If you’ve ever wondered how long it actually takes to sell a house for cash, you’re not alone. For Ontario homeowners dealing with tough situations—whether that’s a sudden move, a job loss, or a house that’s seen better days—selling fast without a bunch of red tape can be a huge relief. That’s where cash buyers step in. But just how quick is it?
Let’s break it all down, step by step, no fluff, no jargon. Whether your property needs repairs or you just want out without the usual back-and-forth, this guide will give you a real sense of what to expect.
What Does “Selling for Cash” Actually Mean?
Before we go setting timelines, it’s important to know what this kind of sale involves. When you sell a house for cash, you’re skipping the bank altogether. That means:
- No mortgage approvals
- No waiting on lenders
- Fewer hoops to jump through
- Less paperwork
And most importantly, no need to fix up the house unless you want to.
A cash buyer—like us at Bloom Homes—uses their own money to buy your house outright. No financing means things can move a whole lot quicker.
So… How Long Does It Really Take?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends. But for most cash sales, especially in Ontario, the whole thing can wrap up in 7 to 21 days—sometimes even faster.
Let’s break it down a little more.
1. Initial Contact to Offer: 1–2 Days
When you reach out to a cash buyer, the clock starts ticking. Most legit buyers will ask a few quick questions about your property and then either schedule a visit or do a virtual walk-through.
From there, you’ll usually get a fair, no-obligation cash offer within 24 to 48 hours.
We’re not talking weeks of showings and open houses here. Just one simple evaluation and you’re on your way.
2. You Review the Offer: Totally Up to You
Some people are ready to move forward right away. Others need time to think, talk to family, or weigh their options.
This part’s flexible. But once you say “yes,” things move fast.
3. Paperwork & Title Search: 3–7 Days
Once you accept the offer, the buyer’s legal team gets the title search rolling to make sure everything’s clean and ready to close.
No worries if there’s an issue—we’ve seen it all. A good cash buyer can usually sort out things like unpaid property taxes or liens.
4. Closing the Sale: 1–3 Days After Clearance
As soon as everything’s in order, closing happens fast. You’ll meet with a real estate lawyer, sign the documents, and boom—you’re done.
Funds can usually be in your bank account within a day or two.
Common Things That Can Delay a Cash Sale
Even though cash sales are faster, there are a few hiccups that can slow things down. Here’s what to watch for:
- Title issues: Old liens, unpaid taxes, or missing signatures can cause delays.
- Unclear property ownership: If multiple people own the home and one’s out of town—or just uncooperative—that can stall things.
- Tenant-occupied properties: If renters are involved, you may need to follow proper notice rules under Ontario law.
- Estate or probate: If the house was inherited and the estate hasn’t been finalized, that process needs to play out before the home can be sold.
Still, even with these curveballs, selling your house for cash in Ontario often beats the 60+ days it takes to go the traditional route.
Comparing Selling Options: Cash vs Traditional Sale
Here’s how selling a house for cash stacks up against listing with an agent:
| Step | Cash Buyer (Like Bloom Homes) | Traditional Sale (MLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial offer | 1–2 days | 2–4 weeks (after listing) |
| Home prep & repairs | Not needed | Often required |
| Showings & open houses | None | Multiple |
| Conditional offers | Rare | Common |
| Buyer financing | Not needed | Needed, can fall through |
| Closing time | 7–21 days | 45–90 days |
| Total costs (commissions, etc.) | Low to none | 5%+ commission + fees |
Who’s the Best Fit for a Cash Sale?
Cash sales aren’t just for desperate sellers or rundown houses. In fact, we work with folks in all kinds of situations:
- Tired landlords who’ve had enough of tenant drama
- Seniors downsizing or moving into assisted living
- Families handling inherited homes
- Homeowners facing foreclosure
- People needing to move quickly for work or health reasons
- Those without the time or money for repairs
If speed, simplicity, and less stress sound like a win, cash might be your best route.
How to Make It Happen Faster
Wanna speed things up even more? Here are a few ways to keep the process humming:
- Have your paperwork ready. Things like your property tax bill, mortgage statement, and any legal docs can help your buyer move quickly.
- Be honest about the condition. Surprises slow things down. If the roof leaks, say so. A solid buyer won’t mind.
- Work with someone local. Local buyers know Ontario laws, neighbourhoods, and timelines better than out-of-town companies.
- Stay in touch. Responding to emails or calls quickly makes a big difference.
At Bloom Homes, we specialize in moving fast while still giving you options—whether that’s a straight cash sale, a creative seller financing deal, or helping you list with a trusted agent.
Other Selling Options We Offer If Cash Isn’t Right for You
Not every seller fits neatly into a “cash only” box. That’s why we don’t stop there.
Here are a few other paths we offer:
Seller Financing
We can buy your home on terms, which means we make regular payments to you instead of getting a mortgage. This works great if you don’t need all the money right away and like the idea of getting income over time.
Listing With a Local Agent
Sometimes your best bet is putting the home on the market. We partner with top local agents to get your property listed fast and sold for the best price possible—without the pressure.
Lease-to-Purchase
If your house is in great shape and you want steady monthly income while someone else works toward buying it, this option might be worth considering.
Whatever your situation, we’re happy to walk you through your choices and help you figure out what makes the most sense for you.
Should You Sell Your House for Cash?
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re thinking about selling your Ontario home and speed is important, going with a cash offer is hands-down the fastest way to get it done.
While traditional home sales come with showings, agent fees, repairs, and long wait times, a cash sale skips all that.
It’s not always the right fit for everyone—but it sure makes sense when you want simplicity, speed, and less hassle. And with Bloom Homes, you’ve got someone on your side who can lay out every option—not just the one that works best for us.
So how long does it take to sell a house for cash? Most of the time, less than three weeks. Sometimes even just a few days. And when life throws you a curveball, that kind of speed can be a total game changer.