How Long Does It Take to Sell a House: Overall Guide 2021

This year has been a seller’s market in real estate, which is good news if you are thinking about buying a new home. In 2020, the average home only stayed on the market for 25 days before going under contract. On average, a quick closing can happen in 45 days or less, meaning that your home could sell in just over two months.

Most home sellers already have their eyes on a new home that they want to buy. This desire often creates a sense of urgency to try to sell a home quickly. While the market is hot, it’s possible to sell quickly, but the markets can vary greatly depending on the year, your home’s location, and the current demand.

Whether you sell your home privately or use a real estate agent, your goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine how quickly your home can be sold. 

Condition

Most home buyers are not looking for a fixer-upper when they are buying a home. This means that homes in excellent condition will likely sell faster than those that need repairs or cosmetic work. Buyers want a home that is in move-in condition so they can get settled right away. 

Sellers should concentrate on the curb appeal of their home and what the home looks like on the inside. Homes that are cluttered or disorganized are likely to stay on the market longer. It’s important to clean up your house, get rid of clutter, and properly stage your furniture to bring in more offers. 

Asking Price

Your asking price will be the only factor that determines how long your home sits on the market. It’s essential to work with your realtor to determine the fair market value of your home. Those homes that are priced closest to comparable properties in the area will likely receive more offers. 

Seasonality

You may not realize that the time of year you decide to sell your home can affect how long it will take to sell. In general, many buyers do not start looking for a home until the colder seasons have passed. If you end up listing your home in the winter, you may end up having to lower your asking price to draw in interest from buyers. The spring and summer are more popular months to list your home. 

Market Conditions

Knowing the housing market condition in your area can give you a clearer indication of when it is an excellent time to sell. If your area has few homes for sale, but the demand is high because those listed are selling quickly, you are in a hot market, and now is the time to sell. If your neighborhood has many homes for sale that are staying on the market for a long time, your area’s housing market may be in a slump.

Every seller wants to get their home sold as quickly as possible while still getting a good price. You will need to consider these factors that will affect how long your home will be on the market. Understanding the market and knowing what factors can delay your sale, you have a good chance of closing your home sale quickly.