Virginia Homes in Bottom 10 for Slow Sales, Montana Comes Out on Top
In recent real estate news, data shows that Virginia homes are taking about 50% longer to sell compared to Montana, the state with the fastest-selling homes.
This finding comes from a study by the ViewHomes Team that analyzed over 150,000 property listings on Zillow. The report compares states where homes fly off the market to places where listings remain unsold after 30 days, painting a telling picture of the nation’s housing trends.
Virginia’s Slow Home Sales
Virginia homeowners who have their sights set on selling could be in for a longer wait than they had hoped. According to ViewHomes Team’s finding, 31.58% of Virginia homes remain unsold after 30 days.
This figure makes Virginia the eighth-worst state to sell a home from the perspective of how fast it’s likely to sell. A slower pace in selling homes suggests that Virginia buyers may be taking their time or that sellers are pricing homes in a tougher market.
Higher home prices, a competitive market, and economic factors could all be keeping Virginia buyers cautious.
Fastest Selling Markets Nationwide
In contrast, several states are seeing homes snapped up almost as soon as they hit the market. Montana leads the nation with just 15.60% of its homes still on the market after 30 days. With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and increasing appeal to remote workers, it’s no surprise buyers are eager to secure a home there.
Not far behind Montana are Alaska and Wyoming, with 17.60% and 18.24% of homes unsold after a month, respectively. Alaska offers unique landscapes and a sense of adventure, while Wyoming attracts buyers with its low population density and tax benefits.
These states suggest that when buyers find an attractive mix of lifestyle and affordability in today’s housing market, they tend to act faster.
Slowest Selling Markets Nationwide
On the flip side, some states have homes that sit on the market for much longer periods. Rhode Island, for example, ranks last, with 49.17% of its homes unsold after 30 days. The Ocean State has plenty to offer, from its beautiful coastlines to its rich history, yet high prices and stiff competition might be slowing down its home sales.
Other states like New Jersey and Massachusetts are also seeing slower turnover, with 39.68% and 38.20% of homes unsold after a month, respectively. These Northeastern markets are known for their high cost of living, which might make it harder to attract buyers.
Market Trends: What Makes Some States Hotter?
ViewHomes Team’s study shows that states in the South and West tend to have the fastest-selling markets. Places like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Mississippi tend to have lower home prices and a slower pace of life which may attract buyers who want a change from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
In states such as Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming, natural beauty and wide-open spaces could play a big role in speeding up sales. Buyers are drawn to these areas not only for the scenic views but also for the opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and a quieter lifestyle. This mix of lifestyle benefits and cost-effectiveness creates a hotter housing market where buyers are ready to make quick decisions.
Impact on Buyers and Sellers
If you’re getting ready to buy a home in Virginia, this study is good news.
With homes staying on the market longer—31.58% unsold after 30 days compared to a national average of 21.05%—buyers have more room to take their time researching and considering their options. Buyers may also have more leverage when it comes to negotiating a lower price.
On the other hand, sellers in Virginia need to be patient and may have to adjust their pricing strategies. A slower market can signal that pricing a home too high might lead to even longer wait times before a sale is made. In contrast, sellers in states with fast-moving markets like Montana or Alaska often experience quicker sales, which can lead to competitive bidding and faster closings.
The Role of Local Economy and Lifestyle
The local economy plays a big role in how quickly homes sell. Areas with booming job markets and economic growth tend to have higher demand for housing, which leads to quicker sales. States in the South and West often offer a mix of growing economies and affordable living, making them attractive to buyers in a hurry.
Lifestyle is another key factor. Buyers are not just looking for a house; they’re looking for a way of life. In states like Wyoming and Alaska, the promise of open spaces, a close-knit community, and a peaceful environment often outweighs other less appealing factors. This lifestyle appeal makes buyers more decisive and accelerates the home-buying process.
A National Perspective
Below is the full ranking of the fastest-selling housing markets by state.
| Rank | State | Percentage of properties listed for more than 30 days |
| 1 | Montana | 15.60 |
| 2 | Alaska | 17.60 |
| 3 | Wyoming | 18.24 |
| 4 | New Mexico | 18.68 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 19.26 |
| 6 | Mississippi | 19.50 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 19.94 |
| 8 | Vermont | 20.24 |
| 9 | North Dakota | 20.88 |
| 10 | Maine | 21.45 |
| 11 | South Dakota | 21.63 |
| 12 | Arkansas | 22.05 |
| 13 | Alabama | 22.88 |
| 14 | Missouri | 23.29 |
| 15 | Hawaii | 23.43 |
| 16 | Kentucky | 23.65 |
| 17 | Oregon | 23.80 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 23.88 |
| 19 | Kansas | 24.20 |
| 20 | Iowa | 24.73 |
| 21 | North Carolina | 24.75 |
| 22 | Michigan | 25.75 |
| 23 | New York | 25.92 |
| 24 | Oklahoma | 26.13 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | 26.46 |
| 26 | Florida | 26.60 |
| 27 | Indiana | 26.84 |
| 28 | Idaho | 27.61 |
| 29 | Utah | 28.13 |
| 30 | Colorado | 28.31 |
| 31 | Arizona | 28.34 |
| 32 | Tennessee | 28.49 |
| 33 | Texas | 28.84 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 29.32 |
| 35 | South Carolina | 29.53 |
| 36 | Georgia | 29.57 |
| 37 | Delaware | 29.73 |
| 38 | Minnesota | 29.85 |
| 39 | Nebraska | 30.21 |
| 40 | Ohio | 30.25 |
| 41 | Illinois | 30.46 |
| 42 | Washington | 30.95 |
| 43 | Virginia | 31.58 |
| 44 | Nevada | 31.78 |
| 45 | California | 33.85 |
| 46 | Maryland | 34.46 |
| 47 | Connecticut | 38.09 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | 38.20 |
| 49 | New Jersey | 39.68 |
| 50 | Rhode Island | 49.17 |
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