How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?

Homes.com data indicates that selling a house takes an average of about 59 days. However, the individual timeline to sell your home will depend on several factors. These include local real estate market conditions, location, property details, pricing and seasonality. The properties that best align with buyers' needs and wants will sell more quickly.

Understanding how these elements intersect and impact buyer demand as you list your home will provide you with a clearer picture of what to expect and help you better position your property to attract interested buyers and sell in a timely manner.

Between June and August 2024, it took an average 58.6 days to sell a home, according to Homes.com. That data is based on the number of days it took 808,613 homes to go under contract from their initial listing date.

Single-family homes made up 82% of the homes that went under contract during that time, and they sold at a slightly quicker pace when compared with townhouses, condominiums and other multifamily homes. 

Why do some homes seem to fly off the market while others linger? The difference often lies in these five factors, which can either accelerate or hinder the selling process.

You may have heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market.” Here’s what that means: 

• A buyer’s market occurs when there are plenty of available homes for sale. With lots of inventory and minimal competition from other homebuyers, these market conditions mean you’re better positioned to negotiate when you submit an offer. 
• A seller’s market occurs when there are more buyers than available homes. In a seller’s market, homes sell more quickly and at a higher price. It’s also common for buyers to waive certain contingencies in a seller’s market to make their offers more attractive.  

You’ve likely heard about the three most important factors in real estate: Location, location, location. That adage rings true when it comes to selling your home. The location of your property may be the most critical factor in determining how quickly your home sells and for how much. Desirable neighborhoods with good schools, low crime rates and easy access to amenities tend to attract buyers and sell faster.

You’ll want to note that a neighborhood's desirability can shift over time. A neighborhood that was once considered up-and-coming may now be a hotspot, or conversely, an area that was previously sought-after may have lost some of its luster.

If it’s been a while since you purchased your home, that local landscape may have changed. New development, infrastructure improvements or shifts in community dynamics can all affect the desirability of your property. 

Understanding how your location has evolved can help you price and market your home effectively, ensuring a smoother and faster sale. Ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis to help you understand your home’s fair market value. 

The characteristics of your property can play a significant role in its selling speed. Some of the most 

• Property type: A single-family home, condo or townhouse may be more appealing to potential buyers. 
• Condition: Your home’s age, how well it’s been maintained, and updates and renovations can influence buyer interest.
• Curb appeal: The initial impression buyers get from the outside of your home is essential. Your home’s appearance may encourage house hunters to tour your home or deter them from exploring further.
• Property size: This includes not just the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, but also the total square footage of the home. If it’s a single-family home, your lot size is also important. 
• Amenities: Factors like a garage, an attractive sunroom addition or a fully finished basement could spur more interest from potential homebuyers. 

Listing your home at a price that’s too high or too low can impact how long it will sit on the market. 

If your home is overpriced, it’s likely to sit on the market longer. 

• You’ll typically be forced to lower the sale price in a bid to attract buyers, leading to a longer sales time. 
• You could still run into issues if you’re lucky enough to receive an offer above fair market value. For example, if your home appraises for less than the sale price, the buyer’s financing could fall through.

Under the right market conditions, a low asking price can successfully start a bidding war with multiple offers. However, your home could sit on the market longer than expected if you don't receive competing offers. Buyers may suspect that your home has hidden issues since it didn’t sell quickly. You also run the risk of receiving lowball offers from buyers who may assume that you’re overly eager to sell. 
Your real estate agent is the best point of contact to help you accurately price your home. 

The time of year can also influence your home's selling speed. Spring and summer are the best times to sell your home in many markets. Many buyers, especially those with families, are actively looking to close on a home before the new school year begins. 

Of course, for many homeowners, the decision to sell isn't always tied to the ideal season. Life circumstances, such as job relocations, family obligations and financial needs, can necessitate a sale regardless of the time of year. 

Ask your agent what to expect and when they would recommend listing your home. Being aware of seasonality may help you price and market your home accordingly.

Are you aiming to sell your home fast? These tips will help you sell your home more quickly and for the best price possible.

This is the top way to help influence your ability to sell your home fast. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 89% of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home.

A skilled real estate agent who understands the needs of buyers and sellers can help you set the right listing price. In addition, your agent’s expertise in your real estate market is essential to navigating the nuances of the sale. “It's not just about selling a house, but about finding the right fit for a family's next chapter,” says Barbara Mount, a real estate agent and co-owner of staging company Space Cowgirls in Portland, Oregon.

Your home may reflect your lifestyle, family and interests, but failing to stage your home correctly could make it take longer to sell. 

“You might think it doesn't matter, since buyers will be moving their own furniture in eventually, but the truth is, a home staged to perfection can be truly transformative,” says Mount. “The goal is to create an emotional connection, highlighting the home's best features and helping buyers envision their dream life on its blank canvas.”

 In fact, 48% of seller’s agents said staging a home helps it sell faster, according to a 2023 report from NAR.

Here are Mount’s top three recommendations to successfully stage your house:

• Declutter: Remove any excessive items and organize your belongings to optimize the home's storage capacity and functionality. Buyers will open closets and cabinets, so tidy and organized storage spaces will leave a positive impression.
• Depersonalize: Your cherished collection of vintage vinyl records or family photos may bring you joy and warmth, but they can make it difficult for prospective buyers to envision themselves living in your home. Mount suggests removing certain items to create a welcoming space. These include family photos, personal collections, personalized items, religious or cultural symbols and political items.
• Spotlight top features: An effectively staged home will include strategic lighting, well-placed furniture and decorative accents to draw the eye toward architectural details, beautiful views or unique features in your home. “This helps buyers see the full potential of your property and can even make smaller spaces feel larger and more luxurious,” Mount explains. 

Curb appeal is more than just a first impression—it's a make-or-break moment in the home-selling process. A well-manicured lawn, inviting porch and fresh exterior can draw prospective buyers in and make them eager to see more. At the same time, a neglected or uninviting first look can deter them from even stepping inside. “Curb appeal sets the tone for the entire showing experience, influencing buyers' perceptions of the property's value, condition and potential,” says Mount.

Upgrades can be as extensive as a complete exterior paint job to as simple as planters and pots brimming with seasonal flowers for bright pops of color.

By investing time and effort into your home's exterior, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that entices buyers to explore further, making it more likely to sell quickly and for top dollar.

In today's digital age, first impressions are often made online, where most buyers begin their house hunt. High-quality, professional photos are essential to bring your listing to life. NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Staging report indicates that 77% of buyer’s agents said having photos available was important to their clients. 

“A professional photo shoot can highlight your home's best features, capture the essence of its character and start to create an emotional connection that will draw them in for a visit,” Mount says. 

An accomplished real estate photographer can brighten dark spaces, make rooms appear larger and showcase intricate details. Mount says, “By investing in professional photography, you can ensure your home looks its absolute best, standing out from the competition and attracting more showings and offers.”

Every seller wants their home to go under contract quickly and for the best price possible. While some homes may sell in a matter of days, others may take weeks or months to find the right buyer. Remember, selling times will vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Be flexible, informed and prepared if you want to achieve a successful sale. 

One of the best ways to ensure your home is well-positioned is to rely on a knowledgeable local real estate agent. An expert in your area can help sell your home quickly and assist with additional steps after your house is under contract. These include details where expertise matters, such as coordinating inspections and appraisals and working with a title company when it’s time to go to closing.