How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in 2026? [Data Guide]

Understanding Days on Market in 2026

If you're planning to sell your home in 2026, one of your first questions is probably the most practical: how long will this actually take? The answer matters for everything from timing your next move to planning your finances, yet the real estate industry often provides frustratingly vague timelines or outdated averages that don't reflect current market realities.

Days on Market (DOM) measures the time between when a property is listed for sale and when it goes under contract with a buyer. This metric has become increasingly important as market conditions shift and sellers demand more transparency about realistic expectations. Unlike previous decades when DOM remained relatively stable, today's market shows significant variation based on location, property characteristics, pricing strategy, and perhaps most critically, agent performance.

The current landscape in 2026 reflects a market that has normalized after years of volatility. Interest rates have stabilized in the mid-6% range, inventory levels have improved from historic lows, and buyer demand remains consistent though more selective than during the pandemic-era frenzy. This creates an environment where understanding the factors that influence your specific timeline becomes essential rather than optional.

For sellers, DOM has become more than just a statistical measure. Properties that linger on the market beyond local averages often face pricing challenges, as buyers interpret extended DOM as a signal of overpricing or potential property issues. This perception can create a self-fulfilling cycle where longer DOM leads to lower offers, making it crucial to understand and target appropriate timelines from day one.

National Benchmarks: What the Data Shows

According to Redfin, the median DOM for existing homes nationally sits at approximately 51 days as of late 2025. This represents a significant shift from the 16-20 day averages seen during the 2021-2022 seller's market, but remains well below the 60-90 day norms that characterized pre-pandemic markets.

However, this national average masks substantial variation across different segments of the market. Homes priced competitively in the bottom third of their local market average just 28-35 days on market, while properties in the luxury segment (top 20% by price) average 65-85 days. The middle market, representing the majority of transactions, typically sees 38-48 days from listing to contract.

Data from Redfin's market research shows that well-priced homes in strong school districts consistently outperform broader market averages by 20-30%. Similarly, properties that incorporate professional staging and photography sell 40% faster on average than those listed with minimal preparation. These patterns hold true across virtually all geographic markets, suggesting that certain universal factors transcend local market conditions.

How 2026 Compares to Recent Years

Understanding current timelines requires context about how dramatically the market has evolved. In 2021, homes were receiving multiple offers within days of listing, often sight unseen. By 2023, rising interest rates had extended timelines to 50-60 days nationally. The 2026 market represents a middle ground where demand remains solid but buyers exercise more discretion.

This progression toward normalized timelines actually benefits sellers who prepare properly. The compressed timelines of 2021-2022 often masked pricing mistakes and property issues that buyers overlooked in their rush to secure housing. Today's market rewards sellers who invest in proper preparation, accurate pricing, and professional representation.

Metro-Level Trends and Regional Variations

National averages provide useful context, but your actual timeline depends heavily on local market dynamics. Metropolitan areas show remarkable variation in DOM based on factors including job growth, migration patterns, housing affordability, and inventory levels. Understanding your specific market's characteristics helps set realistic expectations and informs strategic decisions about timing and pricing.

Fastest-Moving Markets

According to Redfin's market data, several metros demonstrate DOM well below or near the national average. Indianapolis stands out with particularly fast sales at just 27 days average DOM, benefiting from strong affordability and steady job growth. These markets share common characteristics including strong employment, relatively affordable housing, and steady population growth.

Markets with Varying Timelines

Markets show significant variation in DOM based on local conditions. Austin, for example, currently averages 89 days on market—reflecting the city's adjustment after pandemic-era price appreciation. Nashville sees 74 days average DOM as the market absorbs increased inventory. Seattle, with strong tech sector demand, maintains faster sales at just 15 days average DOM despite high prices.

These metro-level trends provide important context, but remember that micro-market variations within each city can be substantial. A home in a highly-rated school district may sell in half the time of the metro average, while properties in declining neighborhoods may take twice as long regardless of overall market health.

Key Factors That Cause Delays

Understanding what causes properties to sit on the market longer than average helps sellers avoid common pitfalls. Research consistently identifies several factors that extend DOM beyond market norms, most of which are controllable through proper preparation and strategy.

Pricing Above Market Value

Overpricing remains the single most significant factor in extended DOM. Homes priced more than 5% above comparable recent sales average 72 days on market compared to 35 days for properly priced properties. The challenge is that many sellers anchor to peak values from 2022 or base expectations on insufficient market data.

The market immediately signals overpricing through limited showing activity. Properties priced correctly typically receive their highest showing volume in the first two weeks of listing. If showings slow dramatically after week one, pricing is almost certainly the issue. Unfortunately, many sellers wait weeks or months before adjusting, during which time the property develops a stigma of being "stale inventory."

Poor Property Presentation

First impressions matter enormously in real estate, particularly in the digital age where 95% of buyers begin their search online. Professional photography increases buyer interest by an estimated 60% compared to amateur photos, while virtual staging for vacant properties can reduce DOM by 30% or more.

Properties with deferred maintenance, outdated finishes, or cluttered presentation face significant headwinds. While cosmetic issues don't necessarily prevent sales, they extend timelines as the limited pool of buyers willing to overlook these factors takes longer to identify and engage with the property. Strategic pre-listing improvements typically deliver DOM reductions that far exceed the time invested in making repairs.

Timing and Seasonality

While seasonal variations have less impact than many sellers assume, timing does influence DOM to a modest degree. Spring and early summer (March through June) see the highest buyer activity and shortest average DOM, with properties selling approximately 12% faster than the annual average. Winter listings (December through February) experience the slowest market conditions and longest DOM.

However, these seasonal patterns affect all properties in a market equally. A well-priced, well-presented home will still sell faster than average even in the slower winter months, while an overpriced property will struggle regardless of season. Rather than waiting for the "perfect" seasonal timing, sellers benefit more from focusing on controllable factors like pricing, preparation, and agent selection.

Financing and Showing Restrictions

Properties that limit financing options or impose restrictive showing requirements inevitably take longer to sell. Homes sold as cash-only or requiring specific loan types eliminate significant portions of the buyer pool. Similarly, properties with limited showing windows or requiring advance notice of more than 2-3 hours reduce showing volume and extend timelines.

The most successful listings accommodate buyer schedules with minimal restrictions. Properties that allow easy showing access with electronic lockboxes and minimal notice requirements average 40% more showings and sell 25% faster than those with restrictive showing policies. This accessibility advantage compounds over time, as properties with high showing volumes early in the listing period generate more offers faster.

How Property Type Affects Timeline

Different property types demonstrate distinct DOM patterns based on buyer demographics, financing availability, and market depth. Understanding how your property type typically performs helps set appropriate expectations and may inform decisions about timing or pricing strategy.

Single-Family Homes

Detached single-family homes represent the most liquid segment of the residential market, with the deepest buyer pool and typically shortest DOM. These properties appeal to the broadest range of buyers including first-time purchasers, families with children, and investors. Average DOM for well-priced single-family homes runs 45-55 days nationally, closely tracking overall market averages according to Redfin data.

Within the single-family segment, however, size and price point create significant variation. Starter homes (typically under $350,000 in most markets) average 30-40 days on market due to strong first-time buyer demand and multiple financing options. Move-up homes ($350,000-$750,000) see 45-60 days as the buyer pool narrows and purchase decisions become more deliberate.

Condominiums and Townhomes

Attached housing typically takes longer to sell than single-family homes in the same price range and location. Condominiums average 60-70 days on market nationally, while townhomes fall in between at 50-60 days. Several factors explain this divergence, including smaller buyer pools, financing complications related to HOA financial health, and monthly fees that reduce affordability.

Condo DOM varies dramatically based on building quality and HOA management. Well-maintained buildings with strong reserves and professional management sell at or below market averages, while buildings with deferred maintenance, special assessments, or financial issues can see DOM extend to 90+ days as financing challenges limit the buyer pool.

Luxury Properties

Properties priced in the top 10% of their local market operate in a fundamentally different market dynamic. With fewer potential buyers and more discretionary purchase motivations, luxury properties average 75-95 days on market nationally. This extended timeline reflects the reality that buyers in this segment often take months to make purchase decisions and may own multiple properties, eliminating urgency.

However, even in the luxury segment, exceptional properties at the right price points can sell quickly. Unique architectural homes, properties with rare amenities, or extraordinary locations still generate competitive situations and quick sales when properly marketed. The key differentiator is whether the property offers something genuinely distinctive or merely carries a high price tag on an otherwise conventional home.

Investment Properties and Rentals

Properties sold as investment opportunities or with existing tenants face unique timeline considerations. Vacant investment properties marketed to investors average 55-65 days on market, while tenant-occupied properties extend to 70-85 days due to showing restrictions and smaller buyer pools.

The key challenge with tenant-occupied properties is balancing tenant rights and showing access. Properties where cooperative tenants allow reasonable showing schedules perform substantially better than those with uncooperative tenants or restrictive showing requirements. Some sellers choose to wait until tenant leases expire or negotiate early terminations to improve marketability.

The Agent Performance Advantage

Perhaps the most significant factor influencing your actual timeline receives the least attention in general market discussions: your choice of real estate agent. Research consistently demonstrates that agent experience, skills, and market knowledge create larger DOM variations than any other single factor including pricing, property type, or seasonal timing.

According to EffectiveAgents analysis of top-performing agents, properties represented by agents in the top 20% of their markets by transaction volume and client satisfaction sell an average of 30-40% faster than market averages. More importantly, these properties typically command prices 2-5% higher than comparable homes sold by less experienced agents, creating a dramatic financial advantage that far exceeds any commission differences.

What Top Performers Do Differently

The performance gap between average and exceptional agents comes down to specific, measurable practices that accelerate sales while maximizing value. Top agents employ comprehensive pre-listing strategies including detailed market analysis, strategic pricing recommendations, and property preparation guidance that positions homes for quick sales at optimal prices.

Marketing execution separates exceptional agents from the pack. While virtually all agents now list properties on the MLS and major real estate websites, top performers implement sophisticated digital marketing campaigns including targeted social media advertising, email marketing to their extensive buyer networks, and professional photography and videography that dramatically increases buyer engagement.

Negotiation Skills and Process Management

Beyond marketing, top agents demonstrate superior negotiation skills that accelerate transactions and prevent deals from falling apart. They effectively manage multiple offers to create competitive bidding situations, expertly navigate inspection negotiations to prevent unnecessary delays, and maintain momentum through the closing process by proactively addressing potential issues.

Perhaps most valuably, experienced agents accurately assess market conditions and buyer psychology to advise on timing decisions. They know when to accept a strong early offer versus waiting for additional offers, how to counter-offer without losing engaged buyers, and when pricing adjustments become necessary to prevent extended DOM.

Measuring Agent Performance

When selecting an agent, smart sellers look beyond personality and commission rates to evaluate actual performance metrics. Key indicators include average DOM compared to market averages, list-to-sale price ratios, transaction volume, client satisfaction ratings, and local market share. Agents who consistently sell properties faster and for more money than competitors deliver value that dramatically exceeds any commission savings from discount brokers.

Questions to ask prospective agents include their average DOM over the past 12 months, how their performance compares to market averages, the specific marketing strategy they'll implement for your property, and references from recent clients. Agents confident in their performance welcome these questions and provide specific, verifiable answers rather than vague promises.

The reality is that most homes that sit on the market excessively long share common fixable problems, many of which stem from poor agent performance. Overpricing, inadequate marketing, poor negotiation, and slow response times all extend DOM unnecessarily. By contrast, sellers who invest time in selecting proven performers consistently achieve faster sales at better prices.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Sale

Understanding how long it really takes to sell a home in 2026 requires looking beyond simple national averages to consider the specific factors that will influence your property's timeline. While the 51-day national median from Redfin provides a useful starting point, your actual experience will depend on your property type, local market conditions, pricing strategy, property presentation, and perhaps most critically, your choice of real estate agent.

The good news for sellers is that most factors influencing DOM are controllable. Pricing competitively from day one, investing in professional preparation and marketing, maintaining flexible showing schedules, and selecting proven agent performers dramatically increases your likelihood of achieving a faster-than-average sale at a strong price.

Market conditions in 2026 favor prepared sellers. While the frenzied bidding wars of 2021-2022 have passed, demand remains solid and buyers continue entering the market steadily. Inventory levels have normalized rather than becoming excessive, creating a balanced environment where quality properties at fair prices still sell quickly. This market rewards sellers who approach their sale strategically rather than hoping for the market to do the heavy lifting.

Perhaps most importantly, sellers should view DOM not as a fixed timeline they must accept but as a performance metric they can influence through smart decisions. The difference between a 60-day sale and a 30-day sale often comes down to a handful of strategic choices made before and during the listing period. By understanding what drives these timelines and working with agents who have proven track records of beating market averages, sellers can confidently expect faster sales at better prices than typical market outcomes.

The question isn't really how long it takes to sell a home in 2026, but rather how quickly can you sell when you make informed decisions and partner with proven professionals. The answer to that question can be dramatically better than market averages suggest.