If you’re considering selling your home, you’re probably wondering how long the process will take. In the United States, it takes, on average, about 25 days to sell a home. However, the timeline for selling a home can vary depending on several factors, including the housing market, the condition of your home, and the type of sale you’re looking to make.
So this means that some homes can take a lot longer to sell. Some can be on the market for an entire year before being sold, especially now that home prices have skyrocketed. But that’s not the only reason home selling takes so long in the United States. Keep reading to learn more about why selling a home in the U.S. can take so long.
The Housing Market
One of the biggest factors affecting how long it takes to sell a home is the housing market’s current state. If you’re selling in a buyer’s market, it may take longer to find a buyer because there are more homes for sale than buyers are looking to purchase. On the other hand, if you’re selling in a seller’s market, your home may sell more quickly because there are more buyers than homes for sale.
The country is in a seller’s market, so some homes sell quickly. However, in some regions of the country, including New York and San Francisco, it can take much longer to sell a home because competition is much higher than average. Plus, homes are far more expensive in the area. If you’re trying to sell your home in these cities, it might be better to put it up for rent instead.
The Condition of Your Home
Another factor affecting how long it will take to sell your home is its condition. If your home needs repairs or updates, it may take longer to find a buyer because potential buyers will be turned off by having to make repairs after they’ve already moved in. If your home is in good condition, you may be able to sell it more quickly because buyers won’t have to do any work before moving in. Here are three essential upgrades you can make to your home if you want it to sell fast and at a good price:
Landscaping
The first thing people will see is the outside of your home, so it’s important to ensure the landscape is well-maintained. This includes everything from cutting the grass and trimming bushes to removing any debris in the yard. Additionally, consider adding some of these things to your landscaping:
- Boulders: More and more Americans like the idea of having some boulders in their landscape. It adds a naturalistic look to their home. Natural rock boulders can also be a form of a windbreaker. This can help with the weather conditions of your area.
- Brick walkways: A brick walkway will add sophistication to the exterior of your home. Brick is also durable and does not need much maintenance, making it an excellent investment for any home buyer.
- Trees: Trees can make a big difference in the appearance of your landscape. For example, fruit trees can help your home stand out to potential buyers.
Interior Paint
The right paint color in your interior will also attract people who may consider buying your home. Neutral colors are always a safe bet, making it easier for people to picture their belongings in the space. However, you can also be more creative with bright colors like blue and yellow. This will make your home stand out to potential buyers and may even entice them to offer a higher price.
Curb Appeal
The second thing people will notice when they drive up to your home is its curb appeal. Make sure you have an excellent paint job on the exterior as well. Additionally, consider adding a few features to your yards such as fountains and benches. These additions can help your home sell quickly and at a higher price. Because curb appeal is so important, you may also want to invest in landscaping services if you don’t have the time or know-how to do it yourself.
The Type of Sale
The third factor that can affect how long it will take to sell your home is the type of sale you’re looking to make. For example, if you’re looking to sell your home as-is (meaning you won’t make any repairs or updates before listing), it may take longer to find a buyer because there will be fewer people interested in purchasing an as-is property. However, if you’re willing to make repairs or updates before listing, you may be able to sell your home more quickly because more people will be interested in buying it.
As you can see, several factors can affect how long it will take to sell your home in the United States. If you’re considering selling, it’s essential to keep these factors in mind so you can manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
