When the pandemic reached its peak, traditional seasonal cycles nearly vanished from the real estate landscape. Homebuyer demand was so intense that sellers could achieve success regardless of when they listed their properties. However, as the market has returned to more conventional rhythms, the importance of strategic timing has reemerged for those looking to sell their homes.
Certain cycles and tendencies typically remain consistent year after year, with spring maintaining its position as the premier selling season. Homeowners can potentially earn several thousand dollars more by listing their properties during the optimal window of April and May. February has also emerged as a top-performing month for sales, effectively extending the prime selling period to encompass the late winter months, based on findings from ATTOM Data Solutions’ 2024 analysis. This stands in sharp contrast to the year’s three weakest performing months: November, September, and October.
Optimal Month for Property Sales
The spring season, particularly May, represents the ideal period for property sales. Properties sold during May achieve a 13.1 percent seller premium (the value exceeding the property’s market worth), according to ATTOM’s examination of single-family residence and condominium transactions spanning the previous 13 years.
Peak and low seasons for property sales, organized by month
To calculate the premium or discount that sellers achieved on any particular date, ATTOM analyzed the median selling price for properties with purchase completions on that specific date against the median automated valuation model (AVM) for identical properties during the sale period. Below is the monthly ranking for the optimal timing to sell a property.
|
Month |
Median Sale Price | Median AVM | Seller Premium |
| May | $230,000 | $203,338 | 13.1% |
| February | $212,000 | $188,000 | 12.8% |
| April | $225,000 | $200,000 | 12.5% |
| June | $237,500 | $211,231 | 12.4% |
| March | $220,000 | $196,000 | 12.2% |
| January | $210,000 | $189,900 | 10.6% |
| August | $235,000 | $213,000 | 10.3% |
| December | $230,000 | $209,000 | 10.0% |
| July | $235,600 | $214,100 | 10.0% |
| November | $230,000 | $210,000 | 9.5% |
| September | $231,750 | $211,722 | 9.5% |
| October | $228,500 | $210,000 | 8.8% |
Source: ATTOM Data Solutions
Surprisingly, February secures the second-highest seller premium at 12.8%, narrowly trailing May’s 13.1% lead. The traditional hot months for real estate, April and June, follow with premiums of 12.5% and 12.4%, respectively. As the year progresses into fall, seller premiums begin to decline, settling at 9.5%.
These figures support the common belief: spring and early summer tend to capture the most buyer activity. In contrast, purchasing during these months can be more difficult due to elevated competition and steeper prices.
Recognizing the Role of Seasonal Trends
Understanding seasonal trends offers sellers valuable insight into what they can anticipate over the course of the year. Although every region encounters some form of seasonality, the extent to which it’s felt varies depending on location. For instance, areas in the South and West, where the climate tends to remain more stable, often experience less contrast between their busiest and slowest times of the year.
Spring and Summer Are Prime Times to Sell
Homeowners often choose to put their properties on the market in spring and summer, mainly due to favorable weather conditions, especially in regions with colder winters. According to Realtor Liede DeValdivielso of the DeValdivielso Team at the Keyes Company in Coral Gables, Florida, many families aim to settle into a new home before the school year kicks off.
The shift to daylight saving time may also contribute to the seasonal surge in buyer interest. “The longer daylight hours in spring and summer could be one of the reasons why there’s increased enthusiasm among buyers to schedule home viewings,” notes Marilyn Blume, a real estate professional at Sotheby’s International Realty in New York City. “More foot traffic means your listing gets seen more often, boosting your chances of receiving multiple offers.”
Buyers working with a timeline, such as those trying to close before school resumes, should ensure their financial standing is solid by early spring. This includes reviewing your credit score and calculating your debt-to-income ratio to strengthen your mortgage preapproval potential. Skipping this step could delay your plans.
“April leaves ample time to finalize a home purchase before classes begin, if your financing is ready,” says DeValdivielso. “Your best move is to shop for mortgage options before diving into your home search. That’ll help you understand your budget range and readiness.”
Autumn and Winter: The Least Favorable Times to Sell
Seller premiums usually start to dip as fall sets in, with the average premium dropping to roughly 10 percent, noticeably lower than May’s high point of 13.1 percent. At this stage in the year, many families with children have already completed their home purchases, making the seasonal downturn expected.
The onset of the school year combined with the hustle of the holiday period shifts homebuying to a lower priority in the final months of the year. Much like in spring and summer, weather also plays a role in winter. As daylight hours shrink and the cold sets in, people are less inclined to venture out, reducing foot traffic for those trying to sell.
October: The Least Favorable Month to Sell
When it comes to putting a house on the market, October ranks as the least profitable month of the year, with sellers typically seeing just an 8.8% premium, according to data from ATTOM. It falls right between September and November, which each average a slightly better 9.5% seller premium.
On the flip side, if you’re in the market to buy, autumn might just be your golden opportunity. With fewer competing buyers and more motivated sellers, there’s often room to negotiate on price or score additional perks.
Optimal Day of the Week to List Your Property
Looking to fine-tune your selling strategy? If maximizing your return and securing a quick sale is your goal, aim to put your home on the market on a Thursday. Research from Zillow indicates that Thursday listings hit the sweet spot, as many prospective buyers and agents coordinate their weekend tours later in the week. Similarly, Redfin’s statistics show that homes posted on Thursdays tend to sell the quickest. Steer clear of early-week listings, those homes often sit idle until buyer activity picks up, making them seem less fresh when interest finally spikes.
Extra Advice for Home Sellers
Looking to boost your chances of selling success? Here are some additional recommendations for homeowners:
- Tap into local expertise. Real estate conditions vary significantly from one area to another. It’s essential to connect with a seasoned real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of your specific market. They can provide hyper-local insights and timing advice that could help you optimize your home’s listing strategy.
- Factor in preparation time. Getting your home ready for sale often takes longer than expected. From tackling key updates and repairs to clearing out clutter, the process can be drawn out. Make sure to start early so that everything is polished and ready when it’s time to list.
- Invest in standout listing photos. With every buyer beginning their home search online, 100% according to the National Association of Realtors, your listing images need to make a strong first impression. Hire a professional photographer to capture your home at its best and give it maximum visual appeal right from the start.
Conclusion
Timing truly matters when it comes to selling your home. While pandemic-driven trends briefly upended the usual seasonal playbook, the real estate market has largely returned to familiar rhythms. As the data suggests, spring and early summer remain the most advantageous times to list a property, offering the highest seller premiums and the most engaged buyer activity.
On the flip side, fall and early winter, particularly September, October, and November, tend to yield the least favorable outcomes for sellers. With school back in session, colder weather approaching, and holiday planning in full swing, buyer interest and foot traffic typically decline, leading to lower sale prices and longer time on market.
However, even during these slower months, opportunities still exist. Sellers who properly prepare their homes, price strategically, and work with experienced local agents can still achieve strong results, especially if buyer demand in their region remains steady.
Ultimately, the worst months to sell aren’t a guaranteed loss, they simply require more deliberate strategy, attention to detail, and patience. By aligning your listing with market trends and optimizing every aspect of the sales process, you can still attract motivated buyers and close with confidence.
FAQs
Why is October considered the worst month to sell a house?
October typically sees the lowest seller premiums, averaging just 8.8%. This is due to lower buyer demand after the start of the school year and fewer daylight hours for showings. Combined with the upcoming holiday season, it becomes a less competitive time for sellers.
Are there benefits to selling in the “worst” months?
Yes. With fewer listings on the market, your home could stand out more. Buyers who are active during these off-peak times are often highly motivated, which can lead to faster negotiations and more flexible terms.
How can I make my home more appealing during a slow season?
Focus on staging, professional photography, and curb appeal. Ensure the home is well-lit, clutter-free, and priced appropriately. Also, consider offering incentives like covering closing costs or including appliances.
Should I delay listing until spring if I’m ready to sell in fall?
It depends on your personal goals and local market conditions. While spring typically offers higher premiums, delaying could mean missing out on serious buyers. Consult a local real estate agent to evaluate current trends in your area.
Is winter always a bad time to sell a house?
Not necessarily. In milder climates or markets with high demand, winter sales can still be successful. Additionally, buyers shopping in winter are usually more serious and may be looking to relocate quickly, such as for a new job or school semester.
