How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

When homeowners decide to sell, their first question is: “How long will it take?” It’s a critical question that affects moving plans, finances, and peace of mind. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations and reduces stress during an emotional process. The short answer: the average U.S. home takes about 55 to 70 days to sell, but the whole process from deciding to sell until closing typically spans 3 to 4 months. In hot markets with cash buyers, homes can sell in as little as 2 to 3 weeks, while challenging properties in slow markets might take six or more months.

Let’s explore this timeline in greater detail, examine its influencing factors, and uncover effective strategies to sell your home more quickly.

Average Time to Sell a House in the U.S. 

Typical Days on Market (DOM) Nationwide

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a home’s average time on the market in late 2024 was approximately 63 days. This figure varies significantly by location, price point, and season.

It’s important to understand that “days on market” only measures the time from listing until accepting an offer, not the entire selling process. Many homeowners are surprised that closing often takes longer than the listing period.

Recent trends show slight improvements in market speed compared to previous years. The average DOM in most regions has decreased by about 5 to 7 days compared to 2023, reflecting stronger buyer demand and limited inventory in many markets.

These national averages can be misleading, however. Your specific location might experience significantly faster or slower sale times. Urban condos in Boston might sell within a week, while rural properties in the Midwest could take months.

From Listing to Closing: What’s the Full Timeline?

The complete home-selling process typically includes several distinct phases, each with its timeline:

The pre-listing phase usually takes 2 to 4 weeks and involves interviewing and selecting a real estate agent, which might take 3 to 7 days. During this time, you’ll also complete necessary repairs and home improvements, which could take 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the scope. Deep cleaning and decluttering typically require 2 to 5 days of focused effort. If you opt for professional staging, allow 1 to 2 days for setup. Professional photography and creation of marketing materials generally takes another 2 to 3 days to schedule and complete.

The active listing period ranges from 30 to 90 days, beginning with the initial listing and marketing launch, which takes 1 to 2 days to go live. Throughout this period, you’ll host open houses and accommodate private showings. You’ll also receive initial feedback and may need to adjust your marketing strategy or home presentation. If your home doesn’t attract offers within the first few weeks, consider price adjustments, typically after 14 to 21 days without serious interest.

The offer and negotiation phase typically spans 3 to 10 days. Receiving offers can happen immediately in hot markets or take weeks in slower conditions. Once offers arrive, you’ll need 1 to 2 days to review and compare multiple offers if you’re fortunate enough to receive them. Negotiating terms, contingencies, and price usually takes 1 to 5 days of back-and-forth. Finally, reaching mutual acceptance and signing the purchase agreement requires another 1 to 2 days to complete.

The escrow and closing period typically last 30 to 45 days. This begins with the buyer’s due diligence period, which takes 7 to 14 days. Home inspections occur during this time, with potential renegotiations based on findings taking 5 to 10 days to resolve. The appraisal process runs concurrently, requiring 7 to 14 days to schedule and complete. Title search and resolution of any issues discovered can take 14 to 21 days. The buyer conducts a final walkthrough just before completion, typically 1 day before closing. Finally, the closing day involves document signing and fund disbursement, usually completed in a single day.

All together, you’re looking at approximately 3 to 4 months from deciding to sell until handing over the keys. Understanding this complete timeline helps set realistic expectations for moving plans, mortgage payments, and other life logistics.

It’s worth noting that any issues discovered during inspections or appraisals can significantly extend this timeline. Problems with title searches, buyer financing issues, or repair negotiations can add weeks or months to the process.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Sell a House

Local Market Conditions (Buyer’s vs Seller’s Market)

The most significant factor in your timeline is whether you’re selling in a buyer’s or seller’s market. This local dynamic has more impact, including home condition and price.

In a strong seller’s market, homes often receive multiple offers within days of listing. Buyers frequently waive contingencies to make their offers more competitive, significantly simplifying the process. You might see buyers offering above the asking price to stand out from the competition, which reduces the likelihood of appraisal issues. The process typically takes 30 to 45 days in the hottest markets, with some homes selling in less than a week.

Conversely, homes may sit for 90 days or more in a buyer’s market before receiving serious offers. Buyers typically include more contingencies to protect themselves, making negotiations longer and more challenging. Sellers often must make concessions on price and repairs to secure a deal. The process can extend to 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer for unique or higher-priced properties.

Understanding your local market dynamics is essential. Your real estate agent should provide data on average DOM, sale-to-list price ratios, and inventory levels in your neighborhood and price point.

Market conditions can vary dramatically even within the same city. A luxury home might be in a buyer’s market while entry-level homes in the same city experience a seller’s market. Getting hyper-local data is critical for accurate expectations.

Seasonality: Best and Worst Times of Year to Sell

The time of year you list can significantly impact your selling timeline. While this varies somewhat by region, clear national patterns exist:

• Spring (March to May) is typically the fastest-selling season, with homes selling up to 15% faster than annual averages. Larger buyer pools create more competition, especially from families wanting to move before the new school year begins. Properties also tend to show better with spring landscaping and natural light. The average DOM during spring typically ranges from 45 to 55 days.
• Summer (June to August) remains strong but slightly slower than spring. More families are on vacation, which leads to less consistent showings. Heat can make some properties less appealing, particularly in warmer climates. The average DOM during summer usually falls between 50 and 65 days.

The market begins to slow in the fall (September to November), especially after October. The reduced competition can benefit well-priced homes that stand out. Motivated buyers often want to close before the holidays arrive. The average DOM during fall increases to 65 to 80 days.

Winter (December to February) is the slowest season in most markets, with up to 30% fewer buyers actively looking. Holiday distractions and weather issues contribute to longer selling times. However, winter buyers tend to be more serious about purchasing. In many regions, the average DOM in winter stretches to 75 to 90 days.

Regional differences are significant here. Florida and Arizona may see their fastest markets during winter when snowbirds are present. Mountain towns might see peak activity during ski season. The seasonality effect is most pronounced in the Midwest and Northeast, where weather plays a significant role. West Coast markets tend to have less dramatic seasonal swings.

Pricing Strategy and Listing Price Accuracy

Pricing is the most controllable factor affecting your timeline. The data on this is clear and consistent across all markets:

Homes priced at market value typically spend 30 to 60 days on the market. They tend to attract clean offers with fewer complications and have a higher likelihood of appraisal matching the sale price. This approach balances timeline and value effectively.

Properties priced 5 to 10% below market value can sell quickly, often within 7 to 14 days. This strategy frequently generates multiple offers, potentially driving the final price above market value through competition. It creates urgency and excitement among buyers, who fear missing out on a good value.

Conversely, homes priced 5 to 10% above market value spend an average of 90+ days on the market. These listings eventually require price reductions, which creates a negative perception as the listing grows stale. Overpriced homes usually result in a final sales price below what correctly priced homes achieve, even after accounting for the higher initial asking price.

The first 14 days are the most crucial period for any listing. Homes receive the most attention and showings during this “honeymoon period.” If priced incorrectly, you miss this critical window of opportunity when buyer interest is highest.

Data shows that homes requiring a price reduction take an average of 44 days longer to sell than correctly priced homes. Each price reduction extends time on market and typically results in a lower final sales price as buyers question why the house hasn’t sold.

Working with an agent who uses comparative market analysis (CMA) rather than simply listing at the price you want is essential. The most successful pricing strategies involve objective data rather than emotional attachments to the property.

Home Condition, Staging, and Curb Appeal

The physical presentation of your home dramatically impacts selling speed. Move-in-ready homes sell 40 to 50% faster than homes needing significant work. They typically command 5 to 7% higher prices and have fewer inspection issues, leading to smoother closings. The average DOM for well-maintained, updated homes is 35 to 45 days in normal market conditions.

Homes needing moderate updates attract fewer buyers, reducing competition and extending time on market. They often face more stringent financing requirements, as some loan programs require specific condition standards. These properties typically experience an average DOM of 65 to 80 days.

Properties needing significant work are limited to cash buyers or those willing to use specialized renovation loans. This creates a much smaller buyer pool, extending the average DOM to 90 to 120+ days, sometimes longer in challenging markets.

Professional staging provides one of the best returns on investment for selling quickly. Professionally staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged competitors. Staging creates emotional connections with buyers and makes spaces appear larger and more functional. The cost typically runs $1,500 to $3,000 for a typical home, but the ROI comes in the form of a 5 to 15% advantage in both sale time and price.

First impressions begin online. Homes with professional photography receive 61% more views online and sell significantly faster. Virtual tours have become increasingly important, with 360-degree tours driving 29% more interest than listings without them.

Agent Experience vs FSBO Listings

The data consistently shows that agent experience significantly impacts the timeline. Top-performing agents (in the top 5% of their markets) sell homes 30 days faster than average agents. Thanks to better marketing, pricing strategy, and negotiation skills, they typically achieve 3 to 5% higher sales prices. These high performers maintain established buyer networks and sophisticated marketing systems that expose your property to more qualified prospects. Their negotiation experience also results in fewer deals falling through before closing.

Average agents still outperform For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings by significant margins. They provide essential marketing and negotiation support that most homeowners lack. Their access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and professional networks substantially expands your property’s visibility.

On average, FSBO listings take 19 days longer to sell compared to agent-listed properties. According to NAR statistics, they typically sell for 5.5% less than comparable agent-listed homes. FSBO sellers often encounter more complex documentation and disclosure requirements compared to those working with real estate professionals, which may increase the risk of delays or misunderstandings.

The gap between top-performing agents and average agents can be substantial. When interviewing agents, ask specifically about their average DOM compared to local averages and their list-to-sale price ratios. Agent selection should focus on regional experience in your specific neighborhood. An agent who sells primarily in your community will have better market knowledge, buyer connections, and pricing accuracy.

Cash Home Buyers – Sell Your Home in Record Time with 48 Acquisitions

When traditional home selling can take months, 48Acquisitions offers a dramatically faster alternative. As a professional cash home buyer, we can close your property in as little as 7 days, not the 63-day average of agent listings. Skip the repairs, staging, showings, and financing uncertainties entirely. Our cash offer process can help minimize many of the common delays seen in traditional sales. Since no lender financing is involved, and we buy properties as-is, many sellers find the process significantly more streamlined. Why wait 30-90 days when you could have cash in hand next week? Contact us today for a no-obligation cash offer and experience the fastest way to sell your home in today’s market.

Buyer Financing & Loan Type (Cash Offers vs Mortgages)

The buyer’s payment method significantly impacts closing time, causing considerable variations in the final stretch of your selling timeline.

Cash offers involve no financing contingencies or appraisal requirements, allowing closing in as little as 7 to 14 days. They create significantly fewer closing complications and often come with buyers willing to purchase “as-is,” reducing repair negotiations. This represents the fastest possible selling scenario.

Conventional loans typically require 30 to 45 days to close after offer acceptance. They necessitate an appraisal that meets the sale price, may require certain property conditions to be met, and involve a more stringent buyer qualification process. While slower than cash, conventional loans remain relatively efficient compared to government-backed options.

FHA and VA loans extend the timeline to 45 to 60 days to close after offer acceptance. These government-backed loans impose more rigorous property inspection requirements, involve additional paperwork and processing time, and have a higher likelihood of appraisal issues that can delay or derail closings.

While you can’t control how buyers will finance their purchase, understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations. Pricing and marketing strategies can attract specific buyers, potentially impacting your timeline. Some sellers offer incentives for cash buyers or conventional loans, such as closing cost credits, to attract buyers with more flexible and faster financing options.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect When Selling Your Home in 2025

The average home selling process takes 3 to 4 months from preparation to closing. By pricing correctly, preparing your home properly, working with a top agent, and being flexible, you can position yourself for a faster-than-average sale.

Market conditions are projected to remain favorable for sellers in most regions in 2025, with ongoing inventory constraints supporting robust demand. Interest rate trends will be a crucial factor to monitor, as they directly influence buyer affordability and motivation.

Technology continues to streamline the selling process, with digital closing tools, virtual tours, and online marketing contributing to more efficient transactions. Working with professionals who embrace these tools can further compress your timeline.

While speed is essential, maximizing your sale price and having a smooth transaction are equally valuable goals. The proper preparation and team make all the difference!

Would you like me to help you with a free home valuation or connect you with a top-performing agent in your area? I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have about selling your home.