Introduction: When you’re preparing to sell your house, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How long is this going to take?” It’s a reasonable concern—knowing what to expect can help you plan your next steps, whether it’s moving into a new home or relocating to a different city. While each housing market has its unique characteristics, understanding national trends and local market conditions can give you a clearer picture of what to expect. Partnering with a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference in navigating these dynamics and selling your home efficiently.

More Homes on the Market: What It Means for Sellers In recent years, the number of homes for sale has increased, creating more options for buyers. This shift is good news for those looking to purchase a home, but for sellers, it can mean a bit more competition. According to Realtor.com, homes are now taking slightly longer to sell compared to the rapid pace of the past few years. As inventory grows, buyers have more choices, leading to a more balanced market where sellers need to be strategic about pricing and presentation.

During the pandemic, housing inventory was extremely low, which drove up competition and made homes sell almost as soon as they hit the market. Now, with more homes available, buyers can take their time comparing options. As a result, sellers might find that their homes remain on the market a bit longer than before. Currently, it takes an average of 55 days from listing a property to closing a sale. This timeframe has extended compared to recent years but remains faster than pre-pandemic levels, where it often took 60 days or more.

The Current Market: Still Faster Than Pre-Pandemic Norms Although the time it takes to sell a home has increased from last year, it’s important to remember that the market is still moving more quickly than it did before 2020. Back in the years between 2017 and 2019, it was common for a house to take over two months to sell. Today’s market, even with more listings, has not fully returned to those longer timelines. This speed is largely driven by the lingering imbalance between supply and demand: while inventory has grown, demand remains strong, especially for well-maintained homes in desirable locations.

As NerdWallet puts it, “Overall, though, demand still outpaces supply. This is hardly a mellow market: Good homes sell quickly…” This means that if your home is in good condition and priced appropriately, it can still sell faster than you might expect.

How a Great Agent Can Make Your Home Stand Out If you’re aiming for a quick sale, a skilled real estate agent is your best ally. An agent’s expertise extends beyond just listing your home; they can offer insights into the local market that you won’t find in general statistics. They can help you set the right price—one that attracts buyers without undervaluing your property—and guide you through staging and presenting your home to maximize its appeal.

Staging a home and creating an effective marketing plan are essential steps in making sure your listing stands out among the increased inventory. Buyers often make decisions quickly when viewing listings online, so high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and strategic marketing can significantly shorten the time your home stays on the market. A good agent can also help you understand how national trends translate to your local market, providing a clear view of how your home might perform relative to the broader real estate landscape.

Tips for Selling Your Home Faster While the market might be a bit slower than the past few years, there are several strategies you can employ to help ensure your home sells quickly:

Price it Right from the Start: Pricing is one of the most crucial factors in attracting buyers. A home priced too high may sit on the market longer than you’d like. Your agent can conduct a comparative market analysis to determine a competitive yet attractive price for your home.

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, and a well-maintained exterior can attract more potential buyers. Simple updates like fresh paint, landscaping, and a tidy entrance can go a long way in making your home more appealing.

Stage for Success: Proper staging can help buyers visualize themselves living in your space. This might include decluttering, rearranging furniture, or even bringing in rental furniture to showcase the home’s best features.

Market Aggressively: An effective marketing plan is key to reaching a wide audience. From professional photos to social media campaigns, a great agent will ensure your listing gets the visibility it needs to attract serious buyers.

Be Ready to Show: Flexibility is important when it comes to showing your home. The more accessible your home is for viewings, the more potential buyers you can attract, which can help speed up the selling process.

Why Timing Matters: Planning Your Next Steps Understanding how long it may take to sell your home is crucial for planning your next steps. If you’re buying a new home, knowing the timeline can help you coordinate your move and avoid paying for two mortgages at once. It’s also important for scheduling any renovations, relocations, or life changes that depend on the sale of your current property. With the guidance of a local real estate expert, you can better anticipate how long your home will be on the market and plan accordingly.

A Balanced Market Still Favors Prepared Sellers Although homes may be taking longer to sell than during the height of the pandemic, today’s market still offers opportunities for sellers who are well-prepared. If your home is move-in ready, staged, and priced right, it can attract serious buyers quickly, even with more competition. The key is understanding current market conditions and leveraging the expertise of a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of your local area.

Bottom Line: Partnering with the Right Agent for Success Selling a home is a major life decision, and understanding how long it might take to sell is a critical part of that process. By working closely with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can gain insights into both national and local trends, position your home effectively, and execute a strategy that helps you achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking to move quickly or maximize the return on your investment, the right approach can make all the difference.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, reach out to a local expert who can guide you through each step, from setting the right price to closing the deal. With their help, you’ll be equipped to navigate the market with confidence and sell your home on a timeline that works for you.