If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions you probably have is, “How long does it take for a house to sell?” When you’re eager to move on to a new chapter, the last thing you want to do is wait around for months, hoping someone buys the place.
The fact is, there’s no single answer. Everything from the house’s location and condition to the local real estate market can influence how long it takes to hand over the keys. That’s why so many people turn to cash buyers. We buy houses in Richmond, VA, without the typical listing, negotiation, and closing process, helping people move on sooner and with fewer headaches.
If you’re trying to decide on the best approach for your situation, consider the timeline for a typical real estate transaction.
What Does “Average Days on Market” Mean?
REALTORS® often refer to “average days on market” when discussing how long it takes for houses to sell. This refers to the average time homes remain listed before going under contract. Nationwide, selling a home via a traditional listing takes anywhere from 47 to 90 days from the day the listing appears to the day you close.
Many homeowners are surprised by how long the home selling process takes. Even if you have a desirable house and it goes under contract almost immediately, there’s still the inspection, appraisal, financing approval, and paperwork involved in the closing timeline, which can add up to 45 days.
So, when asking how long it takes for a house to sell, you must think beyond the sale itself.
What Affects the Home Sale Timeline?
Several things can impact your home selling process:
Property Condition and Presentation
Most buyers prefer homes that are clean and don’t need major repairs.
Local Housing Market Conditions
In a hot seller’s market, well-priced homes can go under contract in a matter of days. In a slower market, you might wait weeks or months for the right buyer.
Your Listing Price Strategy
If you price the home too high, buyers will ignore the listing. The right price will attract serious offers faster.
Time of Year
Homes typically sell faster in spring and early summer than in winter.
Can You Speed Up the Home Selling Process?
You can sell your home faster by using home selling tactics such as decluttering, making repairs, staging, and taking professional photos. Working with a real estate agent who knows the market and how to price the house competitively can also help.
An even faster option is to work with cash buyers. Selling directly to a company like The Red Door Guys can often shorten the process by skipping most of the usual steps. Going this route can turn the answer to “How long does it take for a house to sell?” from several months to a few weeks, even if you have a house in poor condition.
Call The Red Door Guys today at (804) 395-7355 to learn more about fast home sale options and to get a fair cash offer.
