The Secret to a Fast Home Sale in Austin?
The 3 P’s: Price, Presentation & Planning
If you’ve been watching the Austin-area real estate market lately, you might’ve noticed that some homes are flying off the market in a matter of days—while others linger for months with multiple price drops. So what’s the difference?
In almost every case, it comes down to Price, Presentation, and Planning—what I call the “Three P’s” of a successful sale. Let’s break it down, and then I’ll share a few recent examples from right here in the Austin and Round Rock areas that went under contract in under 5 days.
1. Price: Start Smart to Sell Fast
The biggest mistake sellers make is pricing based on hope instead of data. Your agent should provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that takes into account similarly sized homes in your area with comparable condition, age, and updates.
If you're aiming for a faster sale, consider listing at the lower end of that range to spark immediate interest and potentially receive full-price (or better) offers in the first week. Overpricing often leads to your home sitting on the market for months, then dropping in price repeatedly—and ultimately selling for less than you would have if priced correctly from the start. Plus, longer Days on Market (DOM) can raise red flags for buyers.
2. Presentation: First Impressions Sell Homes
A well-presented home makes buyers feel confident and emotionally connected. At a minimum, the home should be:
Clean and clutter-free (especially if occupied)
Staged (if vacant or sparsely furnished)
Smelling neutral and fresh
Landscaped and maintained on the exterior
Buyers want to imagine themselves living there—not distracted by repairs, odors, or clutter.
3. Planning: Show You’ve Cared for the Home
Buyers notice the difference when a home has been well cared for. Before listing:
Have your agent do a full walkthrough and flag any repairs or “make-ready” items.
Gather all maintenance records, receipts, warranties, and manuals for past repairs and updates.
Create a detailed list of updates (roof age, HVAC upgrades, kitchen remodels, etc.)
Consider writing a letter to the next buyer highlighting what you love about the home and neighborhood. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in humanizing the transaction.
🏡 Real Results: Three Homes That Sold Fast
These recent listings (2 of which were represented by me) are perfect examples of how the Three P’s can lead to quick, successful sales:
1. 12506 Terra Nova Dr, Austin, TX
Listed: May 16, 2025 at $539,000
Under Contract: May 19 (3 Days on Market)
Closed: June 9, 2025 at $549,000
Seller Credits: $7,100
👉 We priced competitively, staged the home beautifully, and provided detailed updates & maintenance records. The result? A full-price+ offer in just 3 days.
2. 1003 Lakewood Ln, Round Rock, TX
Listed: July 19, 2025 at $430,000
Under Contract: July 23 (4 Days on Market)
Closed: August 11, 2025 at $430,000
Seller Credits: $950
👉 Even in a more competitive price range, pricing and prep made this home stand out immediately.
3. 2404 Lawnmont Ave, Austin, TX
Listed: June 19, 2025 at $950,000
Under Contract: June 21 (2 Days on Market)
Closed: July 21, 2025 at full asking price with $4,000 in seller credits
👉 At this price point, presentation and planning were key. Thoughtful landscaping, staging, and detailed documentation helped seal the deal quickly.
Thinking about selling your home this fall?
Let’s talk strategy. With the right pricing, prep, and plan, your home could be next on this list.
📲 Reach out if you want to walk through the Three P’s for your home.
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga and pilates, and has been enjoying gardening at her new home in East Austin🎶✨
