By: Luca Mascellino
If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: How long will it take?
The answer depends on several factors, including your home’s condition, local market conditions and pricing strategy. Understanding the typical timeline can help you plan ahead, set realistic expectations and make informed decisions from the start.
Here’s what homeowners can expect when selling a home in 2026.
The Big Picture: Average Time to Sell a House
According to multiple outlets, the average home in 2025 spent about 50 days on the market before going under contract, followed by approximately 35 days to close. That brings the total timeline from listing to closing to about 85 days, or just under three months.
Some markets move much faster. In slower or more saturated markets, homes may remain listed considerably longer.
What those averages don’t include is the preparation period before a home is listed. Depending on the property’s condition, repairs, staging and photography can take anywhere from two weeks to three months.
For most sellers, a realistic timeline from the decision to sell through closing is three to five months.
Phase 1: Pre-Listing Preparation (Two Weeks to Three Months)
This phase is often underestimated, but it can have a significant impact on both the sale price and the speed of the sale.
Before listing, most homeowners spend time decluttering, deep cleaning and addressing deferred maintenance. Many also refresh paint, improve landscaping and enhance curb appeal. Professional staging, or at least thoughtful furniture placement, can help buyers visualize the home’s potential. High-quality photography and virtual tours are also critical in today’s digital marketplace.
This is also the time to complete a comparative market analysis and establish a competitive asking price. Working with an experienced Howard Hanna agent can help sellers focus on improvements that provide the greatest return. One of the most common mistakes sellers make is overpricing their home. The longer a property remains on the market, the more negotiating leverage shifts to buyers.
Phase 2: On the Market (Two to 10-Plus Weeks)
Once your home is listed, the focus shifts to generating interest and attracting qualified buyers.
In a seller’s market, where inventory is limited and demand is strong, well-priced homes may receive offers within days. In a buyer’s market, where inventory is higher and buyers have more options, homes often take longer to sell.
Several factors influence how long a home remains on the market. Location continues to play a major role, with homes near highly rated schools, employment centers and desirable amenities generally selling faster. Pricing strategy is equally important. Homes priced correctly from the beginning typically generate more activity and avoid the need for future price reductions.
Condition and presentation also matter. Move-in-ready homes that show well and photograph well tend to attract more buyers. Today’s buyers often prefer homes that require minimal immediate repairs or updates.
Marketing exposure can also impact results. Howard Hanna listings benefit from local, regional and global marketing channels designed to connect sellers with qualified buyers. Seasonality remains a factor as well. Spring is traditionally the strongest selling season, with buyer activity often peaking between March and June. Winter listings may take longer to sell, although they frequently attract highly motivated buyers.
Phase 3: Negotiation and Contract (Several Days to Two Weeks)
Receiving an offer is a major milestone, but it is not the finish line.
Negotiations often involve more than just price. Buyers and sellers may negotiate contingencies, repairs, closing dates and concessions. In highly competitive markets, an agreement may be reached within hours. In slower markets, negotiations can take several days or even weeks.
An experienced real estate professional can help evaluate offers, negotiate effectively and minimize the risk of a transaction falling apart before closing.
Phase 4: Closing (30 to 45 Days)
After an offer is accepted, the closing process begins. Most transactions close within 30 to 45 days, although cash purchases may close in as little as 10 to 14 days.
During this phase, the buyer typically completes inspections, obtains an appraisal and finalizes financing. The title company conducts a title search, lenders complete underwriting and both parties prepare for the final walkthrough and settlement.
Howard Hanna’s full-service model allows clients to coordinate mortgage, title and insurance services through a single organization, helping streamline communication and reduce delays throughout the transaction.
How to Sell Faster
While no seller can control the market, there are several ways to improve the chances of a faster sale.
The most important factor remains pricing. Homes priced accurately from the start typically generate stronger interest and better offers. Sellers should also invest in presentation. Professional photography, virtual tours and strong online marketing are essential in today’s digital-first marketplace.
Flexibility with showings can also make a difference. The easier it is for buyers to view a home, the larger the potential pool of interested purchasers. Addressing known maintenance issues before listing can help prevent surprises during inspections and reduce the likelihood of renegotiations.
Finally, working with a local market expert can provide a significant advantage. Real estate remains highly local, and an agent who understands neighborhood trends and buyer preferences can help position a home more effectively.
The Bottom Line
Selling a home in 2026 is rarely an overnight process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper preparation, competitive pricing and experienced representation, many sellers can expect to close within 60 to 90 days of listing, and often sooner in strong markets.
For nearly 70 years, Howard Hanna has helped families navigate the home-selling process. With hundreds of offices, thousands of sales associates and a full suite of mortgage, title and insurance services, Howard Hanna offers the resources and expertise to help sellers move confidently into their next chapter.
Ready to get started? Connect with a Howard Hanna agent and take the first step toward your next move.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 15 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
