According to historical statistics, the best time to sell a house is from spring to early summer (April to October), and the worst time to sell a house is from fall to winter (November to March). It is critical to be familiar with seasonal trends and statistics that affect house sales, such as weather, days on the market, home prices, and market competitiveness, to determine the best and worst time to sell a house. This information is necessary for homeowners or investors wanting to sell their homes and real estate agents representing a seller.
Important note: The real estate statistics in this article are based on nationwide surveys and data collected across the United States. Specific data may vary depending on your location across the country, influencing real estate market trends and the best and worst times to sell a house.
Best Time to Sell a House: April to October
The best time to sell a house falls between April and October, as buyer demand outpaces the number of homes available for sale and homeowners can sell their properties for higher prices. For instance, in June 2023, the median home sale price was $410,000, the highest record within the past 12 months. While property owners compete with other sellers during the spring homebuying season, houses still sell faster due to the housing shortage.
Highest Home Prices in June
If you want to earn a higher profit from the sale of your property, the best month to sell a house is in June. Based on FRED’s housing market stats, in June 2023, homebuyer demand was high, with properties sold at a median sales price of $410,000, which slightly slowed down to $394,300 in September 2023. The high demand and low inventory are some factors that drive housing prices up, allowing sellers to charge more for their properties.
More Homes Sold Above List Price in June & July
In June 2023, 39.6% of homes were sold above the list price, and 38.2% were sold in July 2023. Home prices also skyrocketed as early as April to keep up with the increased demand from homebuyers and slowly declined in September. As the spring homebuying season begins, the market sees significant bidding wars, with home sellers receiving many offers from qualified buyers.
Check out the table below to find which cities had the highest house sale prices for sellers between April and October 2023:
City | Best Month to Sell | Percentage Above Average Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
Albuquerque, New Mexico | April | 2.12% |
Arlington, Virginia | May | 3.66% |
Atlanta | May | 6.24% |
Aurora, Colorado | July | 4.18% |
Baltimore | June | 7.31% |
Boca Raton, Florida | May | 12.22% |
Boston | June | 3.39% |
Charlotte, North Carolina | June | 5.65% |
Chicago | June | 5.27% |
Dallas | June | 5.05% |
Denver | June | 3.83% |
Detroit | July | 7.26% |
Greensboro, North Carolina | May | 7.72% |
Henderson, Nevada | May | 2.80% |
Kansas City, Missouri | July | 4.90% |
Las Vegas | April | 5.24% |
Los Angeles | June | 1.65% |
Marietta, Georgia | April | 6.09% |
Memphis, Tennessee | June | 10.43% |
Miami | April | 6.50% |
Milwaukee | June | 12.34% |
Nashville, Tennessee | October | 5.34% |
New Orleans | May | 4.50% |
Oakland, California | April | 5.74% |
Orlando, Florida | April | 6.17% |
Philadelphia | June | 5.86% |
Portland, Oregon | June | 4.36% |
Raleigh, North Carolina | May | 3.41% |
Sacramento, California | June | 3.21% |
San Diego | June | 1.77% |
San Francisco | April | 4.92% |
San Jose, California | April | 3.26% |
Scottsdale, Arizona | April | 7.00% |
Seattle | April | 3.66% |
St. Louis | June | 8.72% |
St. Petersburg, Florida | May | 2.76% |
Tacoma, Washington | April | 4.91% |
Tampa, Florida | June | 5.10% |
Washington, D.C. | May | 3.49% |
(Source: Homelight) | ||
Seasonality is one factor that may have influenced home sales in specific cities. For example, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, properties were sold 12.34% above the asking price in June. These figures show strong buyer demand at this time of year, when the winter has finally gone, and the warm weather has begun. Additional factors influencing buyer demand in local markets include interest rates, interstate migration, unemployment, income levels, and market conditions.
Read our article on the to learn more.
Lowest Median Days on Market (DOM) in June & July
A low median DOM is a factor that indicates a seller’s market. In June and July 2023, the median DOM was 29 days, the lowest DOM for the year. Also, compared to the average time to sell a house in January and February 2023, where houses stay on the market for 52 days, it is significantly lower.
The low DOM means homes sell faster during this time than in winter when the holiday season is in full swing. Furthermore, a low DOM suggests buyers have less time to bargain with sellers and fewer opportunities to view numerous homes.
Reasons why April to October was the best time of year to sell a house in 2023:
- June: The highest median sales prices are listed at $410,000.
- June and July: More homes sold above list price, 39.6% and 38.2%, respectively.
- June and July: Lowest median DOM at 29 days.
Worst Time to Sell a House: November to March
The worst time to sell a house is between November and March. With weather and holiday interruptions playing a role, there is low demand amid a considerable home supply. Furthermore, because fewer people are trying to buy a home, homes tend to stay on the market longer and sell at lower prices.
Lower Homebuyer Demand Between January & February
Year over year, January and February have the lowest number of homes sold. During January and February 2023, the number of homes sold was 278,851 and 330,122, respectively. It is -33% for January 2023 and -24.4% for February 2023 in growth year-over-year. The sharp drop reflects poor homebuying demand caused by the holiday season and adverse weather in the majority of states.
Lower Home Prices in January & February
Historically, home sellers receive lower yields during the winter months. With the holiday season approaching (and cold weather in most states), some homebuyers prefer to avoid the market and spend quality time with their loved ones. Because demand for properties falls at this time of the year, houses sell at lower prices, making January and February the worst months to sell a home. For instance, the median home sale prices in January and February 2023 were $361,200 and $363,600, respectively.
Higher Median DOM in February
If you want to sell your house quickly, February is the worst month to sell a home. With a new year starting, work obligations picking up after the holidays, and continuing cold weather in most states, there is low urgency for real estate transactions. This results in longer days on the market for homes listed during this time. Redfin data shows that the highest DOM was observed in February 2023, with 52 days. Long DOM could be detrimental to sellers.
Notably, the number of newly listed properties fell significantly between September 2022 (565,390) and December 2022 (274,543) and increased again slowly until June 2023 (601,316). Buyers are usually most interested in new listings that can prove to be a suitable home for them.
On the other hand, a home that has been on the market for a long time gives buyers the impression that there is something wrong with it or that the seller is not open to negotiating. As a result, some purchasers may avoid a house with high DOM. This often results in having to lower the asking price more than expected to attract qualified prospects.
Slower Moving Frequency From December to March
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) research, the most significant reasons for recently buying a home differ by generation. The desire to own a home was the primary motivator for all homebuyers ages 24 to 57. The desire to live closer to family, friends, and relatives was the top reason for purchase among those aged 58 and older.
Consequently, the moving frequency was slower from December to March, especially in January, when only 3% of the population relocated. Moving industry stats also show that Monday is the most common day of the week to move, with 19%. Its slow-moving frequency has a negative impact on homebuying demand. As a result, homes spend more time on the market and sell for less.
Home sellers face various obstacles during the autumn and winter seasons. Because it is the off-season, fewer purchasers are looking for a new house. When there is a lack of demand, properties tend to take longer to sell and also sell at a lower price. Furthermore, busy school activities can make it difficult for buyers with children to schedule a house showing. Yet, despite the holiday rush, serious homebuyers are still enthusiastic about purchasing a house.
Reasons why November to March was the worst time to sell a home in 2023:
- January and February: The number of homes sold was only 278,851 and 330,122, respectively, which is significantly lower than 523,459 in June 2023.
- January and February: Average home prices were $361,200 and $363,600, respectively, significantly lower than $410,000 in June 2023.
- February: Houses stayed on the market for an average of 52 days.
- December to March: Moving frequency was slowest at 5% in December and February, 3% in January, and 7% in March.
Home Sale Data by Month
According to the FRED Housing Market report, the median home sales price at closing surged from $361,200 in January 2023 to $394,300 in September 2023. In addition, the median DOM fell from 51 days in January 2023 to 33 days in September 2023, indicating that houses are sold at a faster rate and higher price.
As a result, the spring and summer seasons are the best times to sell a house since many buyers begin looking for new houses following the holiday season, causing home prices to increase, more homes to sell above the listing price, and bidding wars to begin. On the other hand, the colder months, fall and winter, are the worst times to sell a house because home sale prices are lower, median days on the market are higher, and price reductions are more significant.
Look at the table below to see the housing market trends from October 2022 to September 2023 and when it is the best and worst time to sell a house:
Best & Worst Times to Sell a House | Month | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Months to Sell a House | October 2022 | 1.22 | 439,646 | $378,800 | 35 |
Worst Months to Sell a House | November 2022 | 1.12 | 385,856 | $372,700 | 38 |
December 2022 | 960k | 385,900 | $366,500 | 44 | |
January 2023 | 980k | 278,851 | $361,200 | 51 | |
February 2023 | 970k | 330,122 | $363,600 | 52 | |
March 2023 | 970k | 449,634 | $375,400 | 44 | |
Best Months to Sell a House | April 2023 | 1.04 | 415,211 | $385,900 | 36 |
May 2023 | 1.08 | 496,947 | $396,400 | 31 | |
June 2023 | 1.07 | 523,926 | $410,000 | 29 | |
July 2023 | 1.11 | 449,188 | $405,700 | 29 | |
August 2023 | 1.10 | 483,974 | $404,100 | 31 | |
September 2023 | 1.13 | 417,083 | $394,300 | 33 |
Pro tip: If you need to sell a house between November and March, real estate agents must explore new marketing options and improve their lead generation and sales funnel systems to boost their efforts. You want to get as many clients and leads into your pipeline as possible so that when spring arrives, you’ll be ready to start selling properties. Consider attending community events and business gatherings.
As for home sellers, we recommend working with a licensed real estate agent to help you generate more qualified leads and obtain the best deals. Early house repairs and staging can help increase your property’s appeal to serious homebuyers.
Pros & Cons of Selling a House in Each Season
Different months of the year, from winter to summer, often present less than optimum selling conditions. When considering selling a property, keep in mind the following general tips and the pros and cons of selling a home during the four seasons.
Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Winter (December - March) |
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Spring (March - June) |
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Summer (June - September) |
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Fall (September - December) |
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Even little changes to the curb appeal of a property can significantly increase the number of potential buyers who visit the listing, tour the property, and submit offers. For the best ideas on how to improve the value of each home, read our 24 Best Curb Appeal Ideas to Increase the Sale Price.
5 Reasons It’s Time to Sell a Home
A 2023 report from NAR reveals that the top cited reasons for selling a home are the desire to move closer to friends and family (21%), moving due to retirement (11%), or the neighborhood has become less desirable (11%). Furthermore, 86% of these home sellers have worked with a real estate agent to save time and money.
If you’re still unsure whether to sell your property, here are five reasons or signs that tell agents, investors, and home sellers it is time to sell a home.
1. Your Home No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle
Most people choose a home and location based on their current lifestyle, which might change with age and situation. This is especially true given that sellers spend an average of 10 years in their houses before selling. For example, you may have picked a smaller city home because it was close to the restaurants, activities, and bars you visited.
However, you may suddenly desire more space and a quieter environment than you did previously. Similarly, transitions like marriage, childbirth, or the death of a loved one can all lead to a shift in lifestyle. You will give up your previous lifestyle by selling your property and relocating while gaining a new one.
2. Financial Change
A common cause for selling a home is financial change. Perhaps you or your significant partner lost a job and cannot afford your current residence. If you’re generating more income at work, you might want to upgrade to a more expensive, bigger home that suits your needs and wants better. But if you’re generating lower income or want to save money, you might want to downsize and live in a smaller house. Budget is always an issue when selling or acquiring a property.
Regardless of your money, downsizing or upgrading is a common reason for selling. Furthermore, the real estate market may undergo a financial shift comparable to the seller’s market observed during the pandemic until now. If agents, investors, and home sellers can sell your home for top dollar, it may be prudent to maximize the value and profit from your home.
3. New Job
According to Gitnux Market Data Report 2023, the top reasons people are willing to relocate are career advancement or to make more money (40%), while most of those willing to move were aged 25-44. While many businesses have moved to remote work since the pandemic, many positions still demand that people migrate to new cities, states, or countries. Selling your home and moving to a new place is a great way to take advantage of job advancement opportunities.
4. Boredom
While there is comfort in living in the same place for 10, 20, or 30 years, it can cause a sense of boredom. According to The London Economic survey, 41% of respondents became bored with their surroundings around a year after moving in. Renovations and remodeling a home are two ways to avoid boredom.
Sadly, a homeowner can only renovate their property so much before it becomes overpriced for their present market, and they lose money if they continue to upgrade. If you’re bored, it might be time to sell your house and start elsewhere.
5. PreparedEmotionallyto Move On
Selling a family home because you’re emotionally ready to move on is a popular motivation for retirees and empty nesters. In 2023, 30% of home sellers were between the ages of 58 and 67, and 22% were persons between 68 and 76 years old.
As people retire or their children leave the house, they frequently want to downsize to save money or relocate to a more suitable place for their new lifestyles. This could imply relocating to a lower-maintenance or lower-tax apartment or condo, a 55-plus community, a senior living facility, or even a new area better suited for activities and culture. If you feel emotionally outgrown in your home, it may be time to sell and move on.
To learn more about the best time to sell a home, read our article about 20 Crucial Real Estate Statistics for a better housing market.
Bottom Line
The best and worst time to sell a house depends on seasonal trends that could affect the home sale price. The best months to sell a house are during the spring season, from April to October. Because the demand outweighs supply, housing prices increase, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and more days on the market during these months.
