If you’re planning to put your St. Petersburg property on the market, you’ll want to position yourself for either the highest possible sale price or the quickest closing. While partnering with a top local agent and prepping your home for the market are key steps, the timing of when you list your home also plays a significant role in the process.
To guide you on the optimal time to sell a home in St. Petersburg, we spoke with Kent Rodahaver, a leading real estate professional with over 20 years of experience. Rodahaver also provides valuable advice and insights to help you attract qualified buyers more quickly.
How Much Is Your St. Pete Home Worth?
Home values in St. Pete have increased significantly in recent years. How much is your home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
St. Petersburg housing trends
According to Rodahaver, the St. Petersburg housing market is trending toward a buyer’s market, with home values and mortgage rates comparable to pre-COVID market conditions. “We are in more of a buyer’s market than many sellers have ever experienced,” Rodahaver says.
St. Petersburg properties generally sell within about 35 days of going on the market. This timeframe, known as days on market (DOM), measures the period between listing your home and signing a purchase agreement. To put that in perspective, the national average DOM stands at 58 days.
The typical home price in St. Petersburg is near $410,000, reflecting a 3.5% decline compared to the same time last year.
“The increase in listing inventory and pent-up buyer demand have had a downward force on home values,” says Rodahaver. “The fact that we were impacted by two major hurricanes within the past 12 months also has a negative impact on buyer demand for waterfront homes and condos, as well as homes that are low-lying or in a flood zone.”
What does this mean for sellers? With more homes on the market and lingering concerns about storm risk, buyers have greater leverage and may exercise more caution. This makes it all the more critical for St. Petersburg sellers to price competitively, highlight their home’s strengths, and focus on excellent presentation to stand out in a more selective market.
When is the best time to sell a house in St. Petersburg?
Although rising interest rates and housing supply are impacting the market, St. Petersburg traditionally experiences cyclical patterns with increased sales activity during spring and early summer. This means that the period from April through June tends to be the optimal window for achieving the highest sale prices. If your priority is a quick sale, listing your St. Petersburg home in May tends to yield the fastest results.
Because it generally takes 35 days on average to secure a buyer and roughly 41 days for loan closing, it’s wise to consider listing your property two to three months before the prime selling season begins.
“April, May, and June seem to historically be the busiest times. I believe that this is due to families with school-age children wanting to move during the summer. My personal experience is that our market is fairly consistent throughout the year,” Rodahaver says.
Let’s take a look at the transaction data of St. Petersburg’s surrounding markets to identify the most advantageous time to sell your house — whether your goal is to maximize proceeds or achieve a quick closing.
Best times to sell a house in Clearwater
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 3.31% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | May | August | You could sell your house 4 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Largo
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | June | September | You could sell your house for 4.40% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 3 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Pinellas Park
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | August | November | You could sell your house for 4.33% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Seminole
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | June | September | You could sell your house for 6.87% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Gulfport
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | September | December | You could sell your house for 10.21% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 9 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Safety Harbor
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | July | October | You could sell your house for 5.51% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 15 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
“More than once, I have personally had record sales in the month of December. Other parts of the nation that are impacted by snow and cold weather experience a totally dead market between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Things are a little different in The Sunshine State,” remarks Rodahaver.
For insights about home-selling patterns in other cities, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
Using these data as a foundation, you’ll be equipped to consult a top-performing real estate agent in St. Petersburg who can provide tailored advice on the ideal month to market your home, based on your location, circumstances, and neighborhood trends.
What’s the worst time to list a house in St. Petersburg?
As Rodahaver explains, there isn’t a “worst time” to list a house in St. Petersburg.
“We have amazing weather year-round. There will always be a buyer looking to purchase due to life events such as a job change, promotion, relocation, divorce, up-sizing, down-sizing, etc. Plus, there will always be typical market demand,” he explains.
“I always tell my sellers that the absolute best time to list is when other agents convince their sellers that it is not a good time to list,” he continues. “By not listing, they inadvertently remove a large amount of my seller’s competition from the market, giving our listings an even better market advantage and a higher likelihood of selling at a higher price.”
Curious about your net proceeds? Try HomeLight’s complimentary Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate the approximate amount you can expect from selling your St. Petersburg residence.
What seller concessions help close a sale in St. Petersburg?
To facilitate closing a transaction, sellers in St. Petersburg are offering concessions or extending credits to buyers. According to Rodahaver, the most common seller concessions are contributions toward buyer repair requests, buyer’s broker compensation, closing costs, or buying down points on the mortgage loan.
Below are typical seller concessions and credits you might want to consider to make your St. Petersburg home more attractive and help finalize the sale:
- Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Contribute toward a short-term mortgage interest rate reduction
- Provide a repair allowance to cover issues identified during inspection
- Cover fees for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal costs
- Pay for the first couple of months of HOA dues, if relevant
- Agree to cover the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent
- Prepay property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums for the initial year
Insider tips to help sell your house in St. Petersburg
As a highly recommended expert in St. Petersburg, Rodahaver has a proven track record assisting sellers in reaching their objectives, regardless of challenges or seasonality.
Here are some of Rodahaver’s insider tips to sell your home:
1. Set the right price from day one
“Proper pricing is critical. Listing above the current and accurate market value is self-sabotage.” Pricing your home above market value often results in a stagnant listing and subsequent price drops. A well-researched pricing approach utilizing recent comparable sales can generate immediate interest and competitive bids.
2. Pick an expert agent
“List your home with an experienced and seasoned Realtor who knows the area and the immediate market — and actually sells homes in that market,” Rodahaver emphasizes. The ideal agent will know how to position your St. Petersburg property for a successful sale. According to HomeLight data, the top 5% of agents sell homes for about 10% more compared to average agents.
3. Focus on the essential repairs
Address visible defects such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeled paint — small flaws can give buyers the impression there are larger problems. Concentrate on repairs that provide a high return on investment and instill buyer confidence. A knowledgeable St. Petersburg agent can also advise you on what repairs to avoid.
4. Enhance curb appeal both physically and digitally
Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and inviting lighting create curb appeal that makes a strong impression in person. Online, having professional listing photos and virtual tours can help your St. Petersburg home stand out from the start.
5. Clear out and neutralize your space
Eliminate clutter by removing excess furnishings, personal items, and trinkets to make your rooms feel more spacious and welcoming. A clean and organized environment helps buyers better picture themselves living in the space.
6. Provide a home warranty
Including a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential future repairs, especially for older homes in St. Petersburg. This added security can make your listing more appealing in a competitive market.
7. Stay flexible with showing times
The more available your property is for prospective buyers, the faster it’s likely to sell. Offering weekend and evening showing appointments is key, particularly for buyers who are visiting from out of town or have a busy work schedule.
8. Think about staging your home
“Staging, thorough marketing preparation, and amazing professional photos and videos are a necessity,” remarks Rodahaver. Staged properties tend to sell more quickly and often command higher prices because they help buyers better envision the home’s potential. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your St. Pete Home
It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.
Answers to other St. Petersburg home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in St. Petersburg?
While some homes in St. Petersburg can sell quickly, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you require a speedy transaction or lack the time and resources to complete repairs on your property, consider getting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale program.
In just a few moments, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale program provides cash offers for homes in nearly any condition in St. Petersburg, allowing you to avoid staging, showings, and repairs, and close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake St. Petersburg home sellers make?
Rodahaver points out that the most common error sellers make when listing their St. Petersburg home is working with an agent who’s inexperienced, unfamiliar with the immediate market, or uncomfortable having discussions about proper pricing.
“Most of the homes that I see sitting on the market for an unusually long time, or with expired or cancelled listings, are from one or two things (and frequently both): an agent that has listed a home in a market that they are not familiar with, and/or a home that is grossly overpriced,” Rodahaver says.
Find a top St. Petersburg agent for a successful sale
Determining the optimal time to sell a house in St. Petersburg depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Nevertheless, making sure your home sells promptly and for the highest price doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right guidance and expert support, you can make knowledgeable choices and sidestep common challenges.
“One of the absolute most important things when selling a home in this market, and really in any market, is proper pricing and engaging a successful and experienced listing agent,” Rodahaver says. “A good Realtor will provide current, relevant market data, have a solid and proven marketing strategy, a history of successfully selling homes in your area, and be an expert at properly pricing your home. Those are the ingredients that will create a recipe for a great experience and a successful home sale.”
Partnering with a top local agent means having a reliable expert to guide you toward a smooth and profitable sale. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This cutting-edge option lets you access your home equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new home and limit your moves to just one. Watch this short video to learn more.
Header Image Source: (Joe Ciciarelli/Unsplash)
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