How Long Does It Really Take to Get a House Ready to Go on the Market?

The honest answer?

It depends.

But here’s what I can tell you after helping many homeowners prepare to sell:
For most sellers, it takes twice as long—or more—than they initially expect.

And there’s a good reason for that.

If You’ve Lived in Your Home 30+ Years…

If you’ve been in your home for decades, preparing it for market is not just a logistical project—it’s an emotional one.

Thirty years means:

• Closets filled with keepsakes

• Basements and garages full of “someday” items

• Cabinets that haven’t been fully emptied in years

• Boxes of photos, paperwork, and memories

Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is a monumental task. It requires time, energy, and often tough decisions.

Many sellers in this situation assume it will take a few weeks. In reality, it can take several months to properly sort, donate, discard, and pack.

Having help—whether from family, professional organizers, or an experienced Realtor who has guided others through the process—can dramatically speed things up.

Even If You’ve Only Lived There 5 Years…

You may think, “We’ve only been here a few years—it won’t take long.”

But even in five years, most families accumulate:

• Extra furniture

• Seasonal décor

• Kids’ items

• Garage clutter

• Overflow storage

Preparing a home for market isn’t just about packing—it’s about editing.

Buyers need to see:

• Clean lines

• Open space

• Neutral, move-in-ready presentation

That usually means removing more than you think.

Then Comes the Punch List

Once decluttering is underway, the next phase begins: the repair and refresh list.

This often includes:

• Touch-up painting (usually neutral colors)

• Minor repairs that have been postponed

• Updating light fixtures or hardware

• Landscaping and curb appeal improvements

• Professional cleaning

These tasks take coordination and time—especially if contractors are involved.

And here’s where many sellers make a costly mistake…

Don’t Spend Money Before Talking to a Realtor

Before replacing flooring, remodeling a bathroom, or repainting the entire house, sellers should talk to a Realtor first.

An experienced agent can help you determine:

• What improvements actually increase value

• What buyers expect in your price range

• What’s unnecessary

• Where you’ll see the best return

Not every repair is worth doing. Not every cosmetic update is needed.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s smart preparation.

Why It Takes Longer Than You Think

There are three reasons most sellers underestimate the timeline:

1. Emotional attachment slows decision-making

2. Decluttering is far more time-consuming than expected

3. Home projects always take longer than planned

What feels like a two-week project often turns into six.
What feels like a one-month timeline can stretch into three.

Planning early removes stress later.

So… How Long Should You Plan?

While every situation is different, here’s a realistic guideline:

• 5+ years in home: 4–8 weeks of preparation

• 20–30+ years in home: 2–4+ months

• Extensive updates needed: Add additional time

Starting earlier than you think you need to is always the safest approach.

Final Thoughts

Getting your home ready for market is more than cleaning and putting up a sign. It’s a process.

With the right plan—and the right guidance—it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

If you’re even considering selling in the next 6–12 months, having a conversation early can help you create a realistic timeline and avoid last-minute stress.

Because in real estate, preparation isn’t just helpful—it’s powerful.