When the time came to sell this home three years later, I knew it would not be an easy feat. These were not the times when interest rates were hovering around 3%. In fact, the interest rate for a 30-year conventional at the time was an average of 9%. However, the biggest obstacle to overcome was the busy road.

Over the years, I have had my share of listings on busy streets. While it can be a challenging exercise of patience, especially in today’s market, it is still possible. Approaching the sale with an understanding from the get-go that fewer buyers are willing to trade peace and quiet for easy access to honking horns and exhaust fumes is critical. Just like anything else you’re trying to sell, especially in real estate, demand matters; and in this case, it’s wearing earplugs, so it’s going to take a little extra everything — more marketing, more charm and a small miracle — to get it across the finish line.

Patience, as well as some realistic expectations, should be at work here. Recent sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood will serve as reference points for comparison. Unfortunately, without considering the busy road, these stats can be a bit misleading. Homes that face or back up to busy streets tend to sell for around 10%-15% less than a similar home that is on a less traveled road. Even a home one block away, if not directly on the thoroughfare, will sell for more. The price of the home must make the inconvenience of road noise and traffic worth the purchase.

With that in mind, curb appeal is more important than ever. If the freeway isn’t an automatic deal killer, it will be. The place can’t scream “fixer-upper” from the sidewalk. The outside of the home must be inviting enough for people to overlook the noise. Trim the hedges, cut the grass and repaint the front door if needed. Perhaps even add a water feature that blocks out some of the traffic noise with the sounds of sweet serenity. Pretend the home is auditioning for a magazine cover. After all, it really is an audition.

If the living room sounds like rush hour in Manhattan, consider replacing your windows to cut down the chaos. It would be a great investment. Windows can offer a considerable amount of soundproofing to the interior of a home. As much as I loved the wavy glass and original frames from my 1907 home on 700 East, my sanity would’ve thanked me if I’d replaced them — the noise wasn’t vintage. I imagine the sounds of clopping hoofs and carriage wheels were far easier to tolerate than sirens and semis.

Exceptional photography can also be pivotal in the case; it’s the holy grail of real estate marketing. This isn’t the time for dimly lit iPhone shots that make your living room look like a crime scene. We’re talking professional pics that drive a potential buyer to stop scrolling and stare in awe. You need to get them through the door in the first place so they can see all the extras the home has to offer. Pictures will make or break that.

Equally important? A great property description that doesn’t over describe but also doesn’t sound like a script. While “charming three-bedroom home” may work on a home in a quiet neighborhood, it doesn’t work for a more challenging location. Once again, a scroll-stopping narrative that highlights the home’s best features is a better plan. Think less “cozy” and more “sun-drenched retreat with room to breathe.” Words and pictures should help sell it, not act as a sleep aid. If it doesn’t grab attention in the first three seconds, it’s already lost in the digital abyss.

Homes on busy roads or backing up to major highways are just going to be tougher to sell. The key here is patience — waiting for the right buyer who’s willing to trade a little noise for convenience or value.

And let’s be candid – it is easy to get delusional about price. Your home isn’t going to command the same number as the picture-perfect house tucked away on a tree-lined cul-de-sac in the most sought-after zip code. Location matters — a lot. It is still all three of the most important rules in real estate (location, location, location). Being realistic about that upfront will save you time, frustration and a serious ego check down the road.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.