Spring is the Best Time to List a Home

Spring is the most active market for home sales, with the best time to list being April through June. This is when most people are thinking about buying and moving, leading to a higher demand for homes on the market. According to data from Zillow, the best time to list a home for sale is specifically the first two weeks of May. Homes listed during this time period sell around 18.5 days faster and for 1% more money than the average listing.

Realtor.com data supports this, showing that homes listed during the late spring and early summer sell an average of 21 days faster than homes listed during other times of the year. Some might wonder why exactly this is the case. For starters, the weather is nicer, making it easy for potential buyers to envision themselves enjoying the home and its outdoor spaces. Spring is also a better time of year to physically move. Buyers and sellers don’t want to have to lug around moving boxes in the freezing cold of the winter, or work up a sweat in the blistering heat of summer either. Spring is a safe bet for ideal moving weather.  Additionally, the school year is coming to an end, giving families the chance to wait for the summer break before having to move rather than disrupting the school semester.

Another key factor to consider is that in spring, there is less competition in the market. Many homeowners choose to wait until the spring to list their homes, so the market becomes flooded with new listings. This means that as a seller, your home is more likely to stand out and attract buyers.

Summer and Winter are not Ideal for Listing a Home

On the other hand, summer and winter can be less desirable times to list a home for sale. It’s a common fear that homes listed for sale during the summer months will stay on the market longer and sell for less money. 

Winter can also be a difficult time to sell a home. Zillow found that homes listed for sale in the winter, specifically January and February, tend to stay on the market longer and sell for less money. One of the main reasons for this is that during the winter, potential buyers are less likely to be out looking at homes due to bad weather, making it a less desirable time to list. Oftentimes these winter months also damage the curb appeal that is typically seen in the spring and summer.

Fall can be a Good Time to List a Home

While spring may be the best time to list a home, fall can also be a good time to list your home for sale. Data from HousingWire suggests that homes listed during the fall months of September and October tend to sell faster and for more money than homes listed at other times of the year.

One of the reasons for this is that fall is also a peak home-buying season, with many families looking to move before the holiday season. Additionally, fall often sees a decrease in the number of new listings, making your home more likely to stand out among the competition. 

Conclusion

When it comes to listing your home for sale, timing is key. Spring is the best time to list a home, but fall is a close runner-up. The summer months can be tricky, and winter should be avoided altogether. If you’re looking to increase your chances of a quick sale or selling your home money, understanding market trends throughout the year is crucial.

That being said, the market is constantly changing and what works in one area, may not work in another. every market is different and what works in one area may not work in another. We hope that you find the information in this article to be helpful when it’s time to decide whether or not to list your property. If you’re uncertain, consult with a real estate agent who can give you personalized advice and support you as you navigate your local market. As the saying goes, "A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold." 

No matter the time of year, Unreal Estate has the expertise and resources needed to achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can sell your home quickly and for the best price possible.

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