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Selling your house is all about timing. Time it right, and you could make a killing off your investment. Time it wrong, and you could take a loss — or even fall short of what you still owe on your mortgage.
But right-timing a home sale can be challenging. While Realtor.com technically says April 13 through 19 is the best week to sell a house this year, the truth is your lifestyle needs, finances, and conditions of your local housing market are what will really determine the best time to sell.
Are you considering selling your house in the near future? Here’s what you need to know about timing it.
In this article:
Seller's market vs. buyer's market: What's the difference?
Whether it’s a good time to sell depends on conditions in your local housing market — and, more specifically, whether it's a seller's market or buyer's market.
In a seller's market, there are few homes for sale but lots of interested buyers. This causes homes to sell quickly, usually with multiple offers higher than the seller's asking price. As the name suggests, if it’s a “seller’s market” in your area, it’s probably a good time to list your house. (Just remember: If you’re planning to buy a new house after your sale, you’ll face those same seller-market conditions, which could make the process more difficult — and expensive.)
On the other hand, a buyer's market has more homes for sale than buyers. Because of this, buyers can take their time — homes sell more slowly, sellers might have to reduce their prices, and buyers can negotiate a little more. If it’s a “buyer’s market” in your community, it’s not the best time to sell your house.
Read more: The best mortgage lenders right now
How to identify a good time to sell
One great way to get a pulse on your local market is to talk to a real estate agent in your area. They can walk you through current market conditions and make recommendations regarding your home sale.
You can also watch for certain signs on your own, too. For example, you might be in a seller’s market if you notice:
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Home prices are increasing. Are homes in your neighborhood being listed at higher prices than a year ago? Did your home’s appraised value increase on your annual property tax bill? Strong gains in home prices typically signal that houses are in high demand and you’re in a seller's market.
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Homes are selling fast. Pay attention to how long homes in your neighborhood are on the market. If they’re going within days or weeks, you’re probably in a solid seller’s market. If they’re taking months, it’s likely the opposite. You can also check the “days on market” (DOM) details on listings in your area. Fast sales, indicated by short DOMs, typically signal a seller's market. Long DOMs mean listings are lingering, which signals a buyer's market.
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Fewer home listings. It’s all about supply and demand, so if there aren’t many homes for sale in your area, buyers have to compete more, giving sellers the upper hand. If there are 10 houses for sale on your street alone, though, that gives buyers all the power — meaning it’s not a good time to sell your home.
Generally speaking, if it seems like there’s strong buyer interest and the number of for-sale listings in your area is limited, it’s a good time to sell a house.
How to identify a bad time to sell
Rising home prices, fast home sales, and fewer listings — these are all things that might indicate it’s a good time to list your house. So, if the opposite of these conditions is true? Selling your home likely isn’t the best move.
Signs of a bad time to sell include:
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Home prices dropping. Falling home prices indicate low demand for housing in the area, and it could mean taking a loss on your house if you sell. If you’re not sure about price trends in your market, talk to a local real estate agent or look to Realtor.com’s monthly housing reports, which break down price trends by metro.
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Lots of listings are going up. If tons of houses are getting listed in your neighborhood around the same time, it means more seller competition and could lead to an oversupply. Then, buyers have their pick, and sellers get desperate. This can lead to more negotiation, seller concessions, and price reductions.
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Slow sale times. When home sales are slow, it indicates that there’s just not much buyer interest in the area. Again, look at the DOM stats for listings in your neighborhood to gauge how fast homes are selling around you.
Remember that market conditions aren't the only indicator of whether it's a good or bad time to sell your house. Your personal circumstances will factor in too. You may have outgrown the home, need to move for a job, or just need to access the sale proceeds for a big expense you have coming up — and regardless of market conditions, it’s just necessary to move.
This is where a good agent can come in. They’ll help you traverse the seller process, prep your home, and market the property so you can maximize your profits, no matter when you need to sell.
Keep reading: How much does it cost to sell a house?
Is it a good time to sell a house? FAQs
When is the best time of the year to sell a house?
The best time to sell a house in 2025 is the week of April 13 through 19, according to a Realtor.com analysis. Keep in mind that housing market conditions vary by location, though, so this might not be the best time for your specific market.
When is the hardest time of the year to sell a house?
Generally speaking, the worst time to sell a house is usually September and October, according to data from ATTOM. During these months, sellers get the lowest premiums on their properties. Housing market conditions vary by location, though, so this may not be true for all areas. Talk to a local real estate agent if you’re considering selling your home.
Is it a good time to sell a house right now?
It might be a good time to sell your house, but it’s not a slam dunk — at least nationally speaking. While high home prices are a good sign for sellers, higher mortgage rates pose a problem, limiting who can afford to jump into the market. Look at market conditions in your specific community and talk to a local real estate agent to determine if selling is the right move in your area.
Should I sell my house now, before a recession?
If you believe a recession is impending, selling your home before that happens might be smart. This would allow you to cash in on your home’s current value before it can decline and put your money into more recession-proof assets. Talk to a financial advisor if you’re considering selling your house ahead of a recession.
Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article.
