Find an Agent

Why March and April Are the Best Months to Sell a House

3D image of a calendar

🗓️ What are the best months to sell a house? 🗓️
According to Zillow data, March and April are the best months to sell a house — but in general, you’ll want to sell your home in the window between March and September.
Show more

According to conventional wisdom and historic sales data, May has reputation as the best month to sell a house.

But recent Zillow data suggests March may be an even better month for home sellers. After excluding data from the first year of the pandemic, Zillow found that homes listed between March 11 and 18 sell most quickly.

Zillow also found that homes listed in April are most likely to sell above asking price.

However, your chances of selling your home plummet after September. By October, you’re unlikely to sell for more than your asking price.

But why does real estate follow such a predictable seasonal pattern? Read on to discover six factors that make the warmer months best for home sellers.

1. School’s Out for Summer

Ask anyone who’s been the “new kid,” and they’ll tell you that moving in the middle of the academic year is rough. From making friends to catching up on curriculum, mid-year moves can wreak havoc on kids and parents alike.

That’s why families who need to move often prefer to buy in the spring or early summer and move just after school lets out.

By the time you need to shop for school supplies, your kids will be settled and ready for a fresh start.

2. There Are More Hours of Daylight

Additional hours of daylight mean your house has more time to look its best.

If prospective buyers come to look at your home after work on a weekday, they’ll be able to see the way warm summer sunsets illuminate your living spaces.

If you have a yard, prospective buyers will be able to envision relaxing in your garden or hosting dinner parties on the patio.

By contrast, buyers who visit your home during the dark, cold days of winter may fail to notice or appreciate your home’s full potential.

3. Demand Is Generally Higher in Summer

Although more homes are listed in spring and summer, more prospective buyers are also house hunting.

Plus, people looking for a home in summer are often very serious about moving — fast. They’re highly motivated to close a deal before the school year starts again (or, the busy third quarter crunch that precedes the autumn holidays).

4. You Can Potentially Earn More From Your Home Sale

Your home’s listing price will depend in part on comparable, recently sold homes near you — and in spring and summer, you’ll have a wealth of data because more homes are selling.

You can also price your home more aggressively when demand is up and more buyers are out hunting for their dream homes.

5. You’ll Avoid Winter Holidays

The colder months bring a wave of holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve and everything in between. Home buyers are unlikely to welcome the stress of closing a deal and moving when they’re trying to celebrate the season with family and friends.

6. Your Lawn Makes a Great First Impression

A well-kept lawn really makes the grass look greener to potential buyers! According to one survey, 94 percent of agents recommend that homeowners update their outdoor landscaping before putting a house on the market. Having a well-manicured lawn increases the curb appeal of your home and makes a positive first impression for potential buyers.

During the months of March and April, outdoor landscaping thrives. It’s a time when many flowers blossom, and tree foliage is full, and grass is at its healthiest during this time. For those with a pool, backyard patio, or firepit, this weather highlights the benefits of your outdoor space much more than other seasons can.

Recommended Reading

Interested in buying or selling?

We've improved the traditional real estate model with modern technology to cut costs, not quality.

Get started today