Did You Know Most Americans Sell Their Home in Just 13 Years?
Here’s something that surprises almost everyone:
According to research from Redfin and the National Association of Realtors, the average American homeowner sells the house they purchased in only about 13 years.
That’s it. Thirteen years.
What feels like a forever home when you first buy it usually isn’t. For most people, life moves faster than expected — new jobs, growing families, downsizing, or simply wanting a change of scenery.
And the number isn’t the same everywhere.
States where people sell sooner
(shorter stays): Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Colorado often see homeowners selling in closer to 8–11 years. High growth, job mobility, and a constant flow of new residents keep people moving.
States where people stay longer:
In places like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut, homeowners tend to hold onto their homes significantly longer — often 15–18 years or more. Once people put down roots in these areas, they tend to stay put.
So the quiet house on a tree-lined street? There’s a good chance the family living there right now won’t be there for as long as you think.
Thirteen years is both longer than most people expect… and shorter than most people plan for.
Sources
- Redfin Research – Average Length of Homeownership
- National Association of Realtors – Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends
- U.S. Census Bureau / American Housing Survey data on residential mobility
