How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?

Reviewed by: Brandon Brown

Selling a house is a big decision, and one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “How long does it take to sell a house?” The answer isn’t straightforward because it may depend on a couple of factors. From the state of the real estate market to the condition of your home, each factor plays a role in determining how quickly you’ll have it sold. Understanding these factors will help you make informed financial decisions and better prepare for the home sale process. In this guide, we’ll explore what affects the timeline for selling your residential property and how you can increase your chances of a quick sale!

Current Real Estate Market Conditions

One of the biggest influences on how long it takes to sell a house is the current real estate market. If you’re thinking about putting an offer on a house before selling yours, understanding the average time it takes to sell a house in your area is crucial. Depending on economic factors, population trends, or interest rates, a certain area or location can be in a seller’s market or a buyer’s market. Now, what does that mean?

Seller’s Market

In a seller’s market, where buyer demand outweighs supply, homes typically sell faster, often within days or weeks. This happens because there are more interested buyers than available homes, leading to competitive offers and fewer obstacles. Some examples of places under this category are Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, California.

Buyer’s Market

On the other hand, in a buyer’s market, where the number of homes for sale exceeds the number of prospective buyers, selling your home might take longer. Buyers have more choices, so they can be picky and negotiate more. This could extend the average time that your property stays on the market. Examples of places that are in a buyer’s market are Detroit, Michigan, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Additionally, seasonal variations may play a part, with spring and summer generally seeing more activity than in fall and winter. Keeping an eye on market trends and conditions can help you decide the best time to list your home.

Location and Neighborhood

The location of your home is another significant factor in determining how quickly it will sell. Homes located in desirable neighborhoods and a strong housing market have access to the following qualities and attract potential buyers more quickly:

Good schools,
Low crime rates,
Nearby amenities such as parks, shopping centers, and public transport

On the other hand, homes in less desirable areas or regions with declining economic opportunities may sit longer. Buyers are also more likely to examine property located far from amenities or in areas with higher crime rates. If your home is in a location that’s less in demand, you may need to invest more effort into pricing and presentation to boost its appeal and drive buyers.

Property Condition and Presentation

The condition and appearance of your home can either make or break the speed of your sale. First impressions do matter, and curb appeal plays a critical role. Homes that are well-maintained and visually appealing are more likely to draw attention and encourage quicker offers. Buyers tend to focus on properties that are move-in ready, which is why it’s essential to consider the following:

Boosting curb appeal with fresh landscaping and exterior paint.
Decluttering and depersonalizing to make the space feel inviting.
Fixing minor repairs like leaky faucets or broken tiles.
Considering professional staging to highlight the home’s best features.

By addressing any major issues and presenting your home in the best possible light, you increase the chances of attracting prospective buyers and closing the deal faster.

Strategic Pricing

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in understanding how long it takes to sell. Overpricing a home can lead to fewer offers and a longer time on the market. Even if you have a beautiful property in an ideal location, pricing it too high can drive away buyers, making them look elsewhere for better deals. On the other hand, underpricing might lead to a quick sale, but it could also mean leaving less money on the table. To find the right price, consider:

Conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA) to see the fair market value of similar homes in your area.
Consulting with a real estate agent to ensure your pricing is competitive.
Adjusting the price based on market conditions to avoid long periods without offers.

Strategic pricing, with the help of a real estate agent, can reduce delays and prevent your property from staying on the market for too long.

Common Obstacles and Delays

Selling a house isn’t always a smooth ride, and various obstacles can slow down the process. Common issues include:

Financing delays – Buyers may struggle to get loan approval, delaying the sale.
Inspection and appraisal issues – Major repairs uncovered during inspections can extend negotiations between sellers and buyers.
Appraisal inconsistencies – If the appraisal value comes in lower than the agreed price, it can complicate the sale.
Sale contingencies – Buyers may need to sell their current home before purchasing yours, creating delays.

Now, if you’re wondering, “Can I sell my house while in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?” The answer depends on a variety of factors, including court approval. So, if you’re facing this kind of dilemma, working closely with your real estate broker and legal advisor can help reduce these delays and address your issues with specific steps.

Speed up the Selling Process

If you’re looking to speed up your home sale, here are several strategies you can consider:

Pre-listing inspection – Conduct an inspection before listing your home to identify and fix major issues. This can prevent negotiation delays and give buyers peace of mind.
Flexible showing schedules: The more buyers that can view your home, the more likely you are to receive offers quickly.
Consider cash offers – Cash buyers don’t need to go through lengthy loan approval processes, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to close the deal.

At FlipSplit, we specialize in making your home sale as fast and stress-free as possible. By providing a cash offer, we eliminate the need for repairs, showings, and lengthy real estate transactions. Plus, our profit-splitting model allows you to benefit from any additional proceeds after the home is rebuilt and resold. If you’re looking for a quick sale with minimal hassle, FlipSplit is your trusted partner!

Navigating the Home Selling Journey

Selling a home can be a complex process, but understanding the factors that influence how long it takes can help you make more informed decisions. Market conditions, location, pricing, and the condition of your home all play important roles in determining the speed of your sale. By addressing these elements and preparing for potential obstacles, you can improve your chances of a successful and timely sale. At FlipSplit, we’re here to simplify the process, whether you need a fast sale or want to maximize your home’s resale value. By partnering with us, you’ll enjoy a transparent, hassle-free experience that makes selling your home easier than ever.

Reviewed by: Brandon Brown

As a long-time Asset Manager, Investor, Real Estate Agent, and Broker/Owner of BayBrook Realty in Orange County, Brandon Brown is one of FlipSplit’s lead Real Estate experts. Having worked on over 2,000+ real estate transactions, Brandon brings a depth of knowledge that ensures clients are appropriately treated with honesty and integrity. His insights and advice have been published in numerous blogs beyond FlipSplit, and he keeps a close eye on market trends and statistics, which are updated weekly on his social media pages. Outside work, you can find him participating and serving at church, cycling, mountain biking, surfing around Orange County and beyond, and enjoying time with his wife and two daughters.