There are many things you can’t control when selling your home, including what the market does and how well you do at removing emotional attachments to the property. However, you can do plenty to speed things up and improve your odds of a quick sale.

For example, the condition of your home and neighborhood play a big role in how long it takes to sell your house. You can also control how much you list it for and whether you’re willing to accept offers below your asking price.

And, of course, the time of year can have an impact, too. Winter is typically a slower time to sell, with buyers distracted by the holidays and cold weather and less interested in a new home.

You can take steps to make your house more appealing to prospective buyers, such as painting the exterior and upgrading outdated fixtures and appliances. Staging your home to show it off in its best light and removing personal touches like family photos can help you sell your house faster, too.

During a showing, a buyer needs to see your home as a blank canvas that can be made into their own space, not a museum of your life. This is why you want to remove personal items from your home, such as family photos and knick-knacks, and clean your house from top to bottom. And, if you have children, it’s important to move them out during showings so that they don’t distract the buyer or cause them anxiety.

It’s also critical to have the right listing agent on your side. One who knows your neighborhood and is familiar with the homes that have recently sold can position yours to stand out from the competition and get potential buyers’ attention. The right agent can also help you determine what upgrades are necessary to attract buyers and get the highest return on your investment.

Once you have your agent and your home is ready to list, it’s essential to spread the word about your listing. This can be as simple as posting it to your social media accounts and sending a link to your family and friends. You may be surprised at just how many people you have in your network who might know someone who’s looking for a house in your area.

Another crucial step is to have a thorough home inspection done before you put your house on the market. This will allow you to address any issues that could be deal breakers for a buyer and make them aware of these problems upfront. It’s also a good idea to have all your documents, such as repair bills and utility bills, on hand so that you can be responsive to any buyer requests.

Selling your house fast is possible, but it requires planning ahead and taking an active approach to the process. Doing your research, prepping your home, and following these nine tips will increase your chances of a successful sale.