How Quickly Can You Expect to Sell Your Home?

As you prepare to sell your home, one of the first questions likely on your mind is, "How long will this process take?" It’s a reasonable question—you want to know what to expect. While every real estate market varies, understanding the national trends can give you a solid starting point. For a clearer picture of your specific area, connecting with a local real estate agent is key. They have an in-depth understanding of your market and can explain what’s happening nearby and how it aligns or differs from national patterns.

Here’s a preview of some topics a knowledgeable agent will cover with you during that conversation.

More Homes Are Available, Impacting Sale Times

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been increasing this year. This offers more choices for buyers, which is excellent for those looking to purchase. However, for sellers, it means homes are generally staying on the market a bit longer as buyers now have a wider selection to consider (see graph below).

One major reason homes sold so quickly in recent years was the limited supply on the market. Now, with more listings available, it’s understandable that the pace of sales has slowed somewhat. Currently, Realtor.com reports that it takes about 55 days from listing to closing for a home to officially sell.

However, keep this in perspective: while homes might not be moving quite as fast as they were at this time last year, they’re still selling faster than in pre-pandemic years. Looking back at the 2017-2019 period, it was common for homes to take 60 days or more to sell. So, even now, the market is moving at a faster-than-normal pace.

This is largely because, despite the increased supply, demand remains strong. Well-presented, competitively priced homes are still selling quickly. As NerdWallet points out:

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

Your Agent Can Help Your Home Stand Out

If you want to make your move as efficiently as possible, working with a skilled local agent is essential. Your real estate agent can handle everything from pricing your home right to staging it so it stands out. They’ll also develop a marketing strategy to capture buyer interest and provide key insights into local market conditions, helping you plan with confidence and ensuring a smoother process overall.

While homes may be on the market a bit longer than in previous years, they’re still selling faster than usual. With the right agent and strategy, your home could even sell faster than anticipated.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your home, having a clear understanding of the timeline is essential for planning your next steps. Knowing how long it might take allows you to set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. By partnering with a knowledgeable local agent, you gain invaluable insights and expertise that help you price, market, and sell your home confidently. With the guidance of a trusted professional who knows the area, you can move through the selling process with greater ease and a strong strategy in place, setting yourself up for a successful and timely sale.