For a well-priced, well-prepared home in the greater DMV, expect roughly two to four weeks on the market to go under contract, then another 30 to 45 days to reach the closing table. Two to three months, start to finish, is a realistic planning window for most sellers.
But the average hides a lot. Three things move that timeline more than anything else:
Price, condition, and timing
Price is the biggest lever. A home priced to the current market — not last year’s peak — draws competing offers early and often sells fastest. Overpricing is the most common reason a listing sits, and time on market quietly erodes your final number.
Condition and presentation come next. Homes that are decluttered, well-lit, professionally photographed, and move-in ready tend to move quickest. A little targeted prep almost always pays for itself.
Season matters at the margins — spring and early fall typically see the most buyers in the DMV — but a good home at the right price sells in any season.
The honest answer for your specific home depends on your price point, your neighborhood, and your goals. We are glad to give you a realistic timeline before you list.