The best month to sell a house is a topic that many homeowners often ponder, especially when looking to maximize their sale. Typically, spring and summer are ideal times due to seasonal trends and favorable market conditions.
- Best Months to Sell: May and June
- Challenging Months: November, December, January
During the warmer months, longer days and pleasant weather encourage more buyers to actually visit homes. When more people are shopping, your chances of getting multiple offers increase, resulting in higher sale prices. Conversely, the cooler months like November and December see fewer buyers, leading to lower seller premiums and slower sales.
My name is Scott Beloian, and with decades of experience in the real estate market at Westcoe Realtors, I’ve helped countless homeowners understand the best month to sell a house. I can guide you through these trends to ensure you get the most out of your home sale.
Why Timing Matters in Real Estate
Timing can make a significant difference when selling your home. Seasonality, buyer behavior, and market conditions all play a role in determining the best time to list your home.
Seasonality
Real estate markets are highly seasonal. Spring and summer are generally the best times to sell. Good weather encourages people to go out and view homes. Families also prefer to move before the new school year starts.
Buyer Behavior
Buyer behavior changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, longer days and better weather make house-hunting more appealing. During fall and winter, fewer people are looking to buy. The holiday season and colder weather keep potential buyers at home. This results in fewer showings and offers.
Market Conditions
Market conditions can vary by season and region. Spring and summer usually have more listings, which means more competition. However, this also means more buyers are looking, increasing your chances of getting a good offer.
In contrast, fall and winter see a decline in seller premiums. According to ATTOM data, November has the lowest seller premium at just 6.3%. Homebuying activity slows down significantly in December due to the holidays.
The Best Months to Sell a House
Why May is the Best Month
If you want to maximize your profit, May is the best month to sell your house. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, homes sold in May net a 12.8% seller premium. This is the highest premium of any month, making it the ideal time to list your home.
Optimal Weather: May offers pleasant weather, which makes house-hunting more enjoyable. Flowers are in bloom, and lawns look their best, creating great curb appeal.
School Year Considerations: Many families want to move before the new school year starts. Listing in May allows them to close by summer, making it easier on their children.
The Benefits of Selling in June
June is another excellent month to sell your home. It ranks just behind May with a 10.7% seller premium, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.
High Demand: June is peak home-buying season. More buyers are looking, increasing the chances of competitive offers.
Market Activity: The market is buzzing in June. More activity means your home is likely to sell faster and for a better price.
Early Spring Advantages: March and April
If you want to get ahead of the competition, consider listing your home in March or April. These months also offer strong seller premiums—9.7% and 10.3%, respectively.
Early Buyers: Some buyers start their search early to avoid the rush. Listing in March or April can help you attract these motivated buyers.
Less Competition: Fewer homes are listed in early spring, so you face less competition. This can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers.
Favorable Conditions: The weather starts to improve in March and April, making it easier for buyers to visit homes.
By understanding the benefits of selling in these peak months, you can make a more informed decision about when to list your home. Whether you choose May for the highest premium or June for high demand, timing your sale right can make a significant difference.
The Worst Months to Sell a House
Challenges of Selling in November and December
Selling your home in November and December can be tough. These months typically see a significant drop in seller premiums, with November averaging a 6.3% premium, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.
Holiday Season: The holiday season is a major factor. People are busy with celebrations, travel, and family gatherings. Home buying often takes a back seat.
Fewer Buyers: The number of active buyers drops significantly. Families with school-aged children have likely already settled into their new homes, reducing the pool of potential buyers.
Weather Conditions: The weather also plays a role. Shorter days and colder temperatures make house-hunting less appealing. This is especially true in colder climates where snow and ice can deter buyers from venturing out.
Why January is a Slow Month
January is another slow month for home sales, often experiencing the lowest activity of the year.
Post-Holiday Slump: After the holiday season, many people are recovering from holiday expenses and are less inclined to make big financial decisions like buying a home.
Weather Impact: Winter weather conditions continue to be a deterrent. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures make it harder to show homes and for buyers to envision themselves moving in.
Buyer Fatigue: Buyers who have been looking for homes since the fall may feel fatigued and decide to take a break, further reducing the number of active buyers.
Lower Seller Premiums: These factors contribute to lower seller premiums in January. Homes tend to sit on the market longer, and sellers may have to accept lower offers to make a sale.
Understanding these challenges can help you decide whether to wait for a more favorable time to list your home. While selling in November, December, or January is possible, it often requires more strategic planning and realistic expectations.
Regional Variations in the Best Time to Sell
Selling in Warmer Climates
In warmer climates like California and Arizona, the real estate market operates differently compared to colder regions. These states enjoy milder winters, making them attractive to snowbirds—people who migrate to warmer areas during the winter months. This influx creates a year-round market, offering more flexibility for sellers.
Local Market Conditions: California and Arizona have strong market conditions almost all year. However, spring and summer still see the highest activity. For example, in Los Angeles, homes listed in June often fetch higher prices and sell faster, thanks to the favorable weather and school break.
Climate Impact: The mild winters in these regions mean that home buying doesn’t slow down as much as it does in colder climates. This can be an advantage if you need to sell your home during the winter months.
Selling in Colder Climates
In colder climates like the Northeast and Midwest, the real estate market is highly seasonal. Winters can be harsh, making it difficult to sell homes during this time. However, spring and early summer offer a surge in activity.
Local Market Conditions: In these regions, the best time to sell is typically from March to June. For instance, homes listed in May often sell quickly and at higher prices. The weather is more favorable, and buyers are eager to move before the next school year.
Climate Impact: The cold winters can deter buyers. Snow, ice, and shorter days make house-hunting less appealing. This results in fewer buyers and longer time on the market for homes listed in winter.
Regional Trends: The spring surge is a well-known trend in colder climates. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, buyers come out in full force. Conversely, the winter slowdown is significant. Homes listed between November and January often stay on the market longer and may sell for less.
Tips for Maximizing Your Home Sale
The Best Day to List Your Home
When it comes to listing your home, Thursday is the golden day. According to recent data, homes listed on a Thursday typically go pending faster than those listed on any other day of the week. This small timing tweak can increase your chances of a faster sale and possibly even a higher selling price.
Why Thursday?
Listing your home on a Thursday gives buyers time to see your listing before the weekend. Many buyers plan their weekend house-hunting based on the listings they see during the week. By listing on Thursday, your home is fresh in their minds, making it more likely to be added to their weekend itinerary.
Weekend Planning
Buyers often have more time to view homes over the weekend. By listing on a Thursday, you maximize the number of potential buyers who will see your home during their weekend searches. This can lead to quicker offers and a faster sale.
Zillow Insights
Zillow’s research shows that homes listed on a Thursday are 1.5% more likely to sell above their asking price. On the flip side, homes listed on Sunday tend to sit on the market eight days longer than those listed on Thursday. So, if you want to sell quickly and for top dollar, Thursday is your best bet.
Importance of Professional Photos
In today’s digital age, professional photos are non-negotiable. According to the National Association of Realtors, 100% of homebuyers search for homes online, making high-quality photos essential.
First Impressions Matter
Your online listing is often the first interaction potential buyers have with your home. Professional photos can make your home look more appealing, helping it stand out in a crowded market. Poor-quality photos can deter buyers before they even set foot in your home.
Buyer Impressions
Professional photos capture your home in the best light, literally and figuratively. They highlight the best features of your home, from spacious rooms to unique architectural details. This can create a positive first impression and attract more interest.
Online Listings
Since buyers start their search online, your listing needs to be top-notch. High-quality photos can increase the number of clicks your listing gets, leading to more showings and, ultimately, a quicker sale.
National Association of Realtors Data
The National Association of Realtors states that homes with professional photos sell 32% faster than those with lower-quality images. Investing in professional photography can be one of the most cost-effective strategies for selling your home quickly and for a higher price.
Home Preparation
Before taking photos, make sure your home is in tip-top shape. Declutter, clean, and make any necessary repairs. A well-prepared home looks better in photos and can make a significant difference in attracting buyers.
By listing your home on a Thursday and using professional photos, you can significantly increase your chances of a quick and profitable sale.
Next, we’ll cover frequently asked questions about the best month to sell a house.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Month to Sell a House
What month do homes sell the fastest?
March, April, May, and June are the months when homes sell the fastest. Spring and early summer are peak times for the real estate market. According to recent data, homes sold in May net a 12.8% seller premium, making it the best month to sell a house. June follows closely with a 10.7% seller premium. The warmer weather and longer days encourage more buyers to start house-hunting, and many families aim to move before the new school year begins.
What are the hardest months to sell a house?
November, December, and January are typically the hardest months to sell a house. These months fall into the holiday season and the heart of winter, which generally see fewer buyers. The research from Bankrate shows that homes listed during these months take longer to sell. Specifically, December homes take about 47 days to sell, making it the slowest month. November and January aren’t far behind, with homes taking 44 and 31 days to sell, respectively.
What is the slowest month for real estate sales?
January is often the slowest month for real estate sales. Post-holiday fatigue, cold weather, and fewer daylight hours contribute to a significant drop in buyer activity. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, January homes have the lowest seller premium at just 7.5%. This makes it the least favorable month for sellers looking to get the highest price for their homes.
By understanding these trends, you can make a more informed decision about when to list your home. Up next, we’ll dive into regional variations in the best time to sell, helping you tailor your strategy to your local market.
Conclusion
At Westcoe Realtors, we believe that selling your home should be a smooth and rewarding experience. The best month to sell a house can vary depending on several factors, but our team is here to help you steer these complexities with ease.
Personalized Service
Every home and homeowner is unique. That’s why we offer personalized service custom to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly or maximize your sale price, we work closely with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Local Expertise
With over 60 years of experience in the Riverside market, our team has the local knowledge and expertise to guide you through every step of the selling process. We understand the nuances of our community and can provide insights that other realtors might miss.
Ready to sell your home? Find the Westcoe Realtors difference and let us help you make your real estate dreams a reality.
