How Long Does It Really Take to Buy or Sell a Home?

Scott Sweeney
Jul 9
3 min read

Buying or selling a home isn’t an overnight process—though it sometimes feels like it should be. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to sell your current home, understanding the real timeline can help you plan ahead, reduce stress, and avoid costly surprises.

Let’s break it down: how long does it typically take to buy or sell a home in today’s market, and what factors can speed things up—or slow them down?

🏡 How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home?

⏱️ Average Time: 45–90 Days (From Listing to Closing)

Here's a breakdown of the key stages:

1. Pre-Listing Prep (1–3 weeks)

Decluttering, staging, home repairs, landscaping
Hiring a real estate agent and setting your price
Professional photography and marketing setup

Tip: Planning and prepping your home well before listing is critical to a fast, successful sale.

2. Days on Market (DOM) (10–30+ days)

In a seller’s market, homes may go under contract in just days
In a buyer’s market, homes may sit 30–60+ days
Factors: condition, pricing, location, competition, seasonality

Tip: Homes priced correctly and staged well sell much faster.

3. Escrow and Closing (30–45 days)

Buyer secures financing, completes inspections, appraisal
Title search, disclosures, negotiations, and final paperwork

Delays may happen due to:

Loan approval issues
Low appraisal requiring renegotiation
Inspection repairs or concessions

🏠 How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

⏱️ Average Time: 2–6 Months (From Search to Closing)

Here’s what the timeline generally looks like for buyers:

1. Mortgage Pre-Approval (1–5 days)

Submit income, credit, and financial docs
Get pre-approved to know your buying budget

2. Home Search (1–3 months on average)

Touring homes, researching neighborhoods
Competitive markets may require multiple offers

Tip: Buyers in a hot market may need to act quickly, while others take their time to find the perfect fit.

3. Offer to Contract Acceptance (1–7 days)

Submit an offer and negotiate terms
Seller responds within 24–72 hours typically

4. Escrow/Closing Period (30–45 days)

Includes inspections, appraisal, final loan approval, title work
Your agent and lender will guide you through this process

🧩 What Can Speed It Up or Slow It Down?

Factors That Speed It Up:

✅ Cash buyer (no mortgage delays)

✅ Pre-listing home inspection and repairs

✅ Proper pricing and presentation

✅ Clear title and fast lender communication

✅ Motivated buyer or seller

Factors That Slow It Down:

🚫 Delays in financing or underwriting

🚫 Appraisal coming in low

🚫 Repairs or inspection issues

🚫 Title problems or liens

🚫 Unresponsive parties or negotiation breakdowns

✅ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying or selling, the average timeline is roughly 6–12 weeks once you're under contract—but the full journey often takes a few months of preparation.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

Situation	Estimated Timeline
Seller with a move-in-ready home	45–60 days to close
Buyer using mortgage financing	60–90 days from search to keys
Cash buyer + vacant property	As little as 2–3 weeks

🏁 Best advice: Start early, work with experienced professionals, and stay flexible!

Your NorCal Realtor

M&M Real Estate

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Cell: Call/Text 707-330-2324

About Scott Sweeney

SweeneySells

Full Time Realtor 13 Years +

Over 100 Families Served

Top 5% Producing Agent

Buying & Listing Specialist

Contract & Negotiation Ninja

CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006

With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.

Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!

📞707-330-2324

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