How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Chicago?

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Chicago, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will this take? The answer depends on several factors—like location, price point, market conditions, and how prepared your home is to hit the market.

Average Time on Market in Chicago
As of early 2025, the average home in Chicago spends about 45 to 60 days on the market before going under contract, according to Redfin’s local data. This doesn’t include closing, which usually adds another 30 to 45 days. So in total, expect around 2.5 to 3.5 months from listing to closing.

Factors That Can Speed Up (or Slow Down) Your Sale
Pricing your home right from the start is crucial. Overpricing can stall showings, while strategic pricing based on a free home value estimate can attract competitive buyers fast.

The condition and presentation of your home matter too. Clean, staged homes with updated features tend to sell quicker. Need ideas? Explore our real estate blog for tips on staging, prep, and seller strategies.

Market demand is another big factor. Homes tend to move faster in spring and early summer. That said, well-priced and well-presented homes can sell quickly year-round—even in Chicago’s chillier months.

Need to Sell Fast?
If you don’t have time to wait, there are other options. You might consider requesting a cash offer, which skips the traditional listing process and can close in as little as 7–10 days. This is a great solution for sellers with time-sensitive needs or inherited properties.

Pro Tip: Make sure to understand days on market (DOM) data when comparing listings. A home that’s been sitting too long can lose its “fresh appeal,” leading to lower offers.

According to the National Association of Realtors, homes that sell within the first 30 days typically sell closest to their asking price—sometimes higher in competitive neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts
Selling your Chicago home doesn’t have to drag on for months. With the right plan and pricing, you can get results quickly and profitably. If you have questions or want to chat through the numbers, we’re here to help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.

👉 Ready to Sell Your Chicago Home? Get a Free Market Analysis!
Selling your home can be a smooth process with the right strategy. We provide a free home value report and connect sellers with qualified buyers.
📍 Request your free market analysis at HeartOfChicagoHomes.com or call/text (312) 361-8288.