When is the Best Time to Sell a Home?

When you decide to sell a house, the timing can greatly affect how long it stays on the market and how much you profit from the sale. It’s important for Veteran homeowners to carefully consider the timing of their home sale and the factors that can influence the ideal time to sell a home.

After analyzing historical home sales data and current market dynamics, we cover everything you need to know to help you decide the best time to sell your home.

Best Month to Sell a House

There can be quite a bit of work to do before selling a home, so having a timeline of when to list your house can offer sellers peace of mind.

According to national housing data, May, June and July consistently have the lowest average days on market and the highest average sale prices. Homes sold during late spring and early summer tend to sell faster and for more money compared to other times of the year, making this period a strong opportunity for sellers aiming to maximize both speed and profit.

The table below shows the typical number of days it takes to sell a home and the average sale price by month in the United States.

As you can see, seasonality plays a role in the home-selling market. The best months for Veterans to sell a house correspond to the spring and summer months: May, June and July. Many families likely prefer to move after the school year ends but before a new school year starts. Also, house hunting is much more enjoyable when the weather is nice outside.

On the other hand, the worst time to sell a house is during the winter months: December, January and February. Selling your home in the winter can be challenging since these months tend to take longer to sell and have the lowest average sales price. Holiday plans often overwhelm prospective homebuyers, and extreme weather makes it difficult to tour homes or move.

If you’re planning to sell your home this spring and buy a new one at the same time, careful timing and coordination can make a big difference. Learn more about how to buy and sell a home at the same time.

Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of selling your home during each season, so you can determine which time of the year is the best for selling your home.

Pros and Cons of Selling Your House By Season

While homes sell in every season, some months bring more buyers, stronger prices or less competition. Here's a look at the pros and cons of selling in each season to help you find the best fit for your goals.

Spring

Many consider spring the best time to sell a home. Buyer activity ramps up, and sellers often benefit from stronger offers, faster sales and more competitive pricing. It’s also a great time to list after completing winter prep and before the market becomes saturated.

Pros:

• High buyer demand often leads to faster offers and better prices
• Homes tend to sell for more in spring than in winter months
• Curb appeal peaks as trees and flowers come back to life

Cons:

• You'll face more competition from other sellers listing at the same time
• Buyers can afford to be picky with more inventory to choose from
• If your home isn’t priced or marketed effectively, it may sit on the market longer

Summer

Summer continues to be a strong selling season, especially early on. Longer days and school breaks give many buyers more time to search, tour, and make decisions.

Pros:

• Ideal for families planning to relocate before fall and the new school year
• Competitive pricing trends often carry over from spring
• Extended daylight allows for evening showings and weekend open houses

Cons:

• Buyer activity can dip in late summer due to vacations or heat
• Inventory may remain high, increasing selling competition
• Hot temperatures can make moving and showings less comfortable

Fall

Fall brings a shift in the market. Buyer demand typically slows, but the active buyers tend to be serious. With fewer homes listed, sellers may face less competition and attract buyers looking to close before the holidays.

Pros:

• Less competition as many sellers wait until spring
• Buyers are often motivated to close before the holidays
• Milder weather still supports strong curb appeal

Cons:

• Sale prices may start to decline compared to spring and summer
• Buyer traffic slows after the school year starts
• Shorter days can limit showing availability and reduce natural light during tours

Winter

Winter tends to be the slowest season for home sales, but it isn’t without opportunity. Buyers tend to be more serious, and fewer listings mean less competition, especially if your home is move-in ready.

Pros:

• Less competition from other listings on the market
• Buyers are often more serious, possibly motivated by tax benefits or job relocations
• Homes that show well in winter can make a strong impression

Cons:

• Fewer buyers are house hunting, so demand is lower
• Homes may sell for less compared to peak seasons
• Holiday schedules and bad weather can delay showings and closings

Best Day to List a House

Listing your home for sale on a Thursday increases the chances of your house selling quicker and at a higher price, according to a study by Zillow. Nationally, 21% of homes are listed on a Thursday compared to 13% of homes listed on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday combined).

The logic behind this timing is all about visibility: Thursday listings hit the market just before the weekend, giving buyers time to schedule showings and attend open houses during the most available days.

Conversely, Sunday is the worst day to list your home if you want a quick sale. Homes listed on Sunday tended to stay on the market for 8 days longer than homes listed on Thursday. However, it’s important to understand that the best day to list a house depends on your local market, and the Zillow data does not account for post-pandemic conditions.

Selling in a Seller’s Market

It’s essential to understand the current housing market in your area when selling your home. It sets realistic expectations and helps you successfully leverage your home. For the fastest and most profitable home sale, you’ll ideally want to sell during a seller’s market.

In a seller's market, housing demand exceeds supply — more potential buyers are looking for homes than there are homes available. This type of market often leads to competitive bidding wars, where buyers are willing to pay more than the asking price to secure a property. For sellers, this extra cash can help cover the costs of selling a house.

Here are some tips for home sellers in a seller’s market:

1. Price your home smartly: Even in a seller's market, overpricing your home can deter potential buyers. Set a competitive price that reflects the market value and may incite a bidding war.
2. Possibly opt for minimal improvements: Since demand is high, there's less need to undertake major renovations. Talk with your real estate agent to prioritize upgrades that add real value and avoid unnecessary costs. You may even be able to sell the house as-is.
3. Be ready for quick decisions: In a fast-moving market, offers can come in quickly. Be prepared to make decisions promptly to capitalize on buyer interest.
4. Leverage multiple offers: When you receive multiple offers, work with your real estate agent to negotiate the best terms. You might secure a higher price and better conditions, like fewer contingencies or a more favorable closing timeline.

Selling in a Buyer’s Market

In a buyer's market, where the availability of homes exceeds demand, sellers may face some challenges. The imbalance offers buyers the advantage, allowing them the upper hand in negotiations. For home sellers, it’s necessary to recognize that the buyer has leverage. Strategic planning and adaptability are key factors when attracting attention and securing a home sale.

Be prepared to put in extra effort for your home sale. Enhancements that improve home value and curb appeal or functional upgrades may be optional in a seller’s market but necessary in a buyer’s market. You should also research comparable market listings or recent sales in your neighborhood to determine an appropriate home purchase price.

Consider these tips when selling a home in a buyer’s market:

1. Your home needs to stand out: With more competition, ensuring your home stands out is crucial. Invest in professional photography, make necessary repairs, stage your home effectively and highlight unique features that may appeal to buyers.
2. Be open to negotiation: Buyers have more leverage in these markets, so be prepared to negotiate on price, closing costs and other terms. Flexibility can be the key to closing a deal.
3. Offer incentives: Consider offering incentives to make your home more attractive. Some sellers pay for closing costs, offer a home warranty or include appliances in the sale. Make sure you have the financial stability to take on these costs if you choose to.
4. Patience is key: Homes may take longer to sell in a buyer's market. Be prepared for this reality and resist the urge to accept lowball offers too quickly unless necessary.