The short answer
6 to 12 months, not 2 to 3.
Decision to close on a long-held home is realistically 6–12 months. The difference is prep: a long-held home typically needs 8–16 weeks of sort-and-release, repair, and staging before listing. The active-market portion runs 45–90 days (2–4 weeks on market + 30–45 day closing).
Month 1–2: Decision and inventory
Retain a Shift-Certified agent. Complete a room-by-room inventory: keep, gift, sell, release.
Month 2–4: Cleanout and repair
Engage a senior move manager. Handle deferred maintenance the inspector would flag.
Month 4–5: Staging and pre-listing
Stage. Professional photography. Pre-list appraisal if comp set is thin.
Month 5–7: List, market, negotiate, close
List mid-week. First weekend determines a lot. Offers usually arrive within 7–21 days.
Key takeaways
- 6–12 months realistic, not 2–3.
- Prep phase is most under-estimated.
- List mid-week.
- Prep drift and next-home coordination are the most common timeline breakers.
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