While I’m in Ohio kicking my family’s butt at board games over the holiday, Dominique Brown agreed to take over the reins for a day. Thanks, Dom! 

For those of you who don’t know him from our podcast, Dominique Brown is a financial planner, landlord, personal finance blogger and video blogger. He is the owner of YourFinancesSimplified.com where he talks about everything from being a new father to his worst financial mistakes. He is also the owner of InsiderRealEstateTips.com where he talks exclusively about real estate. He’s been featured at The Huffington Post and H&R Block. You can find him either on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube or Instagram.

Maybe your adjustable rate mortgage is about to put the ARM on you. Maybe you just took that once-in-a-lifetime job halfway across the planet. For whatever reason, you need to sell your house fast. When your back is against the wall, you might try some of these unusual methods to sell your house fast.

Saturate the Internet

It may surprise you to know that 66% of folks shopping for homes begin their search online. For this reason, make certain your realtor has your property listed on the internet. The top five sites are Trulia.com, Homes.com, Craigslist.org, Zillow.com and Yahoo.com. While there are other sites, these top-of-the-heap places give your property greater exposure, hopefully shortening the time to sell your home. Don’t overlook social media sites like Facebook, LinkdIn, and Twitter. Send out copies of your listing to everyone on your contact list. Start a blog about your home, talk up the neighborhood, schools, and nearby attractions, such as parks or community centers.

Try eBay

I know this sounds wacky, but for about $150, this is a cost effective way to create buzz about your home, and can land you a ton of traffic. The auction is not binding, and if you choose not to accept any offers, that is your privilege. If you need to sell your house fast, consider this part of your advertising expense. Who knows…you might sell your house fast!

Got Kids?

Put them to good use. I read about a couple that had “Buy My House” T-shirts made for their children and all their children’s friends. This shouldn’t get you into hot water with Children and Family Services and hey…a lead is a lead, right?

Incentivize Your Broker 

Offer your broker a bonus for a quick sale. The bonus should parallel your need to sell your house fast. Avoid cash bonuses. Offer a weekend get away to Las Vegas, Chicago, or Atlantic City. Maybe your broker is a sports fan and would appreciate getting tickets for that big game. Use your imagination. That’s why I suggest you avoid cash. So boring!

Incentivize Your Buyer

Offer to pick up the full boat on closings costs. Maybe you could sweeten the deal by prepaying the property taxes for few months. This could really help a first time buyer.

Price it Right 

Work closely with your broker to arrive at a selling price that is attractive, but not so attractive as to arouse suspicion in potential buyers. If you price your house too far below the rest of the market, prospective buyers may think something is amiss with the home, the neighborhood, or the schools. This is a balancing act, and if your broker is clear on your goal to sell quickly, then together you can arrive at a Goldilocks’ price—not too high, not too low, but just right. Another way to sell your house fast and still get a fair price is getting in touch with NeedToSellMyHouseFast.com, a trusted home buyer famous for buying houses in cash.

Some people think that under pricing your home is “good thing.” These people believe that market forces will come into play. They believe potential buyers will actually bid against one another and force your selling price into line with market prices. You and your broker will have to make that call.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Don’t get caught up in the wacky things you are doing to speed the sale of your home and forget the basics. Do not make that mistake. You still need to make certain your home is in good repair inside and out. Make sure the rooms are clear of clutter. Keep the dishes washed and the kitchen spotless. Bathrooms should always be spotless too. If you have pets, consider boarding them with friends or with a kennel. Not everyone is a fan of the furry friends. Make sure you mow the lawn, put toys and tools away and repair any problems with outbuildings or fences. When your broker is showing your home, it is usually best for you to be absent. Spend some time visiting open houses. This is a good way to get ideas for highlighting your property, and it is free.

 If you have had experience with selling your house fast, let us know about it. Have you had success in making a fast sale?