So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Congratulations! This is a huge decision, and I’m so excited for you to embark on this journey.

There are so many things to consider when you’re deciding to list your home, but one of the biggest questions that generally comes to mind is “When is the best time to list my home?”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the pros and cons of each season can help you make an informed decision. Consulting with a local real estate agent can help remove the weight of this decision from your shoulders immensely, so I highly recommend finding one you trust to support you with this decision so they can help factor in your specific geographical insights, current and projected market values, local demand for your home type, and more.

P.S. If you need someone to trust & support you with this decision, I’m happy to be that guide for you! Let’s chat!

Spring: The Classic Choice

Spring is often considered the peak season for home sales. Here’s why:

• Pleasant weather: Warmer temperatures and longer days make it easier for potential buyers to appreciate your home’s curb appeal and outdoor spaces.
• Increased buyer activity: Many families with school-aged children prefer to move before the new academic year starts, leading to a surge in demand.
• Potential for higher prices: Due to increased competition, you might be able to command a higher sale price.

However, spring also comes with its challenges:

• More competition: With more sellers listing their homes, you’ll need to make your property stand out. This might mean more money spent on home repairs to “keep up with The Joneses”.
• Potential for bidding wars: While bidding wars can drive up prices, they can also be stressful and unpredictable.

Summer: Take the Good with the Bad

Summer offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the benefits of listing in summer are:

• Longer days: More daylight hours allow for more showings, particularly in the evenings.
• Buyers ready to move now: School is out for the summer and families want to get moved in quickly before the new year begins, so they are motivated to find something now.

But summer also has its downsides:

• Market saturation: With more homes on the market, it can be harder to stand out.
• Seasonal distractions: Summer activities and vacations can divert potential buyers’ attention and lead to fewer showings/offers.

Fall: A Hidden Gem 

Fall can be a surprisingly good time to sell! Here are a few standout reasons why:

• Reduced competition: As the summer rush fades, you may face less competition from other sellers.
• Motivated buyers: Buyers who are still searching in the fall are often serious and ready to make a move.
• Beautiful scenery: Fall foliage can add to your home’s curb appeal.

However, fall also has its challenges:

• Decreased buyer activity: Overall, there are fewer buyers searching in the fall compared to spring. Parents are distracted with school and sports starting and they aren’t focused on searching for a home.
• Shorter days and busy schedules: Shorter days can make it more difficult to squeeze in showings, and busy fall schedules leave little room for potential buyers to see your home.

Winter: A Sneakily Good Time to Sell

While winter is often overlooked, it can be a surprisingly good time to sell. Winter often knocks out all of the con reasons listed for the other seasons above, plus adds even more pros to the party.

• Reduced competition: With fewer sellers active in the winter, you’ll have less competition.
• Motivated buyers: Buyers who are searching in winter are often highly motivated and ready to move quickly. Since most people are searching more in the spring/summer, these winter buyers have a specific reason they are looking now and they are ready to snatch up a good opportunity.

However, winter also comes with its challenges:

• Unfavorable weather: Winter weather can deter potential buyers from attending showings.
• Holiday distractions: The holiday season can divert buyers’ attention.
• Curbside appeal diminished: Pictures are often less appealing in the winter when all the trees and plants have died. Your outdoor photos won’t give that immediate WOW factor that gorgeous summer florals or fall leaves often provide.

As you can see, there really is no black and white answer to this burning question.

Ultimately it comes down to you, your family, your goals, and what works best for you.

Buying or selling your home comes with a laundry list of stressful decisions and uncertainties. Stressing over the “perfect” time to list your home is one thing I highly encourage you to take off your mental load and put it into the hands of your trusted real estate agent so they can take your families needs into consideration, paired with their knowledge of the local market, and help make the decision for you.

If you need help, I’m here to support you! Just remember, you don’t ever have to do this alone. Take some of the burden off your shoulders and hand it over to a real estate agent that cares about you and has your best interests in mind. I promise, you won’t regret it.