How to Choose the Best Time to Sell Your Home

The moment you start thinking about selling your home, it’s hard not to wonder if the timing is right. One friend says to list in the spring, another swears by summer, while the news keeps talking about mortgage rates and shifting market conditions.

So how can you decide the best time to sell?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because timing depends on a mix of market trends, your local area, and your own goals. Sometimes waiting a few months can pay off, while other times listing sooner is the smarter move.

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We crunched five years of HomeLight market data to help you determine the best times of year to sell your house. We also spoke with top real estate agents Gary Lanham from Fort Lauderdale, Jason Huerkamp from Minneapolis, and Gregg Phillipson from San Diego to get their expert insights on planning your home sale and weighing factors relevant to your market.

How to pick the best time to sell a home

Although HomeLight’s historical sales data points to June as one of the best months to sell nationwide, it might not be the ideal time in your local market. Every city is different, and the best times of year to sell can change over time.

For example, Huerkamp sees most of the Twin Cities’ sales in the spring and early summer, when the snow has finally melted in Minnesota. Most people don’t want to sell or buy during the winter months, he says, to avoid moving during the icy season.

“Ultimately, if you’re looking to get the most money for your sale in any traditional market, when your home is going to look the best is going to be when your curb appeal is really good,” Huerkamp says. “And in Minnesota, our curb appeal doesn’t really look awesome until maybe mid-May.”

Huerkamp shares that the second quarter is also popular with families, as they don’t want to move their children during the school year. That mentality applies to other areas of the market, too, such as in Florida, where families still tend to sell in the spring and summer, according to Lanham.

Lanham notes that the best time to sell condos and vacation homes to out-of-towners is from Thanksgiving to Easter or Passover, since it’s still warm in Florida but cold elsewhere.

“People are in town. They come from New York; they come from Canada; they come from Boston; they come from California, and they flood our beach areas,” says Lanham. “There’s nothing like having a lot of people here so that we can try to command the best price for the sellers.”

Seasonality doesn’t always play as big of a role

Phillipson says you shouldn’t limit your decision-making to the seasons; you should consider the local market and its buyers.

“I definitely think seasonality matters in other areas, but I think San Diego’s a unique market where you can wear shorts and flip-flops most of the year. It’s different. People don’t mind going out in all seasons.”

The table below shows the best month to sell in several major cities and estimates when to list, allowing roughly three months from listing to closing. It also shows how much more homes may sell for during these peak windows.

The data is based on the housing market data HomeLight has collected. To find the best time to sell in your city, use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell calculator.

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How much difference can a well-timed sale make?

Peak selling times exist, but how much does it really matter? A lot, actually.

“A well-timed sale really can benefit you by upwards of 10% in the marketplace,” says Huerkamp. “In the traditional housing market, spring was always considered the best time to list. And it turns out, listing during that time could really net you up to 10% more.”

Actual premiums vary by market.

If you want to get a sense of what your home might be worth before you list it for sale, use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator. Our tool uses your home’s size, age, location, and other features, along with local real estate data, to generate an estimate.

However, to accurately set a listing price that aligns with your selling goals and local market conditions, it’s best to work with a top agent.

What season is best for selling a home?

Spring and early summer are traditionally popular times to sell, but each season has advantages and drawbacks. The best choice depends on your local market, buyer activity, and how much competition you’ll face from other listings.

Spring: Strongest buyer demand

Spring is often considered the best season to sell because more buyers enter the market after winter, including families hoping to move before the next school year. Increased demand can lead to faster sales and stronger offers, particularly in April, May, and early June. However, more homeowners also list during spring, meaning you’ll likely face greater competition.

Summer: Continued buyer interest

Buyer activity often remains strong in early summer, especially among families looking to move before school starts. However, demand can slow later in the season as vacations and other activities take priority. Summer can still be a favorable time to sell, but your results may depend on how quickly buyer activity changes in your local market.

Fall: Motivated buyers, slower demand

Fall typically brings fewer buyers, but those still shopping may be motivated to close before the holidays or winter weather arrives. With fewer homes on the market, sellers may also face less competition. However, buyer activity often slows as the season progresses, and homes may not command the same premiums seen during spring and early summer.

Winter: Less competition, fewer buyers

Winter is generally the slowest selling season, particularly in colder climates where weather and holiday schedules discourage house hunting. However, buyers searching during this time may have pressing reasons to move. Fewer competing listings can also work in a seller’s favor. In warmer climates and vacation markets, winter may even be a stronger selling season than spring.