How Long Does It Take to Sell a House? You Might Be Surprised!

If you’re planning to sell your home, one of the first questions you might ask is: how long does it take to sell a house? The answer isn’t always simple. It depends on many things, like where you live, your home’s condition, and how you choose to sell it. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—in clear, simple language—so you can make the best choice for your situation.

1. What Can Affect How Long It Takes to Sell Your House?

Several key factors can impact the time it takes to sell a house:

• Location: Homes in popular or fast-growing areas tend to sell quicker than homes in rural or declining areas.
• Time of Year: Spring and early summer are often considered the best times to sell. Homes can take longer to sell in winter.
• Home Condition: Updated, clean, and move-in-ready homes usually sell faster than homes needing major repairs.
• Price: Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market longer. A well-priced home gets more interest right away.
• Buyer Financing: If a buyer needs a mortgage, the process may take longer. Cash buyers can close more quickly.

These variables can either speed up or delay your sale. That’s why setting realistic expectations is important.

2. How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Michigan vs. National Average

According to Zillow, the average home in the U.S. sells in about 55 to 70 days. That includes the time it takes to get an offer and the time needed to close.

In Michigan, though, it can vary:

• Hot areas like Grand Rapids and Holland may see quicker sales.
• Rural areas or homes in poor condition may take longer to sell.

Market conditions also play a role. In a seller’s market (where there are more buyers than homes), things move faster. In a buyer’s market (more homes than buyers), it takes more time.

3. Traditional Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Sell a House the Usual Way?

Let’s break down what typically happens when selling through a real estate agent:

First 1–2 Weeks: Preparing the Home

• Cleaning, painting, repairs
• Staging for showings
• Taking listing photos

By Weeks 3–5: Listing and Showings

• Posting the home on MLS and other platforms
• Hosting open houses and private showings

Next Phase (Weeks 6–7): Receiving Offers and Negotiating

• Reviewing buyer offers
• Going back and forth on price, contingencies, etc.

Weeks 8–10: Under Contract to Close

• Home inspection
• Appraisal
• Buyer financing and final walk-through

All in all, the process often takes 2 to 3 months or longer, especially if issues come up with inspections or buyer financing.

4. What Slows Down the Home Selling Process?

Even when everything goes smoothly, several things can add delays:

• Overpricing: This is a big one. If your price is too high, your home could sit for weeks with no offers.
• Repairs and Renovations: Some buyers want move-in-ready homes, so homes needing work may not sell as fast.
• Buyer Loan Issues: A buyer may get denied for a mortgage or need extra time for approval.
• Home Appraisal Gaps: If the appraisal comes in lower than the offer, it can cause renegotiations or cancellations.
• Title Issues: Unpaid taxes, liens, or inheritance complications can delay closing.

The more steps you can simplify, the faster your sale will likely go.

5. Want to Sell a House Fast? Here’s How to Make It Happen

If you’re looking to speed up the process, here are a few proven tips:

• Price it right from the start. Use comps from your area to set a competitive price.
• Clean and declutter. A tidy home makes a great first impression.
• Be flexible with showings. The easier it is for people to see your home, the faster it might sell.
• Work with experienced professionals. Whether it’s an agent or a cash buyer, having the right team matters.

Still, if you’re short on time or just want to skip the stress, there’s another option…

6. How Long Does It Take to Sell a House With a Cash Buyer?

Wondering how long it takes to sell a house if you skip the traditional process? With a reputable cash buyer, you can often close in as little as 7 to 10 days.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. Contact a cash buyer and provide some basic info about the house.
2. Get a fair, no-obligation cash offer—often within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Choose your closing date based on your needs—some sellers move quickly, while others take more time.
4. Finalize the paperwork and close. No showings, no lender delays, and no repair costs.

At Hometown Development, this process is what we specialize in. Our goal is to make selling your house quick, easy, and stress-free. You can learn more about how our process works by visiting our How It Works page.

This type of sale is especially helpful for people going through foreclosure, inheriting a property, relocating, or dealing with unexpected life changes. When time matters, having a trusted local buyer can make all the difference.

7. Why Working With a Local Buyer Speeds Things Up

Big national companies may take longer and make you feel like just another number. Local buyers in West Michigan understand the neighborhoods, housing styles, and market conditions—and they bring a more personal, flexible approach to the table.

When you work with a local buyer like Hometown Development, you’re partnering with people who live and work in the same communities as you. They’re not working off a national script or passing you off to multiple departments. That means quicker answers, faster decisions, and more flexibility.

Benefits of working with a local buyer like Hometown Development:

• Familiar with West Michigan neighborhoods: From Grand Rapids and Wyoming to Rockford, Holland, and nearby towns, they understand what matters in your market.
• Faster home visits and evaluations: A local buyer can stop by in person and make an offer based on real insight, not a computer algorithm.
• Streamlined process without the wait: No long approval chains or bank delays. Just a straight path to a fast sale.
• They care about your situation: Local buyers build relationships. You’re not just a number on a spreadsheet.

Choosing a local team means you get the speed of a cash buyer with the trust and attention of a neighbor who’s ready to help.

8. How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Today’s Market?

With changing market conditions, economic shifts, and seasonal trends, many sellers ask: how long does it take to sell a house in today’s market? The answer can change from month to month and city to city.

In competitive markets like Grand Rapids or Holland, homes may receive offers in days. In slower markets or for homes that need work, the timeline can stretch out.

Staying informed is key:

• Watch local real estate trends
• Look at how long similar homes in your area take to sell
• Consider the time of year and buyer activity levels

Whether you’re selling traditionally or looking for a faster alternative, understanding the current market can help you make the best move at the right time.

9. Ready to Sell? We Buy Houses Fast in West Michigan

If you’re ready to sell and don’t want to wait months, Hometown Development is here to help.

We buy houses fast in:

• Kent County (Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Sparta, Lowell)
• Ottawa County (Holland, Jenison, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Grand Haven)
• Ionia County (Belding, Saranac)
• And nearby areas like Middleville, Wayland, Muskegon, and Fruitport

No repairs needed. No extra fees. Close on your timeline. Just a fair, local cash offer that works on your timeline.

Click here to request your free, no-obligation cash offer

Final Thoughts: The Timeline Is Up to You

So, how long does it take to sell a house? The truth is—it depends. Selling the traditional way can take a few months or more. But if you’re in a situation where speed matters, working with a trusted local buyer like Hometown Development can save you time, money, and stress.

Whatever you decide, just know you have options. And if you ever need help, Hometown Development is just a click or call away.