Selling a home can be an exciting but also nerve-wracking process. One of the key metrics to keep an eye on is the “Days on Market” (DOM), which refers to the number of days a property remains active on the market before it gets sold. Understanding the average timeline and factors that influence DOM can help sellers set realistic expectations and make informed decisions. In this week-by-week guide, we will explore what you can expect during each stage of the selling process.
Week 1: Preparation and Listing During the first week, you’ll focus on preparing your home for sale. This includes decluttering, cleaning, and making necessary repairs or improvements. It’s also crucial to work with a real estate agent to determine the optimal listing price. Your agent will evaluate market conditions, comparable sales, and the unique features of your property. Once everything is in order, your home will be listed on multiple platforms, such as online listings and real estate websites.
Weeks 2-4: Initial Interest and Showings During this period, potential buyers will start to show interest in your property. Open houses and private showings will be scheduled to give buyers a chance to view your home. The number of showings can vary depending on market conditions, location, price, and property features. It’s important to keep your home clean and presentable during this stage to make a positive impression on potential buyers.
Weeks 5-6: Market Response and Feedback By this point, you should start receiving feedback from buyers and their agents. They may comment on the price, condition, or any other aspects of your home. It’s essential to pay attention to this feedback as it can provide valuable insights. If multiple buyers express similar concerns, it might be worth considering adjustments to the price, staging, or marketing strategy.
Weeks 7-8: Price Adjustments and Re-evaluation If your home hasn’t received any offers or if the feedback suggests that adjustments are needed, it may be time to re-evaluate your pricing strategy. Your real estate agent will analyze the market data and help you determine whether a price adjustment is necessary. This step aims to attract more potential buyers and generate renewed interest in your property.
Weeks 9-12: Negotiations and Offers As your home gains more exposure and interest, you can expect to receive offers from prospective buyers. Your agent will help you evaluate each offer, considering factors like price, contingencies, financing terms, and closing timeline. Negotiations may take place, and counteroffers might be exchanged until both parties reach an agreement. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
Weeks 13-16: Escrow and Inspections Once an offer is accepted, the property enters the escrow phase. During this period, the buyer will conduct inspections and appraisals to assess the condition of the property and ensure its value aligns with the agreed-upon price. If any issues are discovered, negotiations might reopen to address repairs or adjust the terms of the sale.
Weeks 17-20: Closing the Deal Assuming the inspections and appraisals go smoothly, you’ll proceed towards closing the deal. The buyer will secure financing, and all necessary paperwork and legal processes will be completed. The timeline for closing can vary depending on the buyer’s financing method and any contingencies outlined in the contract. Once all the paperwork is finalized, the property officially changes hands, and you receive the proceeds from the sale.
It’s important to note that the timeline outlined above is a general guideline and can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as market conditions, location, property type, and pricing strategy