When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell, you want it to sell fast. But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating if you want a fast process. Here’s what you need to realize, in every market right now, there’s one clear exception: well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling, and it’s often faster than you’d expect.
If you can tap into that, you can still set yourself up to move quickly, too. Here’s how to get it done.
How Long It Takes To Sell Today
According to Realtor.com, homes are selling in about 52 days right now, nationally. That’s how long the process takes from the day it hits the market until closing day. And while that may sound slow to you, it’s not slow. It’s normal. That’s because it’s pretty much right in line with what it was during the last normal years in the market (see 2018-2019 in the graph below):
It just feels slow when you’re eager to move – or when you think back a few years to when homes seemed to sell almost instantly. But here’s what matters most. The market is normalizing. Not at a standstill.
This is the norm for timing from start to finish. You may have an accepted offer in hand even faster than this.
Markets Where Homes Still Sell Quickly, Even Now
Zillow says the typical home will go “pending” or “under contract” in 19 days. Some homes even see it happen in as little as 7 days. It just depends on where you are – and how you prep your house. So, don’t let the slowing pace of sales stress you out. Homes can still sell fast, if they’re positioned right.
Just to show you, here’s a quick look at some of the markets that are moving faster than the norm, according to Zillow (see map below). This’ll show you how different it can be based on where you live.
The key things you need to remember when looking at this visual:
It varies a lot based on where you live. Within the same state, individual neighborhoods or pockets may sell much faster than the norm.
Even in slower moving states, you can still sell quickly. As the map shows, in those places there are still homes that go under contract in as little as a week.
Local Spotlight: DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland Suburbs
While national numbers provide a helpful baseline, the DMV area operates on its own timeline, often moving faster than the rest of the country. However, even within our region, "fast" looks different depending on where you are and what type of home you’re selling. According to April data, here is how the local average Days on Market (DOM) break down:
What This Means for You
Washington, DC shows the most variation. While detached homes and rowhomes hover around the 43-day mark, the condo market has expanded to nearly two months (58 days). This shift in DC reflects a surge in inventory giving buyers in the District more options than they’ve had in years, which means they are taking more time to compare upgrades, layouts, and condo fees before signing.
In Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria), the market remains incredibly tight. Townhomes are the "sprinters" here, often moving in less than two weeks (averaging just 13 days). If you own a townhome in NoVa, you are essentially in a high-demand zone where buyers have to act almost immediately.
In the Maryland Suburbs (Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties), we see a more "balanced" speed. Detached homes are moving slightly faster than townhomes, but both stay well under the national average of 52 days. This suggests a healthy, active market where sellers still hold an edge if their home is move-in ready.
The Takeaway
No matter your zip code, the "cream of the crop" homes, those that are staged perfectly and priced to the current week's reality, are the ones consistently beating these averages. If you want to be the home that sells in 13 days rather than 58, strategy is your best friend.
The Big Reasons Some Homes Sit, and Some Sell Fast
Here’s the big secret: while location can definitely play a role, it’s not just about location. It’s about strategy.
Today’s buyers are paying attention to condition. They’re comparing photos, upgrades, layout, location, and price. And they’re choosing homes that feel move-in ready and well worth the value. The homes that check those boxes? They’re not sitting for long, no matter where they are.
As the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains:
". . . some homes are still flying off the shelves. These houses are often in the Midwest or Northeast, where the lack of new construction keeps a lid on supply. Certain homes in other markets are selling quickly, too, often when a home is move-in ready."
In this market, the sellers who win are the ones who get real about their house. They’re honest about how their home compares to other listings, realistic about price, and they work with an agent who truly understands today’s market and what it takes to sell.
Bottom Line
Today’s housing market rewards the right strategy. While the pace of sales has shifted, it’s important to remember that the market isn't at a standstill, it's simply becoming more selective. Even in areas where things have slowed down, homes that are priced realistically and positioned with a "turn-key" appeal are still selling, often much faster than the national averages suggest.
Success in this environment doesn't happen by accident; it requires a deep understanding of local trends. Because real estate is hyper-local, working with an agent who understands the nuances of your specific micro-market is essential. The right team will help you strategize the best marketing plan, from professional staging and high-end photography to data-driven pricing, ensuring your home stands out against the competition and captures buyer interest immediately.
Ready to start your journey?
Curious about how much equity you’ve built or what your home could sell for in today’s shifting market? Whether you want to know the current value of your home or you're ready to secure your next one, contact your Wardman Residential team member today. We’ll put together a personalized action plan tailored to your specific goals and your neighborhood's unique data.
