How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

How long does it take to sell a house? On average, homes in the US are on the market for about 25 to 31 days before going under contract. Once an offer is accepted, it generally takes an additional 30 to 45 days to close. All in all, from listing to sale it takes 55 to 75 days to sell a house.

‍

But chances are, you’re not asking about any old house. You’re asking about selling your house. That’s a big difference. While national averages can give you a broad sense of things, it’s far from a perfect estimate for your specific situation. That’s because your property, neighborhood, and local housing market all add to a unique situation.

‍

So, accurately answering how long it takes to sell your house takes a little more homework. We’ll cover everything that goes into a home selling timeline—and even share some tips on how to sell your house faster, while still getting the right payout.

Home Selling Timeline and Process

Homeowners tend to spend an average of six months contemplating the move before even listing their homes. That’s not usually included in official timelines, but it’s still something to remember. Why? Because this period often includes various preparations that set the stage for a successful sale, like cleaning, decluttering, and repairs. Not to mention that if you’re selling your house, you’re probably moving somewhere else which takes some time.

‍

These initial preparations can actually affect how quickly your house sells. For example, minor fixes to the home’s exterior can increase curb appeal, asking price, and level of engagement from would-be buyers. In the same way, cleaning and emptying a home can give buyers a ready-to-move-in feeling to the space.

‍

After preparation, pick a realistic listing price and find a real estate agent to navigate the process. This is crucial, so we have a whole section on this below.

‍

Once your home is listed, it's time to showcase it. Depending on how enticing your property is and market conditions, this phase can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You might start receiving offers shortly after showings begin, which is an exciting moment in the selling journey. Responding to offers promptly can also quicken your timeline.

‍

Once you receive an offer, it’s time for negotiations. You don’t necessarily need to accept the first offer that comes through, especially if it’s lower than your asking price. But that really depends on your situation and how quickly you want to sell your property. You might even get a few competing offers, which could benefit you as the seller.

‍

Know that buyers often wish to negotiate on price or request repairs based on the home inspection findings. This stage can take a few days to a week or so to finalize, depending on how quickly both parties communicate and how willing you are to meet the buyer's conditions.

‍

Unless a buyer pays cash, they’ll have to apply for a loan, get accepted, and jump through various hoops to finalize the purchase. This is where those 30 to 45 days to close the deal come into play.

‍

But if all goes according to plan, you and the buyer benefit from the sale. You get a healthy payout and the buyer gets the home they want. It’s a win-win, and that’s what we love to see.

What Goes into the Duration of Home Sales

Several factors influence how long selling your home might take. And understanding these can help you streamline the process, so your house doesn’t sit on the market for too long.

Housing Market Conditions and Trends

Even if you’re not a real estate expert, you can grasp the essentials of the house market. Some things boost the demand for housing in your area—like a healthy economy, a booming job market, and good schools—and things that drag down the demand for housing in your area.

‍

If there is more demand than supply, then competition for housing goes up—resulting in higher prices. This is “a seller’s market” because sellers benefit from the ability to set higher asking prices.

‍

If there is more supply than demand, there’s less competition and sellers are forced to reduce prices. This benefits buyers who can spend less on getting the house they want.

‍

Obviously, a hot housing market is better for faster sales. But don’t get too frustrated if your housing market is a bit colder. Smart sellers and agents can find ways to take advantage of either economic climate.

Home Pricing and Competition

Real estate professionals say that the three most important things are “location, location, location.” And that’s true. But the next most important things are “price, price, price.”

‍

Overpriced homes sit on the market for way too long. Our own research finds that overpriced homes can take up to six times longer to sell—if they sell at all!

‍

To exacerbate the problem, stale houses are forced to drop in price. This leaves sellers feeling frustrated, buyers uninterested, and ultimately lower payouts than if you’d priced it correctly from the start.

‍

What about underpriced homes? Houses with lower price tags than their true worth will obviously sell faster. Clever buyers and their agents love to snatch up good deals. That’s all fine and good—but what if you, as the seller, didn’t know you underpriced your home? You’re just leaving money on the table, and you could regret that later.

‍

That’s why it’s vital to use house price verification tools like Reverified. Our Fair Deal Zone report can help you get the right price range for your home for only $49.

‍

The Fair Deal Zone is exactly what it sounds like—the ideal home price range that’s fair to both buyers and sellers. We use several important metrics (tracking market trends, comparable properties, time to sell, etc.) and match them with human expertise to deliver an impartial, easy-to-read report. It’s all about providing you with the information needed to develop a thoughtful home pricing strategy to attract qualified buyers more quickly.

Strategies to Speed Up Your Home Sale

Want to make sure your home sells as quickly as possible for the right price? Here are some strategies to help you achieve that goal.

Proper Pricing Techniques

Use the Fair Deal Zone report from Reverified to under the right price range for your house. You can even present the report to your real estate agent so you’re both on the same page. From there, you can target prospective buyers with your Fair Deal Zone badge, showing that your property is fairly priced.

Make Your House Appealing

Consider making minor repairs, freshening up the paint, and enhancing your home’s curb appeal. First impressions matter, and the more inviting your home looks, the more likely potential buyers will want to schedule a showing.

Use Strong Marketing

Now that your for-sale house is looking good, you’ll want to show it off. Get some professional photography to capture house hunters’ attention. Write some compelling copy to get potential buyers excited about your home. And take advantage of the Fair Deal Zone badge from Reverified to notify buyers that this house is properly priced.

Leveraging Real Estate Agents

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can be a game-changer. They can help you navigate the market, market your home effectively, and provide insights into pricing and negotiations. Their expertise can ultimately save you time and money during the selling process.

‍

Regrettably, most consumers only interview one real estate agent when trying to sell or buy a house. A much wiser strategy is to interview a few agents to see which one best fits your needs, budget, and desires. It’s okay to shop around for the right agent, instead of just any agent.

Get a Fair Deal Zone Report from Reverified

The Fair Deal Zone report from Reverified helps you set the right price for your home. This inexpensive, easy-to-read resource provides data-driven insights into pricing your home competitively—ensuring a quicker sale while maximizing your payout.

‍

By understanding the home-selling process and actively engaging with it, you can overcome challenges and successfully sell your home in a timeframe that meets your expectations. Whether it takes a few weeks or a few months, the right strategies and timing can make all the difference.

‍

‍Order a Fair Deal Zone report from Reverified to know the true worth of your for-sale home.