The Best and Worst Times to Sell a Home
- Clover Lane Settlement Team
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Timing is everything in real estate. (Or is it location?) A recent analysis of more than 59 million single-family home and condo sales from 2011 to 2023 revealed that certain months of the year consistently yield higher seller premiums, while others see lower returns. But does that mean every seller should list their home in the spring and avoid the fall and winter? Not necessarily.
Understanding these seasonal trends can help realtors and homeowners make informed decisions about when to list a property – or how to navigate a sale during slower months.
The Best Months and Days to Sell a Home
According to ATTOM’s data, February, March, and May tend to see the highest seller premiums.
Top Performing Days for Sellers
Date | Seller Premium |
May 27 | 16.2% |
February 25 | 15.9% |
February 17 | 15.8% |
February 15 | 15.7% |
February 22 | 15.5% |
May 25 | 15.4% |
March 30 | 15.2% |
March 25 | 15.1% |
February 28 | 15.0% |
February 24 | 15.0% |
Why These Months Perform Well
Spring Market Surge: Some buyers start home shopping early in the year, hoping to close before summer.
Families Planning Around School Schedules: Parents prefer to buy and move during the summer to avoid disrupting their children’s school year.
Better Curb Appeal: Homes tend to show better in warmer months when landscaping is in full bloom.
The Worst Months and Days to Sell a Home
On the other hand, October, November, December, and January tend to be slower months for home sales.
Lowest Performing Days for Sellers
Date | Seller Premium |
January 8 | 5.6% |
January 22 | 6.2% |
January 9 | 6.3% |
December 4 | 6.4% |
October 6 | 6.7% |
October 9 | 6.7% |
October 23 | 6.8% |
November 13 | 6.8% |
December 11 | 6.8% |
November 6 | 6.9% |
Why These Months See Lower Premiums
Holiday Distractions: Buyers often focus on holiday expenses, travel, and family gatherings rather than home purchases.
Winter Weather: We love getting all four seasons here in Pennsylvania, but winter’s bare trees, snow-covered lawns, and shorter days can dull a home’s curb appeal. Outdoor features like patios and gardens can be harder to showcase, so buyers may have a harder time envisioning a home's full potential.
Less Inventory, but Fewer Buyers Too: Fewer homes are listed in the winter months, but buyer demand also drops, leading to lower competition but often lower sale prices.
Success Can Happen Year-Round
While historical data suggests that some months are better than others for maximizing sale price, a great realtor can find success for their client in any season. Homes listed in the slower months may actually face less competition, and serious buyers who remain active during this time often make strong offers.
At Clover Lane Settlement Services, we are here to help navigate the challenges of any market by ensuring a smooth closing process. Having a trusted attorney-owned title company on your side can make all the difference. Contact us today to learn how Clover Lane Settlement Services can help ensure a seamless closing – winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Commenti