How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

 

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect.

While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends.

Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through during that conversation.

More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been going up this year. That means there are more options for buyers, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a home. But as a seller, it also means homes are staying on the market a bit longer now that buyers have more options to choose from (see graph below):

One of the big reasons homes sold so fast in recent years is because there were so few of them for sale. And now that there are more houses on the market, it makes sense that they aren’t selling at quite the same pace. Right now, according to Realtor.com, it takes 55 days from the time a house is listed for it to be officially sold and closed on.

But keep this in mind. While homes might not be selling as quickly as they did last year at this time, they’re still selling faster than they did in more normal years in the housing market, before the pandemic.

If you look back at 2017-2019 in the graph above, you’ll see that it was typical for a house to take 60 days or more to sell. So, today’s process is still faster than the norm.

That’s because, even with more homes for sale, there are still more buyers than homes for sale. So, homes that show well and are priced right are selling fast. As NerdWallet explains:

“Overall, though, demand still outpaces supply. This is hardly a mellow market: Good homes sell quickly . . .”

Your Agent Can Help Your Home Stand Out

If you’re looking for ways to make your move happen as quickly as possible, partnering with a great local agent is the key. Your real estate agent will help you with everything from setting the right price to staging your home so it looks its best. They’ll even create a marketing plan that grabs buyers’ attention and will give you key insights about what’s happening in your specific area, so you can plan accordingly and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

So, while homes might be on the market a little longer than before, they’re still selling faster than the norm. If you have the right agent and the right strategy in place, your house may even sell faster than you’d expect.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell your house, knowing how long it might take is a big part of planning your next steps. Let’s connect so you’ll be able to price, market, and sell your home with confidence.

If you're planning to sell your house in 2025, it's a good idea to start preparing now.

 

Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“ . . . now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list . . . We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”

By starting your prep work early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get your house market-ready by the end of the year. But be sure to partner with a great agent before you get started, so you have expert insight into what repairs are worth it based on your local market.

Why Starting Early Is Key

To get the best price and sell quickly, it’s important that your home looks its best. And that means it’s up to you to make the necessary repairs, declutter, and even consider updates that could add value as part of getting your house ready to list.

By starting now, you can tackle things one task at a time. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, refreshing your landscaping, or painting a room, getting an early start gives you the flexibility to do the job right and with as little stress as possible. Because, if you wait to knock items off your list later on, they could quickly stack up and get overwhelming. As Realtor.com explains:

“There are some important repairs to make before selling a house, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your home listed … if you move too fast, buyers see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this . . . might end up costing you time and money.”

What Should You Focus On?

Feeling motivated to start chipping away at that to-do list, but not sure where to start? Here’s a look at the most common improvements other sellers are making today (see graph below):

The Importance of Working with a Local Agent

And while that data gives you a starting point, it shouldn’t be seen as a comprehensive list. What buyers want in your area may be different, and only a local agent will have this in-depth understanding.

For example, if homes in your area are selling quickly with updated kitchens, your agent might suggest focusing on minor kitchen improvements rather than spending money on other areas that won’t offer as much return. They’ll also help you figure out if tackling larger projects, such as replacing your roof or upgrading your HVAC system, is worth it based on other recently sold homes. As Point says:

“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home's value is key.”

And remember, it’s not just big-ticket items that can have an impact. Your agent will also speak to some of the smaller details – like cleaning up your yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting your front door – to make a real difference in how buyers feel about your home. This type of expert eye is crucial to help your house sell fast and for top dollar.

Bottom Line

Thinking of selling your house next year? Don’t wait until the last minute to get it ready. By getting a head start now, you can ensure everything is in place by the time the new year rolls around.

Need advice on what to tackle first? Let’s connect.