How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

Couple standing in a home filled with moving boxes, looking at a blue wall with text overlay that reads “How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?” with Worthington Realty logo in the corner.

Selling a home can feel like one big question mark. The most common one we hear is, “How long will this take?”

It’s a fair question. Time affects everything—your next move, your finances, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or just buying something else, knowing what to expect makes the process easier to manage.

And when the market is shifting and inventory is rising, having the right guidance matters more than ever.

The Honest Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but most homes in Southwest Florida take 30 to 90 days to go under contract, plus another 30 to 45 days to close. Your total timeline usually ranges from 45 to 120+ days, depending on your situation.

This includes prep time before going live, which often adds another 1 to 2 weeks depending on the home.

With the right plan, you’re far more likely to land on the shorter end of that range.

Visual timeline showing the typical home selling process in Southwest Florida: 1–2 weeks pre-listing prep, 30–90 days on market, 30–45 days from contract to close, with a total timeline of 45–120+ days.
A quick visual guide to how long it takes to sell a home—from prep to closing. Use this timeline to plan with confidence in today’s Southwest Florida market.

What Affects the Timeline?

More homes are hitting the market in Southwest Florida, which means buyers have more options—and sellers have more competition. Making sure your listing stands out with a smart strategy, strong presentation, and accurate pricing has never been more important.

Here’s what determines whether your home sells quickly or sits longer than it should:

  • Price: Buyers compare. Homes priced right create urgency. Overpricing often leads to sitting—and eventually selling for less.
  • Condition: Clean, well-maintained homes show better and get more attention.
  • Location: Factors like flood zones, traffic patterns, HOA fees, and nearby amenities matter.
  • Access: The easier your home is to show, the faster buyers will come see it.
  • Marketing: Great photos and smart exposure help your home stand out from day one.
  • Mindset: Sellers who stay flexible on showings, pricing feedback, and timing tend to move faster—and with less stress.

The good news? You control most of these.

The Step-by-Step Plan

To help you feel more prepared, we put together a one-page Seller Timeline that outlines what to expect from your first consultation through closing. It breaks down each phase of the process—pricing, prep, showings, negotiation, and closing—into clear, manageable steps. It’s designed to take the guesswork out and give you a simple overview you can refer back to at any stage.

Some delays can happen even after your home goes under contract—especially during inspections, appraisal, or financing. That’s why it helps to have a team tracking every detail and keeping the process on schedule.

View the Seller Timeline PDF

Confidence Comes From Having a Plan

Selling your home doesn’t have to feel uncertain. When you have a clear plan—and a team that knows what it takes in today’s market—you can move forward with confidence.

When you’re ready, we’ll help you price it right, show it well, and cross the finish line with confidence. Let’s talk!

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Michael Davis, co-owner of Worthington Realty, smiling in a professional headshot outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sky.

About the Author

Michael Davis is one of the owners of Worthington Realty and a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach who helps agents build businesses that fit them—without blending in. With a background in commercial real estate, where he co-founded a firm that grew to $1.3 billion in assets, Michael realized that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity, trust, and owning what makes you different.

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