Selling your home can be time-consuming, but how long does it take in Baltimore?
This guide covers everything you need to know to make informed decisions and sell your home on your timeline, from understanding the local market to exploring non-traditional options like cash sales.
Typical Home Sale Timeline in Baltimore
In 2023, homes in Maryland took an average of 78 days to sell, from listing to closing. This timeline includes approximately 43 days on the market and another 35 days to close once you find a buyer. While this average is below the national timeline of 97 days, many factors can influence how quickly or slowly a home sells.
Factors That Influence the Home Sale Timeline
Several elements affect how long it takes to sell a home. Some are within your control, while others depend on market conditions. Here are the key factors:
Buyers’ Market vs. Sellers’ Market
A buyers’ market is when there is more supply—homes—than demand, or buyers in this case. Competition for selling your home increases, and homes tend to be listed on the market longer before selling.
If you’re thinking, “I want to sell my house in Baltimore” during a buyers’ market, it’s a less-than-ideal time to sell the traditional way. Selling your home in a sellers’ market is far better. With more buyers than available homes, properties sell faster, often leading to bidding wars.
While you can’t control the market conditions, waiting to list during a sellers’ market can work in your favor. While this requires time and patience, your home may sell off more quickly.
Time of Year
Listing your home during peak seasons can significantly impact how quickly it sells. Homes listed in May typically sell the fastest, averaging about 30 days on the market. In contrast,
January is the slowest month, with homes taking about 55 days to sell.
Listing Price
Setting the right price while selling your home is crucial. Overpricing can scare off buyers, while underpricing may lead to questions about the home’s condition or leave potential money on the table. Research comparable homes in your area or consult a real estate professional to determine a competitive price.
Condition of Your Home
Homes in excellent condition with modern upgrades tend to sell faster than outdated or neglected properties. Minor repairs or staging can help your home make a better impression on potential buyers. If your home is in poor condition, outdated, or has glaring structural problems, it will likely sit on the market for considerably longer than other homes. Consider selling to as-is home buyers in Baltimore if you want to sell your home without sinking time, effort, and cash into repairs and upgrades.
What If I Need to Sell My House Fast?
As we’ve already hinted, a traditional home sale might not be the best option if speed is your priority. Selling your home off-market to cash home buyers offers a faster alternative.
The benefits of selling to residential real estate investors include:
- Speed: Cash sales often close in just a few weeks, compared to months for traditional sales.
- Simplicity: Cash buyers, like Express Homebuyers, purchase homes as-is, eliminating the need for repairs, staging, or showings.
- Certainty: No waiting for mortgage approvals or buyer contingencies—cash offers provide peace of mind.
If your home needs significant repairs, is outdated, or you’re facing urgent circumstances like foreclosure, a cash sale can help you move forward quickly without the stress of a prolonged sale process.
Comparing Traditional and Cash Sales: Which is Right for You?
Deciding between traditional and quick cash sales ultimately depends on your priorities. Traditional home sales often yield higher prices but come with added stress and a longer timeline, especially if your home requires repairs.
On the other hand, selling your home to cash buyers is ideal if you value speed, simplicity, and certainty. For instance, Baltimore homeowners facing financial difficulties or unexpected life events often find cash sales to be a lifesaver. Consider weighing the pros and cons of each option carefully to determine which aligns best with your financial and personal goals.
| Traditional Home Sales | Cash Home Sales | |
| Timeline | Average of 78 days (or more) from listing to closing. |
Closes in as little as a few weeks. |
| Preparation | Requires repairs, staging, and showings. |
No need for repairs, upgrades, or showings—homes are purchased as-is. |
| Certainty | Contingencies and mortgage approval risks can delay or derail the sale. |
Guaranteed sale with no financing or contingency delays. |
| Costs | Involves agent fees, closing costs, and potential repair expenses. |
Minimal to no closing costs or fees. |
| Potential Outcome | Often yields a higher sale price but comes with added stress. |
Ideal for homeowners prioritizing speed, simplicity, and avoiding complications. |
The Bottom Line
Selling a home in Baltimore involves many factors that impact the timeline, from market conditions to the property’s condition. If you’re navigating a buyer’s market or simply want to sell quickly without the hassle of traditional methods, consider alternative options like a cash sale.