If you’re looking to sell your house, summer is typically the prime time. With better weather and families having more time to move, it’s a key period in the real estate season. Additionally, the longer daylight hours, thanks to the summer solstice, provide buyers with more time to view properties.
If I want to sell my house in Summer, when do I need to list it?
To ride the summer wave, aim to list your home in the spring, ideally around March. This timing gives buyers a solid window to make offers and close deals before summer wraps up. If you’re in a competitive market, getting your home on the market a bit earlier could be even better. Local market reports or a conversation with a real estate agent can help pinpoint the best timing for your area.
For example, if your area has a lot of homes for sale, listing yours first can give you a competitive edge. On the other hand, if there’s a shortage of sellers or high buyer demand, you can take a bit more time with your listing, as competition for your home will be higher.
We looked at the time on market, average home value, and relative price increase over the last year, and have identified the following areas as being particularly attractive to buyers vs. sellers.
| Attractive for buyers | Attractive for sellers |
| Miami, FL | San Francisco, CA |
| Tampa, FL | Hartford, CT |
| Houston, TX | Seattle, WA |
| San Antonio, TX | Fairfield, CT |
| Austin, TX | San Jose, CA |
What is a seller’s market?
A seller’s market is when there are more buyers than homes for sale. This means you’ve got the upper hand—prices go up, and homes sell faster. It’s a great time for sellers, but it can be competitive.
How do I know if it is a seller’s market?
You can spot a seller’s market by seeing a lack of homes for sale in your area, rising listing prices, and homes popping on and off the market quickly. If homes are selling fast and you see prices climbing, it’s a good sign.
What’s the worst time to sell a home?
Typically, Winter is a tough time to sell. People are often recovering from holiday expenses and might be less motivated to move. Late Fall can also be slow since families are focused on school and holidays. If you’re thinking about selling during these times, be prepared for a potentially longer wait and fewer offers. However, you could get lucky if your home is one of the few on the market and there is a buyer looking to move quickly.
What are local trends that impact when to sell a house?
Local trends can include seasonal shifts, economic conditions, and neighborhood specifics. Things like job growth, new developments, or even school schedules can play a big role. If you live in an area with cold weather, for example, home buying will likely be even further slow, compared to winter months in areas with warm climates.
How long does it typically take to sell a home from listing to closing?
On average, it takes about 30 to 60 days to sell a home from listing to closing. This can vary based on your market, how hot it is, and how quickly buyers are moving. Tomo Mortgage’s average closing time is around 15 days depending on the loan type, our digitized mortgage process allows us to close in half the time as most other lenders.
What documents and paperwork will I need to prepare for the sale?
You’ll need to gather documents like your property deed, recent mortgage statements, property tax records, and any disclosures about the home’s condition. It’s a good idea to get everything organized ahead of time. Your real estate agent can provide a detailed checklist for your specific situation.
Should I sell my home before buying a new one, or vice versa?
Selling first gives you a solid idea of what you can spend on your next home and avoids the headache of paying two mortgages. But, be ready for a potential gap where you might need temporary digs, and you could end up rushing into a new place if the market’s crazy.
On the flip side, buying first means you can move straight into your new pad and make it your own before selling your old place, but you might be stuck with two mortgages for a while and could end up accepting a lower offer if you need to sell fast to reduce your costs. Ultimately, it’s about balancing your finances, reading the market, and how much risk you’re cool with.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre approved with Tomo Mortgage today.