There is nothing more frustrating than putting a property on the market and watching it go unsold for months or even years. If you are looking to relocate quickly for work or other reasons, this can be a particularly difficult experience. Some home-owners in Boston feel extraordinary pressure to sell their house quickly. Here are some ways to beat the sluggish property market and get ahead in the race to sell your home.

One of the best things you can do to sell your property quickly is to hire a really top-notch selling agent who knows the Boston area, and your neighborhood, inside out. Agents with thorough and comprehensive local knowledge will be able to advise you on the best way to attract Boston buyers. Key to selling a property fast is pricing it correctly. This does not mean lowering your asking rate to well below the value of your home; but it is important to recognize that house prices in Boston have been falling consistently every month since June 2005 – from December 2010 to December 2011, house prices decreased in real terms by 6.75%.

Eager buyers are today few and far between, so it is important to take the necessary steps to attract the buyers that are looking at the market now. Paying particular attention to the entrance of your house will help to form a good first impression: a clean, well-painted front door, potted plants, groomed lawn and bushes, and good upkeep of mailboxes and garage doors can all help to present your home well to potential buyers. Inside your house, you should try as much as possible to remove your presence from the décor. Buyers want to envisage themselves inside the property and your personal items and clutter will detract from this, so it is worth putting away unique and personal items when showing potential buyers around. Keeping the house clean and well-maintained will help buyers to look favorably on the property – anything which inspires disgust or aversion will dissuade buyers. If you really want to impress buyers, consider hiring one of the many professional stagers who offer services in the Boston area, who can radically rethink the presentation of your house and give a consultation on how to improve it for buyers.

If you are wondering, 'How can I sell my house quickly and with no fuss?' getting a home inspection to ensure that your home is free of infestation, mold or poor electrical circuits can make the difference in getting a quick sale versus months of negotiation. Home repairs can be important, depending on your neighborhood – for example, East Boston residents know there is precious little housing stock that is totally rehabbed. It depends on the general upkeep of the homes surrounding yours.

For anyone who has ever wondered, 'How can I sell my house quickly and painlessly?', following these guidelines could help you to get a sale on your property within a short space of time.