When you put your house on the market, you’re not just hoping it sells. You’re hoping it sells quickly. Lately though, homes across the country are taking a bit longer to move. If you’re aiming for a smooth and speedy sale, that can definitely feel frustrating. But here’s what’s important to keep in mind.
In every market right now, there’s one clear exception.
Homes that are priced right and show well are still selling, and many times they’re moving quicker than you might think.
If you can lean into that, you can absolutely position yourself for a quick move too. Here’s what it takes to make it happen.
How Long It Takes To Sell Today
According to Realtor.com, homes are taking about 52 days to sell right now. That’s the full timeline from the day it goes on the market all the way to closing day.
And even if that might feel slow at first, it really isn’t. It’s actually pretty normal.
That’s because it’s actually very close to what we saw during the last normal years in the market, like 2018 and 2019 as shown in the graph below.
It can feel slow, especially when you’re ready to move or when you remember a few years ago when homes were selling almost instantly.
But what really matters is this. The market is getting back to normal, not slowing down or stopping.
This is a pretty normal timeline from start to finish, and in some cases you might even have an accepted offer faster than that.
Markets Where Homes Still Sell Quickly, Even Now
Zillow says the typical home goes under contract in about 19 days, and in some cases it can happen in as little as 7 days. It really just depends on your local market and how well your home is prepared.
So try not to stress about the slower pace of sales. Homes can still sell quickly when they’re priced and positioned the right way.
To give you an idea, here’s a quick look at some markets that are moving faster than average, according to Zillow. It really shows how much things can vary depending on where you are.
Here are the main takeaways from this visual:
It really depends on where you are. Even within the same state, some neighborhoods or areas can sell a lot faster than others.
Even in markets that are generally slower, homes can still sell quickly. As the map shows, some properties still go under contract in as little as a week.
So don’t stress about whether your state shows up on either list. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, puts it:
““The cream of the crop is still selling fast, even in markets that have slowed considerably. . .”
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The Big Reasons Some Homes Sit, and Some Sell Fast
And here’s the real key. Location does matter, but it’s not the only thing. Strategy plays a big role, too.
Today’s buyers are really focused on condition. They’re looking closely at photos, upgrades, layout, location, and price, and they’re going for homes that feel move-in ready and worth the value.
Homes that check those boxes don’t stay on the market for long, no matter where they’re located.
As the Wall Street Journal explains:
““. . . some homes are still flying off the shelves. These houses are often in the Midwest or Northeast, where the lack of new construction keeps a lid on supply. Certain homes in other markets are selling quickly, too, often when a home is move-in ready.”
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Because in any market, whether it’s hot or not, if a home is overpriced, needs too much work, or doesn’t match what buyers are looking for right now, it’s not going to sell.
In today’s market, the sellers who come out ahead are the ones who take a clear look at their home. They understand how it stacks up against other listings, price it realistically, and team up with an agent who really knows what it takes to sell right now.
When your agent knows how to price it right, highlight what makes your home stand out, and act quickly when the market is giving clear signals, that’s when you start seeing real results.
Bottom Line
Today’s housing market really rewards having the right strategy. Even in slower areas, homes that are priced realistically and positioned well are still selling, and sometimes quicker than you might expect.
Let’s connect if you’re ready to make that happen with your home too.
