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How long does it take to sell a house?
On average, how long does it take to sell a house? From start to finish, how much time will I have between putting the house up for sale and the last day?
Asked By Sydney | Louisville, KY | 2286 views | Selling | Updated 3 months ago
Answer(13)
Sander Scott
Net Real Estate
Great question, Sydney! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel @livintc, where I share tips and insights for both buyers and sellers navigating the real estate market. Now, to answer your question:
How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?
The timeline for selling a house can vary depending on several factors, such as market conditions, location, and the specifics of the property. However, here’s a general breakdown of the key stages in a typical home sale:
1. Preparing the Home (1-3 Weeks or More):
Before listing your home, you’ll likely spend time making repairs, cleaning, and staging the property. If needed, you may also hire professional photographers for listing photos. The amount of time this takes can vary depending on how much work is required to get the home ready for sale.
2. Time on the Market (Average 30-60 Days):
In a seller’s market, where there are more buyers than homes available, houses can sell much faster—sometimes within a week or two.
In a balanced or buyer’s market, where there are more homes available than buyers, it can take longer—typically around 30 to 60 days for a home to receive an offer.
3. Offer to Closing (30-45 Days):
Once you’ve accepted an offer, it usually takes about 30-45 days to complete the closing process. This includes:
Inspections and appraisals.
Buyer securing financing.
Addressing any contingencies and completing necessary paperwork.
Total Timeframe:
On average, the entire process takes about 2-4 months, from listing your home to closing the sale. This can be longer or shorter depending on the local market, your home’s condition, and how quickly you find a buyer.
Ways to Speed Up the Process:
Price the home correctly: A well-priced home will attract more buyers and potentially sell faster.
Work with a skilled real estate agent: An experienced agent will know how to market your home effectively to attract offers quickly.
Be prepared for negotiations: Being flexible with offers and negotiations can help move the process along.
For more tips on selling homes and navigating the real estate process, visit my YouTube channel @livintc where I cover these topics in detail.
I hope this helps give you a better idea of the timeline! Let me know if you have more questions.
How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?
The timeline for selling a house can vary depending on several factors, such as market conditions, location, and the specifics of the property. However, here’s a general breakdown of the key stages in a typical home sale:
1. Preparing the Home (1-3 Weeks or More):
Before listing your home, you’ll likely spend time making repairs, cleaning, and staging the property. If needed, you may also hire professional photographers for listing photos. The amount of time this takes can vary depending on how much work is required to get the home ready for sale.
2. Time on the Market (Average 30-60 Days):
In a seller’s market, where there are more buyers than homes available, houses can sell much faster—sometimes within a week or two.
In a balanced or buyer’s market, where there are more homes available than buyers, it can take longer—typically around 30 to 60 days for a home to receive an offer.
3. Offer to Closing (30-45 Days):
Once you’ve accepted an offer, it usually takes about 30-45 days to complete the closing process. This includes:
Inspections and appraisals.
Buyer securing financing.
Addressing any contingencies and completing necessary paperwork.
Total Timeframe:
On average, the entire process takes about 2-4 months, from listing your home to closing the sale. This can be longer or shorter depending on the local market, your home’s condition, and how quickly you find a buyer.
Ways to Speed Up the Process:
Price the home correctly: A well-priced home will attract more buyers and potentially sell faster.
Work with a skilled real estate agent: An experienced agent will know how to market your home effectively to attract offers quickly.
Be prepared for negotiations: Being flexible with offers and negotiations can help move the process along.
For more tips on selling homes and navigating the real estate process, visit my YouTube channel @livintc where I cover these topics in detail.
I hope this helps give you a better idea of the timeline! Let me know if you have more questions.
- 1 year ago
Helpful (1)
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Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
It varies by market, but in most areas homes sell within 30 to 60 days if priced correctly. New construction or luxury homes might take longer, while move-in-ready homes in popular areas can sell within a week.
- 3 months ago
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Julianne Clark
Charter One Realty
That depends on your local market and average days. Once a contract is accepted -- its usually 30-45 days until transfer of ownership. We are seeing longer times on the market and it may take 30-90 days to secure a Buyer if your home is desirable in price and features. Talk to your listing agent beforehand -- you can always have input on the contract you accept to have closing date work with your timeline. Good luck!
- 1 year ago
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Irene and Ricky Zhang
Keller Williams Irvine
The time it takes to sell a house can vary depending on pricing, presentation, and market conditions, but in Irvine, the timeline is often faster than in many other areas. Well-prepared homes that are priced correctly and marketed professionally typically go under contract within 1–3 weeks. The first 7–10 days are the most important because this is when your listing gets the highest visibility and attracts the most serious buyers.
Once you accept an offer, the standard escrow period in California typically ranges from 21 to 35 days. During this time, the buyer completes inspections, appraisal, loan approval, and the final walkthrough. Cash buyers may close even faster—sometimes in 7–14 days. If you need more time after closing, a rent-back agreement can give you flexibility.
If a home sits on the market longer than 30 days, it often indicates the need for adjustments—such as upgraded marketing, stronger staging, new photography, or pricing realignment. In a competitive market like the Irvine real estate market, presentation and exposure play a major role in how quickly your home sells.
As top realtors in Irvine, Irene and Ricky Zhang Real Estate Group help sellers plan their full selling timeline—covering pre-listing preparation, marketing rollout, negotiations, and closing—so you can sell your home in Irvine smoothly, confidently, and within a predictable timeframe.
Once you accept an offer, the standard escrow period in California typically ranges from 21 to 35 days. During this time, the buyer completes inspections, appraisal, loan approval, and the final walkthrough. Cash buyers may close even faster—sometimes in 7–14 days. If you need more time after closing, a rent-back agreement can give you flexibility.
If a home sits on the market longer than 30 days, it often indicates the need for adjustments—such as upgraded marketing, stronger staging, new photography, or pricing realignment. In a competitive market like the Irvine real estate market, presentation and exposure play a major role in how quickly your home sells.
As top realtors in Irvine, Irene and Ricky Zhang Real Estate Group help sellers plan their full selling timeline—covering pre-listing preparation, marketing rollout, negotiations, and closing—so you can sell your home in Irvine smoothly, confidently, and within a predictable timeframe.
- 3 months ago
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Jaden Utter
Plum Tree
It depends on price, condition, and the local market. Many well-priced homes go under contract in a few days to a few weeks. On average, from listing to closing, most sales take 30–60 days, but overpriced or unique properties can take longer.
- 1 month ago
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Tom Matthews
Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Sydney,
This is a great question and as you have seen before the general answer is that it depends. What you want to know is what is the current absorption rate in your marketplace and once you have that information you can curate a pricing strategy. Concord, MA real estate
This is a great question and as you have seen before the general answer is that it depends. What you want to know is what is the current absorption rate in your marketplace and once you have that information you can curate a pricing strategy. Concord, MA real estate
- 1 year ago
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Edward Behr
Behr and Behr of The Platinum Group, Eealtors
From listing to closing, most homes take anywhere from 30 to 75 days, depending on price, condition, and market conditions.
The listing phase can be quick or slow depending on how well the home is priced and prepared. Once under contract, closings typically take 30 to 45 days if financing is involved. Cash deals are faster.
In balanced markets, homes don’t sell instantly—but well-positioned homes still move. Overpricing is the biggest reason homes take longer than expected.
The listing phase can be quick or slow depending on how well the home is priced and prepared. Once under contract, closings typically take 30 to 45 days if financing is involved. Cash deals are faster.
In balanced markets, homes don’t sell instantly—but well-positioned homes still move. Overpricing is the biggest reason homes take longer than expected.
- 1 month ago
- Helpful (0)
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Nicole Serviss
The Serviss Group with RE/MAX Elite
On average, it takes about 30 to 60 days to sell a home, but the timeline can vary. The first part is preparing and listing the home, which usually takes one to two weeks. Once listed, the home may go under contract in days or it may take longer depending on price, condition, and market demand.
After an offer is accepted, escrow typically lasts about 30 to 45 days before closing. In strong markets, the process can be faster, while in slower markets it may take a bit longer. I always help sellers plan their timeline so there are no surprises.
After an offer is accepted, escrow typically lasts about 30 to 45 days before closing. In strong markets, the process can be faster, while in slower markets it may take a bit longer. I always help sellers plan their timeline so there are no surprises.
- 4 weeks ago
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Ashleigh Camberg
PCS Home Group
This is a hard question to answer because it really depends on your home’s condition, price, and the current market in your area. A local real estate agent can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific property and neighborhood.
Once you are on the market, the timeline will depend on pricing, condition, and demand in your area. You can ask your agent what the average days on market are for your zip code or neighborhood to get a better idea.
Once you have an accepted offer, a financed contract typically takes about 25 to 35 days to close, depending on the lender. If the buyer is paying cash, many sales can close in two weeks or less.
Every situation is different, but having a clear plan and good guidance makes the process much smoother. Hope this helps!
Once you are on the market, the timeline will depend on pricing, condition, and demand in your area. You can ask your agent what the average days on market are for your zip code or neighborhood to get a better idea.
Once you have an accepted offer, a financed contract typically takes about 25 to 35 days to close, depending on the lender. If the buyer is paying cash, many sales can close in two weeks or less.
Every situation is different, but having a clear plan and good guidance makes the process much smoother. Hope this helps!
- 1 week ago
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PETER GONATAS
Coldwell Banker McMahan
Not one of these other agents asked the most important questions. 1.) Where is your house located. This is important because depending on the location, will have a direct impact on how long your house will stay on the market. 2.) What is the listing price (not your opinion of what your house is worth) going to be. This is probably the most important question, because the more your house is listed for the longer it will stay on the market. $700,000 and up are on the market on average 90 days. $200,000 and down depending on the area there on the market on average 18 days. $200,000 to $700,000 the average days on market is about 45 days. 3.) How fast (bad/need) do you want to move. 4.) What condition is your house in, will it pass inspection, will in need a lot of repairs. 5.) Is the buyer contingent (does buyer have to sell before the purchase can take place on your house) and what are his terms as well. If buyer is contingent then all the above has to be taken into consideration as well. So you see there is more information needed from you to be able to give you an answer. If you would like to sit down and have a listing consultation please give me a call @ (502) 558-5112 my name is Pete Gonatas Realtor with Coldwell Banker McMahan. I would like the opportunity to have you interview me to be your Realtor.
- 1 year ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Becca Locke
Real Broker
The timeline to sell a house typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, but it varies widely based on market conditions and your specific situation.
Here's a general breakdown of the process:
Pre-listing preparation (1 to 4 weeks): Before your home hits the market, you'll need time to prepare. This includes decluttering, making repairs, staging, professional photography, and finalizing your listing strategy with your agent. Some sellers can turn this around quickly, while others need more time to get their home market-ready.
Active marketing period (days to months): How long your home stays on the market depends heavily on pricing, condition, location, and current market demand. In a hot seller's market, well-priced homes can receive offers within days or even hours. In a slower market, it might take weeks or months to find the right buyer. The national average is typically 30 to 60 days on market, but your local market may be quite different.
Under contract to closing (30 to 45 days): Once you accept an offer, the closing process usually takes 30 to 45 days. This includes the buyer's inspection period, appraisal, loan processing, and final preparations for closing. Cash buyers can sometimes close faster, while certain loan types or complicated transactions may take longer.
Total timeline: From the day you decide to sell to your last day in the home, you're looking at roughly 2 to 4 months in most cases. However, this can be shorter in competitive markets with multiple offers or longer if your home needs significant preparation or sits on the market for an extended period.
Bottom line: Work with your agent to create a realistic timeline based on your local market conditions, your home's condition, and your personal circumstances. They'll help you plan accordingly and set proper expectations.
Here's a general breakdown of the process:
Pre-listing preparation (1 to 4 weeks): Before your home hits the market, you'll need time to prepare. This includes decluttering, making repairs, staging, professional photography, and finalizing your listing strategy with your agent. Some sellers can turn this around quickly, while others need more time to get their home market-ready.
Active marketing period (days to months): How long your home stays on the market depends heavily on pricing, condition, location, and current market demand. In a hot seller's market, well-priced homes can receive offers within days or even hours. In a slower market, it might take weeks or months to find the right buyer. The national average is typically 30 to 60 days on market, but your local market may be quite different.
Under contract to closing (30 to 45 days): Once you accept an offer, the closing process usually takes 30 to 45 days. This includes the buyer's inspection period, appraisal, loan processing, and final preparations for closing. Cash buyers can sometimes close faster, while certain loan types or complicated transactions may take longer.
Total timeline: From the day you decide to sell to your last day in the home, you're looking at roughly 2 to 4 months in most cases. However, this can be shorter in competitive markets with multiple offers or longer if your home needs significant preparation or sits on the market for an extended period.
Bottom line: Work with your agent to create a realistic timeline based on your local market conditions, your home's condition, and your personal circumstances. They'll help you plan accordingly and set proper expectations.
- 1 month ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Freddie Gomberg
Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach Realtors
In the current market, we are seeing homes go on the market, receiving offers, doing inspections, and paying "cash" at the closing, all in about 21 days. If the buyer is using a mortgage the timing is about 42 days.
- 1 year ago
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