Offloading a home is an emotionally trying, financially impactful decision. If you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, knowing how long the home-selling process takes is important. So the question, “How long does it take to sell a house?, is a question that many homeowners wrestle with as they shop for a home in a shaky real estate market.
Selling your house is not simply a matter of sticking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. There are many steps involved, from getting your home ready to list to negotiating offers and the final closing. The time it takes to sell a house can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as market conditions, pricing, and the location of the property.
How long does it take to get your licence and what impacts that is something you should understand to set reasonable expectations, avoid unnecessary stress and make an informed decision. So, let’s get into the details on the timeline for selling a house in 2025 and what you can do to expedite the process.
Current Market Trends
Average House-Selling Timeframe in 2025
In 2025, the average time to sell a house in the U.S. is around 50-60 days, which combines the time in the market (Days on Market or DOM) and the closing process. But the timeline can differ wildly depending on location, demand and economic factors.
Comparison with Previous Years
The housing market in 2025 is moderately competitive relative to previous years. The post-pandemic real estate boom of 2020-2022 has settled, and though interest rates are higher than they were a couple years ago, the market remains active. Houses sold a bit more quickly in 2023 and 2024 due to lower inventory, but in 2025 a balanced market is forming, where buyers and sellers have the same amount of leverage.
THE FACTORS CAUSING THE TENDENCIES IN THE MARKET
Here are the main factors that are correlated with how quickly homes are selling in 2025:
- Interest rates: Buyer demand has dipped slightly with rising rates.
- Inventory levels: Low inventory speeds sales, and high inventory slows it down.
- S easonality: Homes typically sell more quickly in spring and summer versus fall and winter.
Economic conditions: National economic trends, such as inflation or employment rates, also influence how fast homes sell.
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The Home Selling Timeline, Step By Step
The process of selling a house can be divided into three phases: Pre-listing phase, Active listing phase, and Under contract to closing phase. Let’s go through them one by one.
Pre-Listing Phase
The prelisting stage is a time for preparation. Depending on how much work your home needs, this stage can take two weeks to several months.
Preparing the House for Sale
Before you list, you’ll want to make sure your home is in the best possible shape. This includes:
De-cluttering and deep cleaning.
- Carrying out required maintenance or improvements.
- Sprucing the yard and exterior to improve curb appeal
Selecting a Real Estate Agent
Selecting the best real estate agent is important. An experienced agent can walk you through pricing, marketing, and negotiations, which can save you time and energy.
Setting the Right Price
There’s much that you can do to help sell your home more quickly, and one of those things is to price your home properly from the get-go. On the other hand, overpricing may result in a longer time on the market, while competitive pricing can pull in more buyers immediately.
Active Listing Phase
Now as soon as your home is listed the countdown begins, the Days on Market (DOM). This phase generally lasts 3-8 weeks, although it can vary broadly.
What is Days on Market (DOM)
DOM stands for the number of Days on Market before an offer is received for your home. A shorter DOM typically means high demand, while a longer DOM may indicate price problems or marketing problems.
Average DOM in 2025
The average DOM in 2025 is approximately 30-45 days across most markets. But in hot markets, such as urban areas, homes might sell in 10 to 15 days.
Factors Affecting DOM
- Pricing: A home listed at a competitive price will sell quicker.
- Marketing: Listing pictures, online ads and open houses will draw in buyers in no time at all.
- Condition: Move-in-ready homes tend to sell more quickly than fixer-uppers.
Under Contract to Closing
Once an offer is accepted, the transaction enters the under contract period, which typically lasts 30-45 days. Here is what goes on in that period:
Typical Closing Timeline
- The buyer secures financing.
- The house is inspected and appraised.
- Title searches and legal checks are done.
What Might Lengthen Closing Time
- Inspection-related issues: If you need major repairs, the closing can get delayed.
- Appraisal issues: If the home appraises below the sale price, you may have to renegotiate.
- Financing delays: Mortgage approvals can take longer than planned.
Factors Affecting Time to Sell
Property-Related Factors
Location and Neighborhood
In desirable neighborhoods, or where amenities abound, homes sell faster.” Being near good schools or public transport is also a big plus.
Condition of the House
It helps sell a house: A well-kept home draws more prospective buyers. Conversely, homes requiring repairs or with dated amenities may take longer to sell.
Unique Features or Upgrades
Improvements such as an updated kitchen, energy-efficient appliances or a landscaped yard can make your home stand out and sell more quickly.
Market-Related Factors
Local Real Estate Market Conditionshow to get a plot of land
A seller’s market, one where there are more eager buyers than sellers, typically leads to speedier sales. On the other hand, a buyer’s market can diminish that process.
Seasonality in Home Sales
- Spring and summer are the busiest times of year for sales, while activity tends to slow down in the fall and winter.
- All of this causes interest rates to rise, as we will see.
- Rising interest rates can erode buyer purchasing power, which can slow sales.
Pricing Strategy
How Pricing Affects Sale Time
Price it too high, and buyers will be scared away; price it too low, and you’ll leave money on the table. An extensive price range based on unprecedented research is crucial.
The power of pricing competitively
Comparing your price to similar homes in your region will help ensure that serious buyers float you offers more quickly.
Tips to Sell Your House Quicker
Effective Home Staging
Staging your home can have a massive impact. A properly staged home makes a good first impression and can help buyers picture life in those walls.
Tips for Staging
- Use neutral colours, and little in the way of decor.
- Willingly rearrange furniture for open, inviting spaces.
- Showcase your home’s best features like natural light and hardwood floors.
Marketing and Exposure
Professional Photography
Professional photos can help your online listing stand out. Most buyers start their shopping process in the online world, so visuals are paramount.
Get Started With Online Listings and Social Media
Zillow, Realtor. Facebook helps you reach more people through their prescriptions and m.
Virtual Tours and Open Houses
Virtual tours have gained significant popularity as they enable buyers to walk through your home from wherever they are.
Partners: Working with a Real Estate Professional
A seasoned real estate agent understands how to effectively promote your property, establish the best price point and negotiate with offers — all of which can facilitate the process.
Alternative Selling Options
Cash Buyers
Selling to an (all) cash buyer may allow for a much faster sale, but could yield a lower sale price.
iBuyers
iBuyer services are about convenience and speed, often closing in just days. However, their offers are usually below market value.
Conclusion
Fortunately, if you do some homework on the timeline and elements involved, you can help yourself through the process: Selling a house is not perfectly simple, but with a little prep work, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A smooth sale is possible if you prep your home, list it with a competitive price and deploy marketing techniques that prevent delays. Key takeaways include that it will take some patience and preparation to sell your house quickly.
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