Is Spring the Best Time to Sell Your Home?

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, or anywhere in the East Bay, you’ve probably heard that spring is the best time to sell. But is it always true? Let’s break it down.

Why So Many Homes Hit the Market in Spring

More homes are listed in March, April, and May than in any other time of year—and that’s not a coincidence.

Spring aligns with:

• Better weather, making homes look more appealing.

• Families preparing for school changes over the summer.

• Buyers re-entering the market after the holidays.

That demand tends to push home prices slightly higher. In a typical market, values rise in spring, hold steady through summer, then see another bump in early fall before flattening at year-end.

So, Is Spring Actually the Best Time to Sell?

Here’s the honest answer:
There’s no bad time to sell—if your house is priced and marketed correctly.

Spring does offer advantages:

• More buyer activity

• Potential for multiple offers

• Faster sales in competitive neighborhoods

But here’s the catch:
If you wait until late spring, say May or June, many of the most motivated buyers may have already purchased. And with more homes hitting the market, your listing has more competition.

Why February and March Might Be Better Than April or May

In our experience helping East Bay sellers, we’ve seen a smart strategy emerge:
List early—February or March—right after the Super Bowl.

Here’s why:

• Buyers are already active and motivated.

• There’s less inventory, meaning less competition.

• Your home has a chance to stand out before the flood of listings arrives.

Plus, if your home is marketed well and priced right, early spring buyers will jump on it.

But What If You Can’t List in Spring?

That’s okay. While spring might be ideal for some sellers, the truth is that homes sell year-round. Life changes, job relocations, or downsizing needs don’t always follow the calendar.

We’ve helped sellers get excellent results in summer, fall, and even winter—it just requires a tailored approach to pricing and marketing based on the season.

Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Sell Is When You're Ready

Spring might be the most active season, but the best time to sell your home is when:

• You’ve prepped the home properly.

• You’re working with a trusted agent.

• You have a clear strategy.

If that happens to be spring, great. But if not, don’t worry. There are always serious buyers out there.

Thinking about selling this year?
Message us at Ask Brendan. We’ll help you figure out the best timing—and get your home sold for the best price, no matter the season.