How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

A real estate agent is showing a house to a young couple. They are looking at a document together and seem happy with the property.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when getting ready to sell is, “How long will it take to sell my house?” While the answer depends on several factors, including your local market, understanding national trends can give you a helpful starting point. For more personalized advice, though, working with a local real estate agent is crucial—they can provide insights specific to your area.

Here’s what you need to know about how long it may take to sell your home in today’s market.

More Homes Are Hitting the Market—Impacting How Long It Takes To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been steadily increasing this year. While this is great news for buyers, it means homes are staying on the market slightly longer as buyers have more options to choose from. Currently, the average time to sell a home is 55 days from listing to closing.

bar graph showing the median days on market for homes in September of each year from 2017 to 2024. The data shows that homes sold faster in 2024 than in any other year, with a median of 55 days on market.

This shift represents a change from the fast-paced market of the past few years, where homes were flying off the shelves due to low inventory. With more homes now available, it’s natural that the selling process is taking a bit longer.

However, it's important to note that homes are still selling faster than they did during pre-pandemic years. In 2017-2019, it typically took more than 60 days to sell a home. Despite the increase in available inventory, today’s market is still moving at a quicker pace compared to those years. NerdWallet explains:

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

How To Make Your Home Stand Out in Today’s Market

Even though homes may take a bit longer to sell compared to the last few years, homes that are well-priced and show well still move quickly. This is where partnering with a skilled real estate agent becomes essential.

A great local agent will help you:

  • Price your home competitively based on current market conditions.

  • Stage your home to highlight its best features and appeal to potential buyers.

  • Market your home effectively using targeted strategies to reach the right audience.

By following these steps, you’ll be positioning your home to sell faster, even in a market where buyers have more options.

Bottom Line

If you're planning to sell your house, knowing how long the process might take is crucial for planning your next steps. While homes are taking a little longer to sell compared to recent years, they’re still moving faster than the pre-pandemic norm. By working with an experienced local real estate agent, you can ensure your home is priced right and marketed effectively, helping you sell with confidence.

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