Important points
Nationally, the best time to sell a home is late April, when sellers are more likely to close quickly and receive a higher offer. However, the best timing varies by city. In San Jose, the best time to sell is mid-March. It’s mid-May in Philadelphia. Sellers should discuss their strategy with an agent before listing. At the end of the day, the best time to sell is the best time for you.
Timing is important when selling a home. Everything from the season, month, and even day can affect how quickly and for how long a home sells.
It’s no secret that spring is peak sales season, the time when homebuyers emerge from hibernation and begin preparing to purchase a home. But recently, sellers have faced an unusual and difficult challenge. That’s because near-record prices have put buyers on the sidelines, giving those still active even more leverage.
With fewer buyers actively shopping, sellers need to be more intentional about when they list, how they price, and how they prepare their home to stand out.
So, if you are a homeowner looking for the best time to list your home, this article is for you. We analyze data to objectively uncover the “best” time to sell a home, how seasonality plays a role, and how home sellers can navigate today’s market.
From Redfin’s Chief Economist
“Late April is a great time for smart home sellers. Homebuyers are flooding in, but the market isn’t flooded with properties yet, so there’s a good chance more properties will go on the market sooner. But people vary. There are different timelines and priorities, and because housing is so local, there are unique dynamics at play in every city. Home sellers need to consider their individual circumstances and work with their local agent to determine the best time to sell.” – Darryl Fairweather, Chief Economist, Redfin
When is the best time to sell your home?
According to a recent report from Redfin and Home Economics, the best time to sell a home is late April. Homes listed during this period are 18% more likely to sell above list price and tend to sell faster.
For those who want a bit more time, late March to mid-May is usually the best time to put your home on the market.
“There are several factors that make mid-spring the best time to sell a home,” said Asad Khan, senior economist at Redfin. “Warmer weather encourages buyers to start traveling, and the timing is perfect for families looking to move in and settle down before the school year. Additionally, blooming flowers and natural light increase curb appeal and make homes feel more desirable. Inventory is also starting to increase, but hasn’t peaked yet, creating a perfect window for sellers.”
However, the decision ultimately comes down to individual needs. Homeowners often have different priorities and expectations, and in some cases, moving may be necessary.
>> Read: How to sell your home in 2026: A comprehensive guide
When is the best day to sell a home?
For sellers looking to further maximize their profits, a previous Redfin report found that Thursday is the best day to list. Homes listed on Thursday sell for up to $3,000 more and five days faster on average than homes listed on the slowest selling day.
Mid-week bump: Thursday is the best day, but homes that hit the market between Wednesday and Friday tend to go on hold faster and sell for more. Mid-week is ideal because property information is fresh in buyers’ minds as they plan their weekend. Weekends are the time when most travelers are available to take tours. Weekend recession: There is not much benefit from Saturday to Tuesday, and there is no benefit at all on Monday. Listings on the weekend or very early in the week mean new listings can catch the attention of buyers before they can start planning their weekend tours.
Best time to sell a home by city in 2026
The best time to sell nationally is mid-April, but timing varies widely by location, often by several weeks. For example, in San Jose the best time to sell is mid-March, while in Philadelphia it’s closer to mid-May.
Housing is seasonal, local, and personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all strategy that will work everywhere and for everyone. The peak sales seasons for 2026 in major cities across the country are as follows:
How seasonality affects the housing market
Spring is a typical housing season, when buyers return from their winter slumber and sellers jump on the opportunity. This is a time when new listings increase and competition follows suit. In general, residential activity tends to be higher when the weather is warm and lower when the weather is cold.
The typical seasons that the housing market experiences each year are:
Spring: Typical housing season peak for inventory and demand, with both buyers and sellers very active. Summer: Listings tend to peak and buyers start to gain influence, but potential holidays and hot weather come into play. Autumn: Transition period when buyers are most likely to receive concessions. Winter: This is the slowest season and the least likely for sellers to meet the above requirements and close quickly.
Seasonality also varies by market and often coincides with fluctuations in housing supply. The timing and volume of new listings help define when the market heats up and when it cools down. Climate plays a big role in shaping these patterns. Typically, the warmer a city’s climate, the less seasonal it is. This means that the property’s seasonal fluctuations will be smaller.
But big cities can buck this trend. “Densely populated areas with limited supply tend to be more seasonal,” Khan continued. “In places like San Francisco, where many home hunters are competing for limited inventory, timing is very important because sellers want to list the best time to find their next home, which results in everyone congregating around the same time period. On the other hand, in places with more inventory, buyers have more flexibility, so sellers have more flexibility, and they can smooth out seasonal fluctuations, whether it’s a cold winter or not.”
How to attract better offers on your home
In a depressed market, standing out is more important than ever. Even if you list your home on an objectively “best” day, you may still have to compete for buyers. However, thorough and thoughtful preparation can increase your chances of securing a competitive offer sooner.
Here are some tips to help you attract the best offers.
Hire a home inspector: Identifying problems early allows you to address them before listing and avoid surprises during escrow. Make strategic repairs: Fix visible issues and address updates that are most important to buyers. Increase your curb appeal: First impressions matter. Spring naturally involves some heavy lifting, but some additional simple landscaping and exterior touch-ups can go a long way. Staging your home: Cleaning, organizing, and arranging spaces so buyers can imagine living there. Use high-quality photography and marketing: Professional photography, marketing, and a strong listing description can bring more attention to your home online. Competitive pricing: One of the biggest mistakes sellers make today is pricing too high. It’s not a pandemic anymore. Affordable homes attract more interest and can lead to multiple offers. Work with a great agent: An experienced real estate agent can help you set realistic prices, attract buyers, present your home in the best possible light, lead negotiations, and get a better deal.
>> Read: How to sell your house fast and make more money
Is now the time to sell?
Homeowners looking to sell now need to set an accurate price and be prepared to negotiate. The U.S. housing market favors buyers, as economic uncertainty and near-record home prices have kept many people on the sidelines, making it difficult to attract offers and sell for higher prices.
Even if it’s peak sales season where you live, it’s essential to talk to a local real estate agent first. These can provide insight into specific regions, assess current market conditions, and help you determine the right time before deciding to list. It’s also always a good idea to look at larger economic conditions, such as mortgage rates and inflation.
Additionally, your agent can help you determine the right marketing strategy for your home, whether it’s a staged approach to test pricing with a small audience or listing it on the MLS right away. Sellers now have more flexibility in choosing how to enter the market.
>>Read: Should you sell your home now?
Finally: The best time to sell your home is late April, but choose the time that works best for you
Selling a home today can be difficult. The typical home takes more than two months to go under contract, and in many Sunbelt cities it takes even longer, leading many homeowners to leave their homes on the market or renovate them.
But it’s still possible to get a great offer and close quickly. Sellers can improve their odds by making simple fixes, investing in important updates, pricing competitively, and working with a good local agent.
For many homeowners, late April is the best time to sell, when demand is strong, inventory is high, and competition has not yet peaked. But ultimately, the best time to sell is the one that works best for you.
Please refer to the original report for the complete methodology.
