Why Some Homes Sell in Days (And Others Don't)

By Bryan David

Bryan David is one of the best REALTORS® serving Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport and the entire coast. He is a Biloxi native, military veteran and retiree, and a multi-year top-producing agent with hundreds of satisfied clients.

It’s the biggest question for every home seller: why do some homes sell in days while others sit on the market for months? The answer often has little to do with the market and everything to do with strategy. As a real estate agent on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I witness this play out daily in cities such as Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and Gulfport. I want to share the top five secrets from a recent national agent survey that will help your home sell fast and for top dollar.

1. Decluttering is king. The survey was clear: 77% of agents said the number one thing sellers must do is declutter and depersonalize. Buyers need to be able to imagine their life in your home. That means packing away family photos, personal collections, and excess furniture. A clean, neutral canvas is far more powerful than the most beautiful personalized decor.

2. Turnkey trumps a good deal. Forget hoping buyers will see past your “to-do” list. An overwhelming 64% of agents reported that buyers are willing to pay a premium for a move-in-ready home. This means fixing leaky faucets, patching nail holes, and ensuring everything is in working order. A home that feels cared for signals to buyers that it has been maintained, reducing their fear of hidden expenses.

3. Odors are a silent dealbreaker. This might be the most underestimated factor. It’s not just pet smells; smoke, mustiness, and even overpowering air fresheners can stop a showing in its tracks. Buyers are immediately suspicious of what you might be hiding. The only solution is true cleanliness, such as fresh air, clean surfaces, and eliminating the source of odors, rather than just covering them up.

4. Overpricing kills momentum. Every single agent in the poll agreed: pricing too high from the start is a catastrophic mistake. An overpriced home languishes on the market, becomes “stale,” and eventually sells for less than it would have if it had been priced correctly from the start. The right price generates immediate interest, often leading to multiple offers and a faster sale at or above the asking price.

5. Sell a Lifestyle, not just a house. Today’s buyers aren’t just purchasing square footage; they’re buying a way of life. They are drawn to open kitchens for entertaining, functional home offices for remote work, and inviting outdoor living spaces. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this means highlighting bright, airy spaces that reflect our relaxed, coastal lifestyle. The more your home aligns with how people want to live, the faster it will sell.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By focusing on what truly matters to today’s buyers, you can position your property to stand out in any market. To get a personalized plan that leverages these insights for your specific home, call 228-215-1861, email bhgre@expectrealty.com, or visit https://expectrealty.com. Let’s connect and turn your sale into a success.