What Is the Average Time to Sell a House in California?
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Richard Haddad Managing EditorClose
Richard Haddad Managing EditorRichard Haddad is the managing editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
If you’re a homeowner in California contemplating selling your house, one of the most significant initial concerns you might have is, “How long will it take to sell my house?”
It’s a critical question that can impact your planning, financial decisions, and future housing arrangements.
In this post, we delve into the heart of the matter and explore this question from multiple angles to help you navigate the home-selling process in California with confidence. We’ll also share expert strategies to potentially speed up your home’s sale.
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What’s the average time to sell a house in California?
The average time to sell a house in California ranges from 37-56 days. This range includes both the time it takes to receive an offer and the typical closing period. However, selling a house in California is a dynamic process that can vary depending on the region and local market conditions.
In the Greater Sacramento area, an example of an active market in Northern California, houses tend to sell relatively quickly compared to other parts of the country. According to Patricia Holter, a top real estate agent with the Roxanne McCaslin team, the average home sale unfolds as follows:
“On average, in the Greater Sacramento area, most homes — when priced correctly at market value — receive offers within 4-7 days, go pending within 7-10 days, and take 30 days to close escrow. In total, from the day the home goes active on the market, on average most homes are sold within 37 days.”
Different cities can present different timelines
This pace, as described by Holter, reflects the healthy demand and relative shortage of supply common in many Northern California markets. However, the market dynamics can be different in other parts of the state.
For example, homes in many Southern California housing markets spend anywhere from 45-56 days on the market before selling, based on HomeLight sales transaction data. This estimated range represents the time from listing to closing the sale.
Meanwhile, in the Central Valley, the timeline might be slightly longer due to the more rural nature and lower population density of the area. For example, a home in Fresno might take longer to get an offer, bringing the list-to-close average closer to 64 days.
This highlights the importance of understanding local market conditions and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent when planning to sell your California home.
What is the best time to sell a house in California?
Not all seasons are created equal when it comes to selling a home in California. The ideal time to list your property can depend on local market trends, the specifics of your home, and buyer behaviors in your region of the state.
Holter observes some distinct seasonal patterns in her market: “In the winter season, we see an impact on the selling time for homes in Northern California. During the winter season, homes generally take longer to sell. We believe this is due to the Holidays, colder weather, and a handful of buyers waiting to receive their tax refund to put toward buying a house. For example, if a home were to go active on December 20th, we typically don’t see it go pending until January due to the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday.”
Of course, selling time frames can also vary from city to city within California. Below are two examples based on our Best Time to Sell Calculator, which uses housing market data HomeLight has collected to estimate the best and worst months to sell your home if you want to make the most money, and which months are best to sell your house fast.
In northern areas like Sacramento:
- Best time for more money: If you’re in the Sacramento area and aiming to get the most money from your home sale, the best month to close on your sale is June. Since it typically takes about three months from listing to close, you would ideally list your home in March to achieve a selling price that’s 3.21% higher than the yearly average. On a $600,000 home, that can be close to $20,000 more in proceeds.
- Best time to sell fast: If your goal is to sell your Sacramento area house fast, listing in April could mean selling your house 6 days sooner than if you listed in any other month, with the fastest sales closing in July.
In southern areas like Los Angeles
- Best time for more money: In Los Angeles, the highest selling prices are typically also seen in June. So, to maximize your profits, you would want to list your home in March to achieve a selling price that’s 1.65% higher than the yearly average.
- Best time to sell fast: If speed is your priority, listing your Los Angeles home in February could help you sell your house 4 days faster, with the quickest sales typically closing in May.
Keep in mind that while these trends offer helpful insights, the ideal selling time can still vary depending on specific local market conditions and your personal circumstances. Visit HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator for a more customized estimate based on your home’s location.
What factors influence the home selling timeline in California?
When it comes to selling a house in California, several factors can impact how quickly it sells. These range from the home’s specific attributes to broader market trends and the pricing strategy you employ.
As Holter notes, “The major reason homes are selling so quickly in Northern California is due to the low inventory that we have.” Pricing your home to sell when buyers are competing for properties can play a major role in reducing the average time to close.
Moreover, certain home features can also influence the selling timeline. Holter adds, “In the summertime, homes with built-in pools and/or nicely landscaped backyards will sell a bit faster.” This aligns with the outdoor-centric lifestyle of many Californians, where features like pools and well-maintained outdoor spaces can be major selling points, especially in warmer months.
However, it’s important to remember that the factors influencing selling timelines can vary widely from region to region within California, and from home to home. Other variables like the home’s condition, the quality of marketing materials, and the effectiveness of your real estate agent can also impact how long it takes to sell a home.
If you need to significantly expedite your home selling timeline, see our post: I Need to Sell My House Fast: What Are My Options? For a more personalized analysis of your home’s potential selling timeline, consider speaking with a knowledgeable local real estate agent.
What will help my California house sell faster?
While selling times can vary greatly based on many factors, there are certain steps you can take to help your California house sell faster. Below are some tips:
- Prepare your home: Patricia Holter recounts her recent experience: “I recently sold a home in Sacramento County…within 27 days, the home was sold for over the asking price.” This success was due to careful preparation, such as fresh paint, new carpeting in the bedrooms, a deep cleaning service, and landscaping work. We’ll share preparation tips in the next section.
- Emphasize outdoor living: In California, outdoor living spaces can significantly influence a buyer’s decision. If you have a backyard or patio, make it as inviting as possible. Highlight features like a pool, an outdoor kitchen, or even a well-maintained garden.
- Stage your home: Well-staged homes can often sell faster. Consider hiring a professional home stager who can help showcase your home in the best light.
- Price correctly: Overpriced homes can linger on the market. Work with your real estate agent to set a competitive price based on recent sales of comparable homes in your area.
- Professional photography: Quality images can significantly impact online home searches, so consider hiring a professional photographer if your agent has not arranged for this.
- Highlight unique features: Whether it’s a view or proximity to desirable locations, make sure to feature what makes your home special.
- Get a home inspection: Preemptively addressing potential issues can expedite the selling process and provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
How should I prepare my California house to sell?
Getting your home ready for sale is crucial to making a good impression and securing a quick sale.
Holter explains: “Most buyers in this market prefer to walk into a clean home that they feel they can move right into… make sure your home is deep cleaned, the exterior landscape is cleaned up, and that your walls and flooring are in good condition.” These tips, while simple, can be the deciding factor for a buyer choosing between your home and another.
Here are some additional key tips:
- Deep clean: An immaculate home will make potential buyers feel welcome. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for best results.
- Upgrade landscaping: California buyers love outdoor spaces. Invest in professional landscaping to enhance first-impression curb appeal.
- Improve energy efficiency: Install energy-efficient appliances or solar panels to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Fresh paint: A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can make your home feel new and well-maintained.
- Fix and repair: Ensure any necessary repairs are done, from fixing leaky faucets to replacing worn-out carpet.
- Curb appeal: Improve the exterior of your home with well-maintained landscaping, freshly painted doors, or new outdoor lighting to attract more buyers.
- Declutter: Keep your home tidy and free of personal items to help buyers envision their own lives there.
- Air conditioning maintenance: Ensure your AC unit is serviced and working optimally, as buyers will likely check this, especially in the southern regions of the state.
Remember, each house will have unique preparation needs. A local real estate agent can provide tailored advice for your property.
How can I decide when to sell my California house?
Deciding when to sell your California house can be a challenge. Here are some key points to consider:
- Understand your market: Research the housing market in your area to understand the best selling periods.
- Consider your personal situation: Consider your personal and financial circumstances. Do you need to relocate for a job or want to downsize?
- Check your home equity: Check your current home equity. Selling is often more beneficial once you’ve built up significant equity.
- Look at seasonal factors: Consider California’s seasonal variations. Spring and early summer often see high buyer demand.
- Use available tools: Utilize tools like HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator, Home Value Estimator, and Net Proceeds Calculator to get personalized estimates to help plan your home sale.
- Consult with professionals: Speak with a real estate professional who can provide personalized advice based on your situation and local market trends.
By considering these factors and seeking professional advice, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about when to sell your California home.
How can I sell my California home fast for cash?
There may be circumstances where you need to sell your California home quickly and are willing to accept a cash offer to expedite the process. While a cash offer will typically mean accepting a discounted purchase price, the speed and convenience may be the solution you need if you are relocating for a job, dealing with financial difficulties, or managing an inherited property that you can’t maintain.
While you could reach out to individual house-buying companies or look for “We Buy Houses” websites, there’s an easier and more efficient way to sell your house for cash — through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.
Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S., streamlining your home sale process and letting you control your move-out date. By answering a few questions about your home and selling plans, you can receive an all-cash offer with no obligation in as little as a week. This means you could close on your Califonia home sale in as few as 10 days.
Ready to sell your California home?
Selling your California house can be a significant undertaking, but knowing the average time it takes to sell and the factors that can speed up the process can give you a competitive edge. By preparing your house effectively, pricing it right, and timing your sale, you can optimize the selling process and potentially achieve a faster sale and a better price.
If you’re considering selling your house in California, it’s a good idea to get expert advice tailored to your specific situation. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing local agents who have a track record of selling homes quickly and for the best price. These agents can provide valuable insights into the California market and guide you through each step of the selling process.
Header Image Source: (Cande Westh / Unsplash)
