How long does it generally take to sell a house in Boston?
The timeline for selling a Boston house can vary based on several factors, from market conditions to how quickly you can get your home ready for buyers. Let’s break down what you can expect.
Average time to sell a house the traditional way in Boston
On average, selling a house in Boston using traditional methods takes about 60 to 90 days. This includes the time your house spends on the market, known as days on market (DOM). For Boston, the DOM can range from 30 to 60 days, depending on the season and demand.
According to RocketHomes, in Boston thus far in 2024:
- 274 homes were sold in under 30 days
- 131 homes were sold in 30–90 days
- 32 homes were sold in over 90 days
Of course, these figures don’t include the average time it takes to get a house ready to sell.
Steps to repair your house and the average timeline for each
Before you list your Boston house, there are a few important steps to take. These preparations help ensure that your home makes a great first impression and attracts buyers quickly. Here’s a breakdown of each step and how long it typically takes:
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Repairs (1–4 weeks): If your house needs repairs, whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or replacing broken fixtures, this is the first step. Depending on the extent of the repairs, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
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Updates and renovations (2–8 weeks): If you’re considering updates like a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, or even a kitchen remodel, this can add a few more weeks to your timeline. These updates can make your home more appealing and may help it sell faster, but they do take time.
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Deep cleaning (1–2 days for a typical house): A thorough cleaning is essential before any showings. Whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, setting aside a day or two to get your Boston home sparkling clean is a smart move.
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Decluttering and depersonalization (time depends on size of house and number of objects): Decluttering involves clearing out excess items, like knick-knacks, extra furniture, and anything that makes the space feel crowded. Depersonalizing means removing personal items, such as family photos, unique decorations, or anything too specific to your taste. The goal is to create a clean, neutral space where buyers can easily imagine themselves living.
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Staging and photography (1–2 weeks): Professional photos are a must for your listing, and staging your home can make it look its best. This process, including scheduling and completing the photo session, usually takes about a week or two.
Wrapping it all up
Altogether, the preparation process can add anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to your timeline before your house is officially on the market. Combined with the average DOM plus closing time, you’re looking at around 3 to 6 months from start to finish.
How to sell your house fast in Boston
If you need to sell your house fast due to downsizing, relocation, or any other reason, We Buy Ugly Houses® provides a great solution. We’re your go-to Boston direct-sale house-buying company, allowing homeowners to sell their houses quickly and stress-free. We buy houses “as is,” so you don’t have to make any repairs at all, or even clean.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our friendly Boston property specialists will visit your house, take a tour, and answer your questions. We can sometimes provide a quick offer the same day. If you accept, we may be able to close in as little as 3 weeks, though if you need more time, we’ll try our best to figure out a timeline that works for you.
With glowing seller reviews and a nationwide 95%* customer satisfaction rating, you know you’ll be in good hands selling to We Buy Ugly Houses.
