What Is the Best Time of Year To Sell My Home?

By Scott Ostrode

Scott has been a licensed Realtor since 1998. In 2003 he joined Keller Williams Realty and in 2007 he formed Team Ostrode Properties. Scott grew up in Sacramento and has raised his family in the area as well. Scott’s dedication and exceptional service to his clients has led to being awarded Favorite Realtor by Style Magazine 5 times. He has been recognized as the Top Realtor by the NSBIA 3 times.

As a real estate agent, one of the most common questions I hear is, “When is the best time to sell my home?” The truth is, the best time to sell is when you need to move. However, if you’re trying to time the market for the best results, the key is to list when you have the least amount of competition. In most markets, that means selling in late winter or early spring. Once spring hits, inventory skyrockets, and you’ll be competing with tons of other sellers. If you want to maximize your chances of a quick sale and a great price, here are three things you need to consider.

First, plan early. Selling a home takes more preparation than most people expect. From staging and repairs to pre-listing consultations and marketing, everything takes time. I recommend giving yourself at least three to four months to prepare before listing. That means if you’re aiming to sell in late winter or early spring, you need to start now. Procrastinating can cost you valuable time and money.

Second, budget your time wisely. Many homeowners still have the mindset from the pandemic market, where homes would sell in a week. That’s no longer the case. In today’s market, it can take anywhere from 60 to 120 days to sell a home. If you’re serious about hitting the best-selling window, you need to work with an agent to plan your timeline carefully. When you know what needs to be done and when, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the competition.

Finally, beat your competition to the market. If you’re debating whether to list earlier or later, always list earlier. As spring arrives, more and more homes flood the market, which means more competition. Many sellers try to wait for prices to rise as demand picks up, but by the time they list, they’re already behind the curve. Instead of chasing the wave, get ahead of it by listing before the spring rush. The earlier you enter the market, the better your chances of securing the best deal possible.

If you’re thinking about selling this spring, your first step should be a pre-listing meeting. Let’s go over your goals, the market, and the best strategy to get you top dollar for your home. It’s completely free and comes with no obligation. Just call me at (916) 900-1880 or email me at scott@teamostrode.com. I look forward to helping you sell with confidence.