Best Time to Sell a House in 2026: State-by-State Data

Timing can add 5-12% to your sale price, and that is not a guess. It is what the data shows year after year across every major housing market in the country. If you are searching for the best time to sell a house, the answer depends on where you live, but the national trend is remarkably consistent: spring and early summer crush every other season.

On a $400,000 home, a 5-12% timing premium translates to $20,000-$48,000 in extra proceeds. That is more than most sellers spend on agent commissions. Yet the majority of homeowners list whenever it is convenient rather than when the data says they will get the highest price. This guide gives you the exact months to target in your state, the reasons behind seasonal pricing patterns, and the carrying cost math that makes waiting worthwhile.

National Overview: The Best and Worst Months to Sell

Across the United States, March through June is consistently the best window to sell a home. Within that range, late April through mid-June is the sweet spot, with homes selling for 7-9% above the annual median price according to ATTOM Data Solutions.

The worst months are November through January, when sale prices drop 4-6% below the annual average and homes sit on the market 15-30 days longer.

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of national pricing trends:

| Month | Price vs Annual Avg | Avg Days on Market | Buyer Demand | |---|---|---|---| | January | -5.2% | 68 days | Low | | February | -3.8% | 62 days | Low-Medium | | March | +1.4% | 54 days | Medium-High | | April | +4.7% | 46 days | High | | May | +8.1% | 38 days | Very High | | June | +7.4% | 41 days | Very High | | July | +4.2% | 45 days | High | | August | +2.1% | 49 days | Medium-High | | September | -0.3% | 53 days | Medium | | October | -2.1% | 57 days | Medium-Low | | November | -4.5% | 64 days | Low | | December | -6.1% | 71 days | Very Low |

Source: ATTOM Data Solutions, Redfin, and Zillow aggregate data, 2023-2025 averages.

Why Spring Wins: The Forces Behind Seasonal Pricing

The spring premium is not random. Five powerful forces converge every year to create a predictable surge in buyer demand.

1. The Family Buying Cycle

Families with school-age children overwhelmingly prefer to move during summer break. That means they start house hunting in March and April to close by June or July. Families account for roughly 33% of home buyers (NAR 2024), and their concentrated demand in spring drives up competition and sale prices.

2. Better Weather, Better Curb Appeal

Spring landscaping, blooming flowers, and green lawns make homes look their best. Research from the University of Texas shows that homes photographed in spring sell for 2-4% more than the same homes photographed in winter, even controlling for all other factors. Buyers make emotional decisions, and a home that looks warm and inviting commands a premium.

3. Tax Refund Season

The average federal tax refund in 2025 was $3,167 (IRS data). For many first-time buyers, that refund goes directly toward a down payment. The influx of cash into buyer bank accounts in February through April fuels spring purchasing activity.

4. Longer Daylight Hours

More daylight means more showing availability. In northern states, the shift from sunset at 5:00 PM in January to 8:30 PM in June effectively doubles the window for after-work showings. More showings mean more offers, and more offers mean higher sale prices.

5. Inventory Surge Creates a Marketplace Effect

When more sellers list in spring, it actually helps rather than hurts. Higher inventory attracts more buyers to the market because there is more to choose from. This "marketplace effect" increases overall buyer activity, and well-priced, well-presented homes benefit from the heightened foot traffic.

State-by-State: Best and Worst Months to Sell

While spring dominates nationally, the best time to sell a house varies meaningfully by state. Climate, local economies, tourism patterns, and migration trends all shift the optimal window.

Top 20 States: Best and Worst Selling Months

| State | Best 3 Months | Worst 3 Months | Peak Premium | |---|---|---|---| | California | April, May, June | November, December, January | +9.2% | | Texas | March, April, May | November, December, January | +6.8% | | Florida | January, February, March | August, September, October | +7.5% | | New York | May, June, July | November, December, January | +8.4% | | Pennsylvania | May, June, July | December, January, February | +7.1% | | Illinois | April, May, June | November, December, January | +8.9% | | Ohio | May, June, July | December, January, February | +7.3% | | Georgia | March, April, May | November, December, January | +6.5% | | North Carolina | April, May, June | November, December, January | +6.9% | | Michigan | May, June, July | December, January, February | +9.1% | | New Jersey | May, June, July | November, December, January | +8.7% | | Virginia | April, May, June | December, January, February | +7.2% | | Washington | May, June, July | November, December, January | +10.1% | | Arizona | November, December, January | June, July, August | +8.3% | | Massachusetts | April, May, June | November, December, January | +9.5% | | Tennessee | March, April, May | November, December, January | +6.1% | | Indiana | May, June, July | December, January, February | +7.8% | | Missouri | April, May, June | November, December, January | +7.0% | | Maryland | April, May, June | November, December, January | +7.6% | | Colorado | March, April, May | November, December, January | +8.0% |

Source: Zillow Home Value Index seasonal data, Redfin regional reports, 2023-2025.

Regional Exceptions: When the National Pattern Does Not Apply

Several regions deviate significantly from the spring-is-best national norm. If you live in one of these areas, the best time to sell a house follows a completely different calendar.

Florida: Snowbird Season Peaks January-April

Florida's housing market is driven heavily by seasonal migration. Snowbirds from the Northeast and Midwest flood the state from November through April, creating peak buying demand in January through March. By summer, temperatures soar, hurricane season begins (June 1), and buyer activity drops 15-20%. If you are selling in Miami, Tampa, or Orlando, listing in late January gives you the largest buyer pool.

Arizona and Nevada: Winter Escape Markets

Like Florida, Arizona and Nevada attract winter visitors and retirees fleeing cold weather. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas see peak demand from November through February. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees in Phoenix, and buyer activity drops 25-30% from June through September.

Mountain Resort Towns: Dual Peaks

Colorado ski towns (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge) and similar mountain resort markets see two peaks: summer (June-August) for full-time residents and winter (November-January) for vacation property buyers. Year-round residents should target summer, while investment property sellers do better in ski season.

Pacific Northwest: After the Rain

Oregon and Washington have compressed selling seasons. The rainy period from October through April keeps buyer activity muted. The market surges in May through July once the weather breaks, with Seattle and Portland seeing their highest prices in June and July. Washington state's +10.1% peak premium is one of the highest in the country precisely because the selling season is so compressed.

The Carrying Cost Factor: Why Every Month of Waiting Matters

Understanding timing is only half the equation. You also need to weigh the carrying costs of waiting for peak season against the higher sale price you might achieve.

For a typical $400,000 home, monthly carrying costs include:

| Expense | Monthly Cost | |---|---| | Mortgage payment (principal + interest) | $2,100 | | Property taxes | $400 | | Homeowner's insurance | $175 | | HOA fees (if applicable) | $250 | | Utilities and maintenance | $300 | | Total monthly carrying cost | $3,225 - $7,000+ |

If waiting three months for peak season adds 7% to your sale price ($28,000 on a $400K home), but carrying costs total $9,675-$21,000, your net benefit from waiting is still $7,000-$18,000. In almost every scenario, the math favors waiting for the right month.

However, there are exceptions. If you are paying two mortgages (already bought your next home), carrying costs double and the calculus shifts. And in extremely hot markets where multiple offers are common year-round, the seasonal premium shrinks. Use our free net proceeds calculator to run the numbers for your specific situation.

How Long Does It Take to Sell Once You List?

Timing your listing also means understanding the time on market in your area. If the average home in your market takes 45 days to sell and you want to close by July 1, you need to list by mid-May at the latest.

National averages for 2025:

| Market Type | Avg Days on Market | Offers Per Listing | |---|---|---| | Hot market (SF, Austin, Raleigh) | 18-28 days | 3-6 offers | | Normal market (most suburbs) | 35-55 days | 1-3 offers | | Cool market (rural, oversupplied) | 60-120 days | 0-1 offers |

Factor in 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, and the total timeline from listing to receiving your check is typically 60-100 days. Learn more about the full selling timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the worst time to sell a house?

Late November through early January is the worst time nationally. Holiday distractions, cold weather, and shorter days reduce buyer activity by 30-40% compared to peak season. Sale prices in December average 6.1% below the annual median. However, the flip side is that buyers who are active during the holidays tend to be highly motivated, so you may sell faster to a serious buyer, just at a lower price.

Does timing matter in a seller's market?

Yes, but less. In a strong seller's market with low inventory, the seasonal premium shrinks from 7-9% to roughly 3-5%. You will still get more in spring, but the penalty for selling off-season is smaller. In a buyer's market with high inventory, timing matters even more because buyers have leverage and the seasonal premium can exceed 10%.

How far in advance should I prepare to sell?

Start preparing 2-3 months before your target listing date. This gives you time for repairs, staging, decluttering, and photographer scheduling. If you are targeting a May listing, begin prep work in February or March. Pre-listing home inspections (which cost $300-$500) can help you identify and fix issues before buyers find them.

Should I wait for spring if I need to sell now?

Not necessarily. If you are paying carrying costs of $5,000+/month and the seasonal premium in your market is only 5-7%, waiting four months costs $20,000 in carrying costs but only adds $20,000-$28,000 to your sale price. The net benefit is slim or nonexistent. Run the numbers with our calculator to see if waiting makes financial sense for your specific situation.

What about the best day of the week to list?

Research from Redfin and Zillow shows that homes listed on Thursday receive the most views and offers. Thursday listings give buyers the weekend to schedule showings and write offers. Avoid listing on Friday afternoon or over the weekend when buyer attention is split.

The Bottom Line

The best time to sell a house is driven by hard data, not gut feeling. Nationally, March through June commands a 7-9% price premium, but your state and local market may follow a different pattern. Florida peaks in winter, Arizona peaks in fall, and the Pacific Northwest compresses everything into a short summer window. Whatever your market, the key is to start planning 2-3 months early and use the carrying cost math to confirm that waiting for peak season actually nets you more. Use our Timeline Optimizer tool to find the exact best month for your state and see how timing affects your net proceeds.