Average Time it Takes to Sell a House in Raleigh, NC

Planning to sell your home soon and want to learn more about the timeline? Here is everything you need to know about how long it takes to sell a home in Raleigh, NC.

Raleigh, NC, is known for many things from good school districts to mouthwatering restuatarnts, to affordable homes. If you are currently or planning on living in Raleigh, the first thing to do is understand the market trends.

The time it takes to sell a home will vary on several factors including, location, condition, market demand, comparable sales, and time of year. As a highly sought after city, most homes in Raleigh will sell fast. However, this greatly depends on the state of your home and the housing market. 

One of the most prominent factors to consider when selling a home is the market conditions. Whether you are selling a home in a buyers or sellers market, you should understand the advantages and disadvantages as a seller. Keep in mind that a good real estate agent and a properly staged home can speed up the selling process. However, it is still essential to understand how long your house may stay on the market. 

As a buyer in Raleigh, knowing the average time homes stay on the market can mean the difference between getting your dream home or not. On the other hand, as a seller, you will need to know how much time you have to find a new home. Whether you're a buyer or seller, you should be aware of the average time homes are sitting on the market. 

Here is everything you need to know about the average time it takes to sell a home in Raleigh, NC.

1. Home Selling Factors

There are endless factors that may impact how quickly and for how much a home will sell. The Triangle is one of the fastest-growing areas in North Carolina, meaning homes are in high demand. The influx of people moving to the areas means your home can sell faster and for more money. 

Location: Location can be the biggest factor in its value. Depending on the buyer, they may be looking for a home near good schools, public transportation, local amenities, jobs, and more.

Not only is the overall location important, but the location in the neighborhood can impact home value. Buyers may prefer a home deep in a neighborhood, on a main road, or on a quiet cul-de-sac. Location cannot be changed, unlike home renovations, which can increase value, so it is vital to understand how your home's location will impact the selling process. 

Condition: A home's condition can mean many things, including the smell, cleanliness, and appearance. This factor includes the lot and home size, which has a significant impact on the home's value. 

A well-maintained home will attract more buyers, meaning a higher selling price. In addition to the attractiveness, any unknown or undisclosed problems will greatly affect the home price and time on the market. Ensure the home is in pristine condition before putting it on the market. 

Price: Pricing your home correctly can dictate how fast your home sells. If you overprice a home, then it may sit on the market for a long time and end up decreasing in price. On the other hand, underpricing can lead to the home selling for below market value and raise questions about the property's condition. 

Pricing a home at fair market value will attract a good amount of buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, recent sellers sold their homes for 1--% of the listing price, and 21% reported reducing the price at least once. 

2. Average Time to Sell a Home in Raleigh, NC

On average, it takes between 25 and 65 days to sell a home in Raleigh, NC. While you can sell your house without a realtor (FSBO), you should work with an agent in order to sell fast. 

According to Houzeo, April and May are the best months to sell your house in a timely fashion. Here is a more detailed look at the average amount of days houses stay on the market by month:

Keep in mind that while the spring season is typically the best time to sell a home, you can sell your house fast during other months. For example, summer is a popular housing season as well. Families with kids may be looking to settle into their new home before school starts in August. This opens many opportunities to increase competition, benefitting the sellers to sell for higher prices. 

3. Tips on How to Sell Your House Fast

There are several ways to speed up the selling process in Raleigh. As a popular city, you already have the upper hand as the seller because the demand is high. Nevertheless, you should follow these tips to reach the most potential buyers.

Boost Curb Appeal 

The exterior is the first thing buyers see when they arrive at the home. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can still create an attractive yard. First, clean up the lawn and gutters before buyers arrive. This means clearing the walkway, power washing, mowing the lawn, and simply clearing away any trash or toys.

Similar to staging the interior, the exterior should not include any large or personable decor items. Instead, you should opt for simple flower beds and porch decor. 

Work with the Right Agent

Ensure you are partnered with an agent who is familiar with the Raleigh market. Listing agents will have knowledge of competitive pricing and property analysis. Additionally, they will know how to market the home. This starts with making necessary upgrades, staging, and decorative to attract buyers.

If you can move the date your home goes on the market, an agent can tell you the peak market times. The spring market may start in southern states like North Carolina as early as February. Meaning you can sell your home fast, even during the winter. An agent can also tell you what specific days are best; for example, the weekends are prime days for an open house. For several reasons, sellers should consult with a real estate agent to create the best timeline for their local market. 

Set a Good Price

A homeowner can sell their home for sale by owner (FSBO); however, it is recommended that they work with a real estate agent. An agent can help you find the right balance between overpricing and underpricing. 

The home price can heavily influence how buyers view the property and will impact its time on the market. A home appraisal determines the fair market value of a home. This typically happens during the home buying or refinancing process. An appraiser will verify the bank and that you are paying the cost of what the home is worth, which is vital when pricing a home. 

4. Tips on How to Sell Your House for More Money

Selling your home for more money and faster can go hand in hand. However, you can make improvements to sell for a higher price. 

Value-adding Improvements

Several home improvements will increase the overall home value. Some examples include landscaping, painting the home, adding a deck, remodeling rooms, adding a bathroom, and energy-efficient improvements. 

Be Ready to Negogiate

In real estate, negogiating is the process in which buyer and sellers discuss and compromise on the terms of the sale. This process can include talking about the price, closing costs, inspections, repairs, and contingencieis. In order to sell your home for more money, you need to either be ready to negotiate on your own or have an agent who can for you. 

Determine the Home Value

Before putting your home up for sale, speak with a professional appraiser to determine the accurate home value. This will set you up for success when it comes to pricing the home. 

5. Is Now a Good Time to Sell Your House?

Experts expect a moderation in economic growth from the robust rates seen in prior years, and the market outlook for 2025 looks encouraging. With the influx of jobs, Fortune 500 companies, and buyers moving into the Triangle, homes will continue to sell fast. 

Keep an eye on buyer trends, meaning the type of homes buyers are looking for. For example, home buyers may still buy homes that require improvements if they are located in desirable areas.

On the other hand, many towns around Raleigh, like Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay Varina, are preparing for the influx of people moving into town. These new construction homes are becoming increasingly popular for families, young professionals, and retirees who want move-in-ready homes. 

The best thing to do as a seller is to speak with a real estate agent who can share their expertise in the local market and comparable homes. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about the average time it takes to sell a home in Raleigh, NC. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• The World Population Review
• The National Association of Realtors
• Houzeo

FAQ: Average Time it Takes to Sell a Home in Raleigh, NC

Here are some commonly asked questions about the average time it takes to sell a home in Raleigh.

How long do most houses take to sell?

On average, you can expect a home to take between 30 and 90 days to sell a home. However, this average will vary greatly based on several factors, including property type and local market dynamics.

What are the hardest months to sell a home?

On average, December and January are the hardest months to sell a home because the demand for properties has decreased. This creates a buyers' market where houses sell at lower prices. 

Which months do houses sell the most?

Experts recommend selling a home around March and April to sell a home the fastest. Home buying trends rise steadily into June, which is known as the best time of year to sell a home. 

Is now a good time to sell a house in North Carolina?

The Triangle area is a growing rapidly with families, retirees, and young professionals moving to the area. In order to sell your home fast and for more money, winter is still a good time to put it on the market. Inventory levels are at their lowest in the winter and buyers are still looking. 

How to know if it's a buyers or sellers market?

In a seller's market, the housing demand is high and houses sell fast, whereas in a buyers market, the demand is low. You can monitoring listings or talk with an agent to determine which market applies to your area.

Average Time to Sell a House in Raleigh - The Bottom Line

All in all, the time to sell a home in any area will depend on many factors. However, the average in your location is essential to know if you are planning on buying or selling a home soon. This gives you more insight into the supply and demand dynamics of your local market. 

As a buyer, you should keep an eye on homes that have stayed on the market for a long time in case they have any underlying issues. This can help you when it comes to negotiating the offer. 

Raleigh is full of many beautiful neighborhoods. Feel free to contact one of our trustworthy real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. Buying a home can be overwhelming, but a trusted agent can walk you through the entire process.