How Long Is the Home Selling Process?

One of the most common questions I get from sellers who are considering a move is:
“How long will the process take?”

It’s a great question, and the answer usually depends on a few factors. But in general, you can think of the selling journey in three phases:

1. Prepping Your Home

Before your home even hits the market, there’s prep work involved. On average, you’ll want to allow 45 to 60 days to get your house market-ready. This could include things like decluttering, making minor repairs, painting, or even staging, depending on your goals and the condition of your property.

2. Active on the Market

Once your home is listed, the time it takes to secure an offer can vary depending on the neighborhood, price point, and demand. Right now, most neighborhoods are averaging 45 to 60 days on market, while some may take closer to 90 to 120 days before receiving an acceptable offer.

3. Under Contract to Close

After you’ve accepted an offer, the process isn’t quite over yet. The contract-to-close period usually takes about 35 to 45 days, depending on the type of financing the buyer is using. During this phase, inspections, appraisals, and lender approvals all come into play.

Putting It All Together

When you add everything up, from prep to closing, the full home selling process can often take four to six months. Of course, every home and every market is unique—but having a clear roadmap helps you plan ahead and move forward with confidence.

At Pinnacle, our goal is to make sure you know what to expect at every step, so the process feels less overwhelming and more empowering.