While the housing market can shift from year to year, late spring through early summer continues to be the best time to sell a home for most sellers.
Between May and July, both buyer activity and home prices tend to peak. Homes listed in this window often sell faster and closer to the asking price, giving sellers more leverage and less time waiting for offers. June usually posts the highest average list price, while May and June tie for the fastest-moving homes at 40–43 days on the market.
Selling is just one step. Explore your homebuying options now so you’re ready when the right offer comes along.
Of course, it’s important to remember that the best time to sell isn’t always something you get to choose perfectly. Job changes, growing families, unexpected expenses, or simply being ready for a new chapter can all dictate your timeline, and that’s okay. While timing can influence your outcome, many successful home sales happen outside the ideal window when sellers focus on preparation, pricing, and planning their next purchase thoughtfully.
In this article, we break down how to get top dollar, regardless of when you list.
What is The Best Month to Sell Your House?
Redfin Data shows that late spring/early summer is the strongest season for home sellers. When you list can influence your sale price, days on market, and even how much leverage you have during negotiations.
For example, homes listed between May and July typically receive 1% to 1.5% more of their asking price than those listed in December and January, and they sell in about 40–43 days, compared to 70+ days for winter listings. That difference can easily translate to thousands of dollars gained (or lost) depending on when you hit the market.
Seasonal timing affects more than many sellers realize. According to 2025 data, here’s how selling a home during each season affects selling price, days on market and more.
| Month | Median Sale Price | Median Days on Market | % of Asking Price Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $418,317 | 59 | 98.2 % |
| February | $425,149 | 57 | 98.5 % |
| March | $431,310 | 49 | 98.9 % |
| April | $437,970 | 42 | 99.2 % |
| May | $440,219 | 40 | 99.4 % |
| June | $445,867 | 41 | 99.3 % |
| July | $443,041 | 43 | 99.0 % |
| August | $439,429 | 47 | 98.8 % |
| September | $435,483 | 51 | 98.6 % |
| October | $439,917 | 51 | 98.5 % |
| November | $433,261 | 53 | 98.06% |
| December | $428,275 | 60 | 98.02% |
So what’s the best month to sell your home? Year after year, May, June, and July are the top performers. Homes listed during these months enjoy high demand and faster sales, which helps reduce holding costs. Looking even closer, many markets see the best week to list fall in late May to early June, just as many schools let out.
Summer is the best season to sell a house overall for several reasons. With many families planning moves before the next school year and buyers armed with tax refunds, demand peaks. This gives sellers more power and fewer price cuts. Early summer can yield strong results, especially in June when home prices usually peak.
Fall can be a mixed season. While overall activity slows, motivated buyers are still out there, and competition is lighter. Winter, however, is consistently the softest season for sellers, bringing the lowest prices and longer days on market.
What is the Best Day of the Week to List Your House?
Thursday is consistently the best day of the week to list a home nationwide. Homes listed on Thursdays tend to sell faster and for more than homes listed on other days of the week.
Homes listed on Thursdays tend to:
Become pending faster than homes listed on any other day
Attract more buyer attention heading into the weekend
Be slightly more likely to sell at or above the asking price
Thursday aligns well with buyer behavior. Many buyers begin actively browsing listings and planning showings toward the end of the workweek, making Thursday listings highly visible just as weekend demand ramps up.
What’s the Worst Time of Year to Sell a Home?
So, what’s the worst time to sell a house? In most markets, it’s winter, especially December through February. During this off-season stretch, homes tend to list for less, sometimes by $10,000 or more, depending on the area.
Homes also tend to sit on the market longer during winter, often taking 50 days or more to sell, especially in January and December. Cold weather, holiday schedules, and year-end financial stress reduce buyer activity and make it harder to generate interest.
Even if your timing isn’t ideal, your next move can be. Check your buying power and plan your purchase with confidence.
Regional Variations in Best Times to Sell
While May through July is the strongest selling window nationwide, regional differences can shift that ideal timing. Climate, school calendars, and local job markets all affect when buyers are most active and when sellers have the most leverage.
So, while the national average points to early summer, your zip code might tell a slightly different story.
For example:
In Chicago, the best time to sell is typically late May to early June, when warmer weather finally arrives, and families plan moves before the next school year begins.
In Phoenix, the best month to sell a house is often early April, which is before triple-digit temperatures hit and snowbirds retreat to cooler climates.
Seattle sees a surge of buyer activity in May, when sunnier days appear, and the tech industry ramps up summer hiring and relocations.
In many Southern states, mild winters and early springs mean the buying season starts sooner and lasts longer. Markets like Atlanta, Tampa, and Austin often enjoy an extended spring selling window. Northern regions such as Minneapolis, Buffalo, and Boston tend to have sharper, more condensed seasons because of the weather, making timing even more important.
Even within the same state, urban and suburban markets can behave differently. A small town might peak in late summer, while a nearby metro sees the most activity in early spring. National trends are a good starting point, but understanding your local market can make a significant difference in your sales.
And remember, no matter what time of year you decide to sell, figuring out the best day of the week to list a house, local expertise, and up-to-date market insights are key to nailing your timing.
Market Factors to Monitor in 2026
Seasonal timing is important, but it’s not the only factor to consider in 2026. Even if you list during the best months, broader market conditions affect your sale price, how long your home stays on the market, and how smoothly your sale goes. Below are key trends to watch as you prepare to sell.
Interest Rates
If mortgage interest rates hold steady or start to dip, expect strong buyer demand to continue, especially during the best time to sell your home in the summer. Lower rates expand buyers’ purchasing power and can spark bidding wars. On the flip side, rising rates may cool enthusiasm, limit affordability, and shrink your pool of potential buyers.
Because mortgage rates directly impact monthly payments, even a slight change can significantly alter buyer enthusiasm. Sellers should watch rate trends closely when planning their timeline.
Here are a few resources to help you monitor rates:
Housing Inventory
Competing inventory levels largely determine the best time to sell. If your local market has low housing inventory, your home will likely attract more attention and higher offers, particularly during the best month to sell a house, like May or June. But if inventory is high, you might need to price more competitively or offer perks to stand out, even in a good season.
| Market Condition | What It Means for Sellers |
|---|---|
| Low inventory | Buyers have fewer options → stronger demand, faster sales, higher offer prices. |
| High inventory | Buyers have choices → longer days on market and more pressure to price competitively. |
Buyer Confidence and Economic Outlook
Buyer confidence often mirrors the broader economy. When job security and consumer optimism are high, people are more likely to make big moves. If layoffs or economic uncertainty rise, buyers may hold back, possibly slowing activity even during peak selling weeks.
Inflation and Affordability
Even during peak months, inflation can limit buyer budgets. If prices rise faster than wages, some buyers may delay their plans, which can slow the market even in May or June. This is especially important when comparing spring to fall, since fall markets may feel the impact of these trends more noticeably.
Tips to Maximize Your Selling Price in Any Month
Regardless of when you decide to list, smart preparation can maximize your sale price. Here are expert tips to increase your home's appeal and shorten its time on the market, even if you’re not listing during the best time to sell your home:
Price strategically: Remain competitive without undervaluing your property, since serious buyers continue to be active throughout any month.
Offer flexible closing dates: This can strengthen your listing, giving buyers more control during a busy time of year, and remember, winter buyers are often more motivated. Those who shop during the off-season usually need to move quickly, which can work in your favor.
Use professional photography: Bright, high-resolution images (including twilight shots) can make your listing stand out online and increase showing requests.
Get a pre-inspection: This heads off surprises during negotiations and shows buyers you’re transparent and prepared.
Boost curb appeal: Fresh paint, mulch, or seasonal flowers can instantly elevate first impressions.
Stage your home: Even light staging can help buyers envision themselves living there.
Market aggressively: Use social media, video tours, and open houses to attract attention, which is especially important in slower seasons.
Bottom Line
Even if you miss the best time to sell your home, a well-prepared and well-presented listing can still attract strong offers. With the right strategy, it's entirely possible to sell successfully during the winter months. Remember, timing matters, but smart preparation really seals the deal.
Whether you’re aiming for peak summer profits or navigating a winter listing, the right timing and strategy can make all the difference. Understanding your local market and how it aligns with broader trends helps you decide when and how to sell for maximum return.
Whether you’re selling now or soon, knowing your buying options gives you flexibility.
Data Sources
