“How long will it take to sell my home?” This is likely one of the first questions you’ll ask when you’re ready to sell your home. The answer is more complex than a simple number of days. While most people only consider the time a house is listed on the market, the average time to sell a home is actually a comprehensive process that can take anywhere from two to four months from start to finish.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the full timeline of a traditional home sale and introduces a powerful alternative for sellers who need to move quickly.

The Full Home-Selling Timeline

1 Phase 1: Preparation (1-4+ Weeks)

Before your home is even listed, you need to prepare it to attract potential buyers. This involves everything from deep cleaning and decluttering to making minor repairs. A good real estate agent can help you determine which improvements will provide the best return on investment. Tasks in this phase include:
  • Fixing leaky faucets, patching drywall, and doing other small jobs.
  • Deep cleaning and decluttering because a clean, organized space helps buyers visualize themselves in the home.
  • Staging or arranging furniture and decor to highlight the home’s best features.
  • High-quality listing photos make a great first impression and are essential.

2 Phase 2: On the Market (1-3+ Months)

This is the phase most people envision when they think about selling a home. The time a house spends on the market depends heavily on its listing price, the local market, and its condition. Your home may sell quickly in a competitive market if priced correctly.
The median days on the market can fluctuate, but in many areas like Orlando and Houston, a well-priced home might sell fast, while a home in a less competitive market might take longer. If your home sits on the market for an extended period, it can deter buyers. In a high-demand area, you may even get a bidding war, according to Bankrate. A local agent with a great track record can help you navigate this phase and sell a house quickly.

3 Phase 3: Under Contract / Closing (30-60 Days)

Once you’ve accepted an offer, you enter the escrow period, a crucial part of the sale process. The closing process, where all real estate transactions and legal details are finalized, often takes 30 to 60 days. This phase includes:
  • The buyer hires an inspector to check for issues.
  • The buyer’s lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home value.
  • Any issues found during the inspection are negotiated.
  • The title company and lender complete their checks.
  • The total home sale can easily take two to four months, which is a significant commitment.

The 7-Day Alternative: A Faster Home Sale

What if you could skip the long preparation phase, the market uncertainty, and the lengthy closing process? This is where a cash offer provides a compelling alternative.
Instead of navigating the traditional real estate market, you can sell your home directly to a cash buyer. This model is ideal for sellers who prioritize speed, certainty, and convenience.

The Cash Sale Timeline:

Day 1
You request a free, no-obligation cash offer on a site like iBuyHomes.
Days 1-2
You receive a fair cash offer based on your home’s condition and market data.
Days 3-5
A quick home assessment is scheduled to verify the property’s condition.
Day 7-10
You sign the closing documents, and you get paid.
By eliminating the need for a mortgage lender, appraisals, and many of the contingencies found in a traditional sale, a cash buyer offers a way to sell your house fast. This process is straightforward and doesn’t require open houses or costly repairs.

Key Factors That Influence Your Timeline

To understand why a traditional sale takes so long, consider these key factors:

Market Conditions and Home Prices

The real estate industry is driven by supply and demand. Whether it’s a seller’s market or a buyer’s market, market trends on a local and national level play a huge role. The housing supply can influence prices; when supply is low, you can expect a bidding war.

In a market with high demand, like in Atlanta, Charlotte, or Phoenix, homes can command higher prices. Conversely, in a market with low demand, such as Dayton or Flint, Michigan, you may need to accept lower prices. Seasonal trends can heavily influence the market, as can interest rates.

A good real estate agent can help you determine the fair market value and set a competitive asking price. This price should be based on comparable homes and what has recently sold in your area. Selling your home for its true fair market value is crucial for successful sales. The National Association of Realtors provides excellent data to help determine the current market value.

Home Inspection and Appraisal

The home inspection can introduce delays if issues are discovered that require negotiation or repairs. The appraisal can also cause delays if it comes in lower than the agreed-upon price.

If the thought of a months-long selling process—with endless prep, open houses, and market uncertainty—doesn’t appeal to you, or you’re facing a difficult situation like divorce or foreclosure, there’s a better way.

Receive a free, no-obligation cash offer from iBuyHomes in 10 minutes or less. We can help you skip the hassle, close on your timeline, and sell your home quickly and with certainty.