If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably wondering how long it will take.
Some people are looking to get their house listed and sold as soon as possible, while others are planning ahead and want to map out their journey to the market.
When it comes to the timing of your sale, there are some factors in your control and others in the hands of the market. So there’s really no single answer to the question of “How long will it take to sell my home?”.
In this blog, we’ll look at the steps of selling your home, how long they can take, and what you can do to maximize your chances of a fast sale.
The Road to Listing
If you haven’t sold a house before, you might be surprised to learn that the longest aspect of your selling journey (in terms of timeline) takes place before your property is on the market. Getting your home up and on the market doesn’t happen overnight. There’s a lot more to do than just place a for-sale sign on the front lawn and schedule an open house.
As a seller, you want to set yourself (and your home) up for success. That can take time. However, with the right planning and prep work, you can make it to the market in an efficient manner.
Want to sell your home for the highest price possible? Explore these related readings for value-adding selling tips.
- Should I Renovate My Home Before Selling it?
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- Why You Should Choose Your Asking Price Wisely
Find a Realtor
The first step in selling your house is finding a great real estate agent. As a professional, your agent’s role is to help you understand the ins and outs of selling – and get the best result possible.
On paper, hiring an agent is quite simple, but it’s not something you should rush through. Keep in mind that your Realtor is responsible for the outcome of your sale – and not every agent has the same degree of skill, knowledge, and relevant connections. So, rather than call the first agent you see on a billboard, it’s important to do your research and consider multiple options.
Looking for advice on how to find the best real estate agent for you? Click here to read our blog post on the topic.
Cleaning Out the Clutter
The next step in getting your house ready for sale is cleaning – and we’re talking about more than just a quick tidy. When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are critical. In order to impress buyers, you’ll need to declutter, depersonalize, and do a deep cleaning of the space.
Once again, this step isn’t usually something you can rush through in a single afternoon, especially when it comes to decluttering. For example, you may have larger furnishings or items in your home that you’ll want to sell, donate, or move into storage, which can take time to organize and coordinate.
If you’re worried about staying on track during this phase, your agent can help you create an easy-to-follow plan.
Making Repairs
Next, you might want to make a few repairs or upgrades before buyers discover your home. Many buyers today are looking for something turn-key, so even a few small fixes can have a great pay off in terms of ROI.
While some larger projects can also have great ROI, you’ll want to check in with your Realtor before making any major changes. They’ll help you decide which repairs will be most beneficial.
Selling your home soon? Check out these related blogs for more advice.
Set Yourself Up For Success
Once your home is on the market, the timing of your sale is (mostly) out of your hands. That said, if you are hoping to sell your home as quickly as possible, there are some strategies you can incorporate to boost interest from potential buyers and, as a result, maximize your chances of a fast sale.
Staging Your Home
Staging happens after your home is cleaned, decluttered, and fixed up. Usually, it involves arranging furniture and decor to showcase its best features and create a welcoming atmosphere. This sounds simple, but it’s very valuable.
A buyer who is emotionally invested in your home is more likely to take action and make a strong offer. Staging allows potential buyers to better envision themselves living in your home and connect with it emotionally.
Set the Right Price
Pricing your home competitively is crucial for attracting buyers and maximizing your return on investment. Your real estate agent can help you determine the optimal price based on market conditions, recent sales data, and the unique features of your home. While it may be tempting to set your price high and hope buyers will offer down, you can actually end up turning buyers away.
Be Buyer-Friendly
Buyers won’t make an offer without the opportunity to see your home in person. During the showings stage, keep an open schedule and be flexible when buyers want to book a viewing.
Looking to sell your home fast? Get in touch to find out how our expert agents can help. Send us an email at info@bosleyrealestate.com or call 416-322-8000.

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