If you're in a hurry to sell your house, be prepared for a challenge. On average, it takes months to sell a house … even when the market is strong. However, that doesn't mean selling it more quickly can't be done. It’s just going to take some seller savvy and some hard work. Here are five tips to help your house sell faster, while saving you money.

 1. Forego the Real Estate Agency

Agents typically charge a 6% commission of the final sale price, and there is no guarantee that listing with an agency will make your house sell more quickly or for a better price. With today's great listing tools, like those on ISoldMyHouse.com, you can put your “for sale” ad in front of hundreds of thousands of people quickly. Adding your listing to the Multiple Listing Service database in your area (another service offered by ISoldMyHouse.com) gets your FSBO house even more attention.

2. Clean Up

This is something you need to do whether you sell as a FSBO or use an agency. You want your house as clean as possible when people view it. That means getting rid of carpet stains, cleaning mildewed tile grout, and washing windows (yes, that means inside and out). You'll also need to do all the everyday cleaning jobs like vacuuming and cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms. Don't forget to take down cobwebs and vacuum out closets. Viewers want to see the entire house, and it's your job to make the entire house sparkle.

3. De-Clutter

Getting rid of clutter does wonders for making your home look as spacious and accommodating as possible. It also helps buyers imagine themselves living in the house. De-clutter every single room, identifying everything you no longer need. You can donate these items to thrift stores, give them away, or hold a yard sale, minimizing the number of items you have to throw away. Items that are dear to you should be boxed up and stored neatly in your attic or other storage space (giving you a head start on packing for the move to your new home in the process).

4. Paint and Make Other Cosmetic Improvements

Putting up a fresh coat of paint doesn't cost much and makes a huge difference in the look of your house. Your best choices are neutral, soft colors, because they help buyers envision each room as a clean slate where they can place their own things. Paint the ceiling and trim too. Another easy cosmetic improvement you might consider is new cabinet and drawer hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms.

5. Maximize Curb Appeal

You want your house to look as neat and inviting on the outside as it does on the inside. Take an objective look at your home next time you drive by it and make note of things that need improvement. You might also enlist a trusted friend to have a look, since they may see things you would overlook. Your yard needs to be mowed and cleared of outdoor toys and junk. Trim hedges, clean gutters, and rake up any stray leaves or driveway gravel. Pay attention to your front door, making sure it and its hardware are clean and that it functions properly. In warm weather, adding a few containers of bright flowers will make your house more eye-catching.

Is your house ready for prime time? If you're ready to list as a FSBO seller, click here and you can get started right now.