-specific hashtags on your social media posts, such as #haverhillrealestate or #actonrealestate, to increase visibility among buyers from those areas.
  • Send out listing details and virtual tours directly to real estate agents in the areas where you’re targeting potential buyers. This helps ensure your property gets seen by a wider audience.

A house with beautiful curb appeal.Boost Your Curb Appeal With a Splash of Color

First impressions count — and when it comes to selling a home, the outside is the first thing buyers see. Whether they’re scrolling through listings or pulling up to the curb, the exterior sets the tone for everything that follows. That’s why it’s crucial to get your curb appeal just right. A well-presented exterior invites buyers in before they even step through the door.

Start by choosing a neutral base color for your home’s exterior. This makes your property more appealing to a wider range of buyers. Once that’s set, bring it to life with colorful details that catch the eye and create a welcoming vibe. Think of bold accents as the finishing touch that makes everything stand out — like the cherry on top of a cake.

One standout example? A recent home sold in just five days thanks to its smart use of color. The seller went with a timeless gray for the main structure, then added a pop of cranberry red on the shutters and front door. The contrast was striking but tasteful. They even split the façade with some sections painted white and others in gray to add more depth and dimension. It worked — the home didn’t just look attractive, it stood out from the crowd.

There’s another reason to make curb appeal a priority: the financial return. According to a nationwide survey of real estate experts, homes with strong curb appeal can sell for up to 7% more than similar properties with a lackluster exterior. 

Quick Ideas to Add Color and Character Outside

You don’t need a full renovation to make your home pop. Try these easy ways to brighten up your exterior and impress potential buyers:

  • Refresh or repaint your front porch — even a new coat of stain can go a long way
  • Add a layer of fresh mulch to flower beds for instant polish
  • Use glazed ceramic pots to add color and charm to entryways or walkways
  • Plant perennial flowers that add life year-round
  • Repaint the front door in a bold but balanced shade
  • Install shutters or trim in a color that complements the main exterior
  • Add window boxes overflowing with blooms
  • Swap out your mailbox for one that fits the home’s new look
  • Place matching chairs or a bench on your porch to create a cozy sitting area

Every detail helps shape the buyer’s impression — and each of these improvements can help make your home more memorable and valuable. Pair them with smart pre-listing strategies, and your home will be well-positioned to sell quickly and for top dollar.

A woman conducting a pre-listing home inspection.

Boost Buyer Confidence with a Pre-Listing Inspection and Home Warranty

If you want to sell your home quickly and stand out in a competitive market, you need to give buyers extra reasons to choose your property. Based on recent insights from experienced real estate professionals, there are a few key upgrades and strategies that can make a big difference:

  • 67% of agents recommend updating the kitchen and appliances
  • 37% suggest adding a home office or dedicated workspace
  • 31% encourage enhancing outdoor living areas or gardens

These improvements help your home feel more modern and adaptable — exactly what today’s buyers are looking for. But even beyond renovations, one of the most effective ways to add value and peace of mind is to combine a pre-listing home inspection with a home warranty.

Know What You’re Selling Before Listing

A pre-listing home inspection gives you a clear picture of your property’s condition before you ever put it on the market. This allows you to handle necessary repairs in advance — on your own schedule and budget — instead of being caught off guard later in the process.

By fixing any major or minor issues ahead of time, you reduce the chances of a deal falling through due to unexpected inspection surprises. It also shortens negotiation time, making the closing process faster and smoother for everyone.

Add a Home Warranty for Extra Assurance

Pairing a home inspection with a warranty adds valuable protection. A home warranty covers many common systems and appliances for a full year after the sale, including heating and cooling units, electrical components, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and even garage doors. It’s a practical way to offer peace of mind and reduce unexpected repair costs.

Offering a warranty shows buyers that you’re serious about providing value — and it helps calm any fears they may have about surprise repair costs after moving in.

Handle Inspection Concerns Proactively

Even with an inspection and warranty in place, some buyers may still worry about certain repair needs. In this case, consider offering a home improvement allowance — a set dollar amount taken off the purchase price to cover repairs, replacements, or upgrades.

This gesture helps buyers feel like they’re getting a fair deal, while also keeping the sale moving forward.

Drive Urgency with a Time-Sensitive Bonus Offer

Encourage serious buyers to move fast by offering a limited-time bonus with your home. A smart way to do this is by adding a valuable freebie for anyone who makes an offer within the first five days of the listing. This small window creates a sense of urgency—and when the bonus is eye-catching, it can do more than just sweeten the deal. It can spark buzz and increase attention around your property.

Some sellers have captured headlines by including high-value perks like electric cars or solar upgrades with their home sale. When done right, this tactic not only gives potential buyers extra motivation but also puts your listing in the spotlight.

Here are some attractive add-ons that can boost interest and speed up your sale:

  • Generous gift cards to popular local restaurants or shops
  • Quality gym equipment to set up a home workout space
  • A full whiskey or wine collection for connoisseurs
  • A complete, ready-to-enjoy game room setup
  • A car or electric vehicle to go with the keys to the house
  • Brand-new furniture to fill out the space in style
  • Electric bikes for eco-friendly neighborhood cruising
  • Paying for all closing costs or offering financial perks
  • A fully outfitted outdoor living or entertaining area

Offering something special with a clear deadline does more than grab attention—it makes buyers act fast and positions your property as a standout on the market.

 

Conclusion 

Selling your house in just five days might sound like a dream, but with the right combination of speed-focused strategies, it’s entirely possible. Whether you’re going the cash buyer route, partnering with a fast-moving real estate agent, or leveraging pricing tactics and innovative marketing, every move you make should be intentional.

Start with a clear goal, prepare your home smartly, and act fast. From maximizing your home’s visual appeal to creating urgency with bonuses or “Coming Soon” buzz, every detail counts. In today’s fast-paced housing market, fortune favors the proactive.

Don’t wait for the perfect buyer to find you. Make your house unmissable.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is selling to a cash buyer the fastest option?

Absolutely. Cash buyers eliminate delays from mortgage approvals, inspections, and appraisals. Companies like New England Home Buyers offer fast, as-is purchases with minimal hassle.

Should I stage my home if I’m in a rush to sell?

Yes. Even basic staging — especially of high-impact areas like a home office or outdoor space — can help buyers visualize the potential and act quickly.

How important is pricing when selling quickly?

Extremely. Listing just below market value creates urgency, draws attention, and may even spark bidding wars that push your price above asking.

What are the best marketing tools for a fast sale?

3D tours, professional photos, floor plans, and “Coming Soon” listings generate early interest. Don’t underestimate the power of social media and creative video walkthroughs.

How can I make my listing stand out to out-of-area buyers?

Use location-based hashtags, Facebook ads targeting key regions, and virtual tours to widen your reach and attract serious, long-distance buyers.

Users Also Say

How do you sell your house in 5 days?

R****rd

We have successfully sold our home in just one or two weeks on several occasions.

The key factor in these quick sales is pricing. We set our listing price very close to the amount we were aiming to receive. Additionally, we made small, practical cosmetic upgrades.

While many sellers price their homes higher than what they anticipate getting, we had a more appealing property at our listed price. The cosmetic improvements helped address common issues, making the house stand out. As a result, the competitive listing price and improved appearance attracted multiple offers, which led to a fast sale at a higher price.

R*n R****rds

Selling your home below its true value can attract opportunistic buyers looking to take advantage of the situation.

To sell your house at a competitive price compared to similar properties, it’s essential to update and renovate it to resemble a newer model for potential buyers. This often requires a financial investment. Even with these improvements, buyers are typically inclined to find issues that could justify a lower offer, regardless of how well-maintained or modern your home appears.

D***ld T***er

 Honestly, it’s to sell it to a “We buy houses” company. You could have your house sold in under a week, provided it has a clear title. 

When most people ask about selling quickly, though, they mean “relatively fast,” like receiving an offer within a few days. Keep in mind, that’s not technically selling—it’s just getting a contract. If that’s your goal, here’s what you should do: Find a real estate agent who specializes in your area and selling homes quickly. Let them know you want to sell fast. The agent will probably suggest a list of repairs and upgrades, but you don’t have the luxury of time for all that. Focus on simple cosmetic fixes, both inside and out. Tell your agent you’re willing to sell “as-is” and ask them what price point would generate a quick offer. Also, make sure you understand their definition of a “fast offer” and ensure the agent has a solid marketing plan.

To sell quickly, it boils down to this: set a competitive price, market the property well, sell it “as-is” with necessary cosmetic fixes, and ensure the title is clear. Lastly, make sure everyone involved in the sale is on board with moving quickly.

Get One-on-One Guidance

Contact us below or call (978) 228-1068 to speak with us about selling your home fast.

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Elie Deglaoui - Author

Author

Elie Deglaoui

Elie is our office admin who handles all our day-to-day tasks and makes sure we always stay on track. He brings his love of music and sports into the office everyday to always liven up the environment. His outgoing personality makes it easy and fun for him to talk to homeowners, homebuyers, and everyone in between.

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