When Is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Selling your house is an exciting prospect that opens the door to so many different opportunities and interactions. Throughout the sale, you’ll meet various interesting people, go through turbulent emotions, and kiss your beloved home goodbye. But, before you do that, you must consider when the market conditions are favorable enough for you to sell. We’ll explore the ideal time to put your home on the market so you can achieve the smoothest sale possible.

Though the real estate market is different in every state, many sellers will begin preparing for their house to be sold early in the year to get it listed by spring or early summer. Across the country, the market performs well around this time of year. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and people are starting to transition out of the school year. In 2022, the National Association of Realtors claimed that mid-April was the perfect time to sell your home. Even with the real estate climate changing yearly, this time is generally good for selling.

As folks begin to rise from the stress of the holidays, they are keen to set themselves up for a productive spring full of cleaning, reassessing their lifestyle, and finding out where they’d like to settle come fall when the school year resumes. When summer arrives, life slows down a bit, and this is the perfect time to schedule open houses and take advantage of the warm, breezy nights for evening showings. Aim to list your home between April and June to benefit from these environmental and social changes.

In Montana, one of the best times to sell your home remains the late spring to early summer, preferably June to early July. This is when curb appeal is strongest. Blue skies stretch across beautiful land, highlighting well-manicured lawns, glimmering paint, and blooming flowers. Children are more apt to play outside, and the community, in general, tends to feel more relaxed and personable, which is hugely attractive for buyers.

Though the winter is great for curb appeal, too, there is simply too much going on toward the end of the year to make selling as profitable as it should be. The snow makes attending open houses and showings more challenging, and the holidays tend to take up any free weekends people may have. On top of this, late fall to mid-winter signifies the beginning to middle of the school year, and families with children will find it less appealing to plan a move during this time.

Selling your home in the spring is one of the best decisions. You want to give people a sense of inspiration and hope when they tour your home. Early afternoon showings, when the sun is high and bright, allow you to open the curtains and bring depth and light into the house. A paint refresh of neutral colors and pastels is a great way to let your home's best features stand out, like ornate windows or pristine flooring.

The kids are out of school, the days are longer, and folks are more inclined to explore activities outside their homes. This includes going to open houses and leaving the possibility of beginning a whole new chapter in their lives. Beyond the emotional component, the numbers don’t lie —  studies show that peak season (May to August) accounts for the most activity on the market in the Northwest.

A fall sale is not as complex as a winter sale but has obstacles nonetheless. The fall is usually when people begin to settle into their new homes, preparing for the winter ahead and getting the children adjusted to the new school year. However, some people are looking to commit to a quick sale before winter rolls in, which is great if you’ve found yourself ready to sell after peak season. Take advantage of the scenic aspect of the fall by taking high-definition, beautiful pictures of the exterior of your home, especially once the leaves have changed colors. This is an excellent time to show off the power of heat-producing amenities, too — change the air filters, and don’t be afraid to show off the fireplace.

As mentioned previously, a winter sale can be complex, especially in Montana. The snow can cause trouble for buyers commuting far, making it a trip full of stress and concern that can affect their emotional connection with the house. Those looking to purchase a home in the winter are likely trying to take advantage of price dips due to low inventory and demand, so when it comes to getting the best price, you may not fare well from December to March.

However, if a winter sale is necessary, invest in thorough snow removal and routine home cleanings. Snow creates slush and mud, visibly tracking throughout the house, so be sure to prepare for the mess foot traffic can bring. Creating ambiance is crucial, so take advantage of cozy winter motifs like a fire or warm decor like fluffy blankets and thick, holiday-themed linens in the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Though there is plenty of proof that the housing market is subject to seasonality, there is no need to worry. With a fantastic real estate professional at your side, you’ll be able to introduce your home to many interested buyers willing to offer you the best price any time of the year.

Rebecca Johnson is a Kitsap County real estate advisor with years of experience helping buyers and sellers find real estate success. With Rebecca, there is no off-season — you’ll receive hands-on assistance from a passionate Realtor who knows how to find the right buyer for your home year-round. Reach out to Rebecca today for more information on how to sell your Montana home!

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