Thinking about listing your McKinney home and wondering how long it will take from “for sale” to “sold”? You are not alone. Selling has a lot of moving parts, and timing matters when you are coordinating a move, school calendars, and work. In this guide, you will get a clear, Texas-specific timeline, the key steps at each stage, and local tips for McKinney and Collin County so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
McKinney market: what to expect
Real estate in McKinney follows a seasonal rhythm. Spring typically brings the most buyer activity, while late fall and winter can be quieter. Listing in peak season often means more showings and the potential for multiple offers. Listing in an off-peak month can still succeed with the right pricing and presentation, though days on market may run longer.
Local demand and inventory shift quickly. Before you set price and timing expectations, review the most current regional MLS data for McKinney and your neighborhood. Directionally, Texas saw rapid price growth from 2020 to 2022, with moderation in many areas since 2023. Micro-markets in fast-growing suburbs like McKinney can behave differently, especially near commuter corridors and established school zones.
Your step-by-step listing timeline
Below is a typical sequence for Collin County sellers, with common timeframes. Your exact path may be shorter or longer based on pricing, condition, and buyer financing.
Pre-list preparation (1 day to 6 weeks)
This stage sets the tone for speed and price. Most sellers spend 1 to 3 weeks here, but the window can stretch to 6 weeks if you plan updates or contractor work.
- Interview and select a listing agent. Comparing strategies and fees often takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Complete light prep. Declutter, deep clean, touch-up paint, address minor repairs, and boost curb appeal.
- Consider a pre-list inspection. Optional, but it can surface repair items before buyers do.
- Stage for photos and showings. Professional or DIY staging usually takes 1 to 7 days.
- Gather documents. Deed, surveys if available, warranties, HOA details, recent utility and tax info.
Why timing varies: contractor lead times, the scope of repairs, and how quickly HOA documents can be ordered.
Listing and marketing setup (1 to 7 days)
Once the home is show-ready, your agent moves fast to capture early demand.
- Schedule professional photography, and possibly video and floor plans. Typically within a week.
- Build the MLS listing and marketing assets. Most listings go live 24 to 72 hours after photos.
- Plan launch tactics. Open houses and broker tours are often scheduled in the first week.
The first 7 to 14 days commonly bring the strongest showing volume. Pricing is the biggest lever. Competitive pricing can shorten days on market, while overpricing often leads to slower activity and future reductions.
Showings and offers (1 to 14+ days)
The offer window depends on pricing and market conditions.
- Keep the home showing-ready and respond to feedback.
- Your agent can set an offer deadline to create a competitive window.
- Evaluate offer terms beyond price: earnest money, option fee, financing type, contingencies, closing date, and requested inclusions.
In competitive moments, offers can arrive in days. In balanced markets, expect a longer runway.
Contract to close (30 to 45 days typical)
Once you accept an offer, most financed sales close in about 30 to 45 days. Cash buyers can close faster, often within 7 to 30 days.
- Earnest money and contract execution. Earnest funds are typically due shortly after execution, often within 1 to 3 days per contract terms.
- Option period and inspections. In Texas, the option period is commonly 7 to 10 days. Buyers conduct inspections and may request repairs or credits. Aim to resolve inspection negotiations within or shortly after this period.
- Appraisal. For financed buyers, the lender usually orders the appraisal soon after loan application. Many appraisals return within 7 to 14 days. If the value comes in low, you may negotiate price or other terms, which can add days.
- Loan underwriting. The lender’s underwriter reviews documents and conditions. Many conventional loans reach final approval in 7 to 21 days, depending on buyer responsiveness.
- Title work and closing figures. The title company issues the title commitment and prepares closing numbers. Plan 7 to 14 days for coordination, payoffs, and HOA statements if applicable.
- Final walkthrough and closing. Buyers typically complete a walkthrough 24 to 72 hours before closing. Closing occurs on the contracted date once all conditions are cleared.
Common reasons for delays: extended negotiation on repairs, appraisal disputes, extra lender conditions, title or survey issues, and HOA document timing.
Post-closing and possession
Possession is determined in the contract. Many sellers deliver possession at closing, while some negotiate extra time. Coordinate move-out, utilities, final meter readings, and delivery of keys and remotes. The title company pays off your mortgage from proceeds and records the transfer.
Contingencies and how they affect timing
Option and inspections
The option period gives the buyer a contractual right to terminate within an agreed window in exchange for an option fee. Most Texas contracts set 7 to 10 days, but it is negotiable. Expect inspector access and prompt decision-making on repair requests to keep momentum.
Appraisal considerations
If the buyer is financing, the appraisal must support the contract price. A low appraisal can trigger a renegotiation, a price adjustment, or additional buyer funds. Resolving appraisal gaps often adds 3 to 14 days.
Financing and underwriting
Underwriting is a leading source of delays. Lenders verify income, assets, and credit. Each new document request can add time, so your agent should monitor progress and keep communication tight between all parties.
Title, survey, and HOA docs
Title commitments generally arrive within 7 to 14 days. Curative title work or survey updates can extend the timeline. If your property is in an HOA, order resale and estoppel documents early. Slow HOA turnaround can stall closing or buyer review periods.
Where your agent adds value
Pre-list strategy
- Local pricing and positioning. Your agent uses neighborhood-level comps and MLS trends to set a competitive list price and highlight features buyers value in McKinney.
- Smart prep plan. Identify improvements with the best return, from paint colors to curb appeal.
- Vendor network. Tap trusted pros for repairs, staging, photography, and pre-list inspections.
Marketing execution
- Professional presentation. High-quality photos, compelling MLS copy, and digital reach attract more qualified buyers.
- Launch timing. Early open houses and broker outreach can build urgency in the first two weeks.
- Compliance. Accurate MLS data and disclosures reduce friction later.
Offer and negotiation
- Beyond price. Compare earnest money, option fees, appraisal and financing terms, closing dates, and contingencies.
- Inspection strategy. Balance repair requests with credits or price adjustments to protect your net and timeline.
- Multiple-offer handling. Set deadlines and counter strategically for best overall terms.
Contract-to-close coordination
- Financing and appraisal tracking. Proactive updates and problem-solving keep the file moving.
- Title and closing prep. Coordinate payoffs, HOA statements, and closing figures for a smooth signing.
- Delay mitigation. Navigate appraisal gaps, title exceptions, or lender conditions quickly.
McKinney and Collin County specifics
HOA document timing
Many McKinney neighborhoods have HOAs. Order resale and estoppel packets early to avoid bottlenecks. Buyers often have defined review windows tied to these documents.
School zone awareness
Homes in established school zones can attract strong buyer interest. Verify current boundaries, avoid assumptions, and present school information in a neutral, fact-based way.
New construction competition
McKinney’s growth means you may compete with builder inventory and incentives. Condition, staging, and pricing should account for nearby new builds and model-home polish.
Floodplain and disclosures
Some areas have drainage or localized flooding considerations. Be ready with prior disclosures and any elevation or floodplain information you have.
Property taxes and proration
In Collin County, taxes are prorated at closing based on county schedules. If you have questions about exemptions or deadlines, consult the Collin County appraisal office.
Title and closing norms
Texas closings are commonly handled by title companies. Local providers are familiar with Collin County recording practices, payoffs, and HOA statement collection.
Quick seller timeline checklist
3 to 6 weeks before listing
- Interview agents and choose your listing partner.
- Optional pre-list inspection; schedule contractors if needed.
- Start decluttering, deep cleaning, and minor repairs.
- Gather deed, surveys if available, warranties, HOA info, and recent utility and tax details.
1 to 2 weeks before listing
- Finish repairs and touch-ups.
- Stage key rooms and enhance curb appeal.
- Schedule professional photography and any video or floor plans.
Listing week
- Go live in the MLS and review marketing.
- Approve open house and showing plans.
- Track early feedback and adjust if needed.
After offer accepted
- Confirm earnest money deposit delivery per contract.
- Allow inspections and negotiate repairs or credits during the option period.
- Order HOA documents promptly if applicable.
Under contract
- Provide requested info to title and cooperate with lender and appraiser access.
- Review title commitment and preliminary figures.
- Schedule your move and utility transfers.
Closing week
- Complete final repairs if agreed.
- Prepare for buyer’s final walkthrough.
- Bring keys, remotes, and any warranties to closing.
How long will it really take?
Every sale is unique, but many McKinney listings move from live market to closing in roughly 6 to 8 weeks under typical financed terms. Pricing, condition, and buyer financing are your biggest timing drivers. Cash offers can shorten the window. Appraisal, title, and HOA steps can add days, so early preparation pays off.
Ready to map out your timeline and maximize your home’s exposure? Connect with Jeremy Jordan to get a free home valuation and a tailored plan for your neighborhood.
FAQs
How long does a typical McKinney home sale take?
- Many financed sales close about 6 to 8 weeks from listing to closing, while cash sales can be faster depending on title and logistics.
What is the option period in Texas home sales?
- It is a negotiated window, commonly 7 to 10 days, when the buyer can terminate for a fee and complete inspections and repair negotiations.
When is earnest money due after accepting an offer?
- Earnest funds are generally due shortly after contract execution, often within 1 to 3 days per the agreement’s terms.
What causes most closing delays in Collin County?
- Common delay sources include lender underwriting conditions, low appraisals, title or survey issues, and slow HOA document turnaround.
Should I complete repairs before listing or wait?
- Address visible, high-impact items before listing to boost presentation; for larger items, your agent can advise whether to repair or price accordingly.
How do appraisals affect my timeline and price?
- If an appraisal returns below the contract price, you may renegotiate terms or the buyer may bring cash to cover the gap, which can add days to closing.
