Bad timing can be painful and costly in relationships and financial ventures. This can be especially true when making plans to sell your home. Knowing the worst month to sell a house can help you adjust your strategy and avoid financial potholes or delays.
Certain months traditionally yield higher premiums for sellers, while others see lower returns.
In this post, we’ll share statistical insights for the best and worst month to sell a house and even the best day of the week to list your home so you can better achieve your selling objectives.
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What is the worst month to sell a house?
According to the real estate experts at ATTOM, October is the least favorable month to sell a home. Historical data over the past 13 years indicates that properties listed in October have consistently brought in lower premiums of 8.8% compared to other months of the year which yielded as much as 13.1% above market value.
November and September (both at 9.5%) follow closely behind as more challenging months for home sellers, often due to the shift in buyer interest as the year winds down.
What is the best month to sell a house?
On the flip side, ATTOM’s data shows that May is an ideal month to sell a house. Thanks to the high buyer demand during the spring market, sellers listing in May can capture up to a 13.1% premium above market value.
February and April also present stronger selling opportunities, with premiums close behind May’s, at 12.8% and 12.5%, respectively.
For example, if your home’s value is $400,000, selling in May could bring in as much as $52,000 more in proceeds, depending on local market conditions and how well your property is marketed.
Here’s a look at the top-ranked months based on additional premium potential:
1. May: 13.1% above market value
2. February: 12.8% above market value
3. April: 12.5% above market value
4. June: 12.4% above market value
5. March: 12.2% above market value
How might seasonality affect your home sale?
When considering the worst month to sell a house, you should also research local seasonal patterns. These often play a significant role in shaping buyer behavior and, ultimately, home sale outcomes. For instance, in many cities, spring tends to bring a surge of buyers eager to close before summer, which drives demand and prices up. Meanwhile, autumn and winter typically see fewer buyers, as holidays and weather impact activity levels.
By understanding these seasonal ebbs and flows, you can make more strategic choices about when to list your home and increase your chances of maximizing your sale — whether you need higher proceeds or a quicker sale.
To see the best time to sell a house in your local market, try HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator. This free tool uses real estate transaction data from across the country to determine the best time to sell for the most money, and the best time to sell for the fastest closing.
What is the best day of the week to list a home?
According to top real estate agents across the country, listing a home on a Thursday can significantly improve its performance on the market. Thursday listings capture buyers’ attention as they plan weekend viewings, boosting the likelihood of quick offers.
If a quick sale and a stronger return are priorities, listing on a Thursday could give you a competitive edge in the market.
What is the average time to sell a house?
The average time it takes to sell a home can vary based on the property’s location, market conditions, and time of year. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes currently spend about 55 days on the market. This sales metric, known as Days on Market (DOM), represents the time it takes from listing a home to receiving a signed purchase offer. A financed buyer’s closing on their home loan can take up to 44 additional days.
However, in hot real estate markets or peak seasons like spring, this average can be significantly lower, with many homes going under contract within weeks or sooner. Conversely, during slower times of the year, such as winter, or in areas with softer demand, the timeline may extend beyond the national average.
Factors like pricing, property condition, and marketing efforts can also affect how quickly a home sells, with well-priced and well-marketed properties often moving faster.
Tips to sell a house fast
If you’re aiming for a quick sale, there are a few essential strategies to attract offers sooner rather than later:
- Price it competitively: Setting a realistic price from the start is key. Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market, while a competitive price can spark immediate buyer interest and possibly even a bidding war.
- Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter. Clean up the yard, trim hedges, and add fresh flowers or a new coat of paint to the front door to create a welcoming exterior.
- Declutter and stage: Buyers need to visualize themselves in the space. Remove personal items, clear out excess furniture, and consider light staging to make your home feel open and inviting.
- Professional photos: High-quality photos provide what could be called online curb appeal. Good lighting and angles can make a big difference in attracting virtual views that translate into showings.
- Flexible showing schedule: Being available for showings at all times, including evenings and weekends, can capture more interest and lead to quicker offers.
Tips to sell a house for more money
For homeowners who want to maximize their sale price, here are key steps to boost your home’s value:
- Invest in small upgrades: Simple improvements, such as updating light fixtures, adding a fresh coat of neutral paint, and replacing outdated hardware, can make a big impact without a massive investment.
- Enhance energy efficiency: Consider small but impactful upgrades like energy-efficient windows, smart thermostats, or LED lighting. Buyers often see these as value-adds, especially when utility costs are top of mind.
- Highlight key features: If your home has attractive features like hardwood floors, a remodeled kitchen, or a spacious backyard, make sure these are emphasized in your listing description and photos.
- Market to the right audience: Work with a real estate agent who knows your local market and can target the most likely buyers. Strategic marketing can help reach buyers willing to pay more for your property’s unique qualities.
- Consider timing: Listing during peak market times — typically spring and early summer — can bring in more buyers and increase your chances of selling for a premium.
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What if you need to sell your home fast right now?
If you’re in a situation where you need to sell quickly, you still have options. Our data shows that top-rated agents sell homes faster and for more money than average agents. But you might also consider an online cash offer.
Whether it’s due to a job relocation or financial needs, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of cash buyers in the country. These buyers are ready to make offers — no need for repairs, staging, or multiple showings. This streamlined approach can help you receive an offer in 24 hours and sell your home on your timeline, often closing in as little as 10 days.
Partner with a top agent to sell your home
Ultimately, selling a home is smoother and more profitable with the right real estate agent by your side. An experienced agent understands market timing, pricing strategies, and buyer trends, which can lead to faster sales and higher offers.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform makes it easy to find the best agents in your area based on their track record, experience, and local expertise. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.
By partnering with a top-performing agent, you can feel confident knowing you have an expert guiding you through each step of the sale.
If you’re timing your home sale to balance buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program. This innovative program provides a streamlined, simplified, and more certain process to make your best move. Watch the short video below to learn more.
Header Image Source: (Matt Hardison/ Unsplash)
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