Best months: March through May
Spring is widely recognized as the strongest selling season across most U.S. markets. Buyers are motivated, curb appeal improves naturally, and families aim to move before the next school year.
Increased Buyer Demand: More buyers begin searching after winter, driving competition and higher offers.
Natural Curb Appeal: Lawns are green, flowers bloom, and outdoor spaces show beautifully.
Better Weather for Showings: Comfortable temperatures make open houses and tours more pleasant.
Family Timing: Many families prefer closing and moving before summer break ends.
A 3-bedroom single-family home in Georgia listed in April may receive multiple offers within a week — compared to one listed in December, which may linger longer due to lower buyer activity.
Best months: June through August
Summer remains an active period, though demand can taper slightly later in the season. Many buyers who started searching in spring are still looking — especially families trying to settle before school resumes.
High Relocation Activity: Job transfers often occur mid-year, bringing new buyers to the area.
School-Year Motivation: Parents want to close and move before classes start.
Extended Daylight Hours: Easier scheduling for showings and evening tours.
In Florida, where winter tourism drives population shifts, homes listed in early summer often capture relocating buyers finalizing moves after visiting during the winter months.
Best months: September through early November
Buyer traffic cools slightly in fall, but those still searching tend to be serious and ready to purchase. Inventory is often lower, which helps listings stand out.
Less Competition: Fewer listings means motivated buyers have fewer options.
Serious Buyers: Those still in the market often have specific deadlines (relocation, investment timelines, etc.).
Quicker Sales: Motivated sellers and buyers tend to agree faster on terms.
A condo listed in late September in Tennessee might attract investors or downsizers looking to close before year-end for tax purposes.
Best months: December through February
While winter is typically slower, that can work in favor of sellers who need to move quickly or want to stand out in a low-inventory market.
Less Competition: Many sellers wait until spring, leaving fewer homes on the market.
Highly Motivated Buyers: Relocation buyers and investors are often active during this time.
Holiday Curb Appeal: Decorated homes can feel inviting and emotional — sparking strong offers.
In southern states like Florida and Texas, winter can actually be a peak time for snowbird buyers or those relocating from colder states. Listings in January often see steady activity while northern markets slow down.
Each market behaves differently:
Florida: Demand rises in winter and early spring, when northern buyers migrate south.
Georgia & Alabama: Spring and early summer bring the most consistent buyer traffic.
North Carolina & Tennessee: Late spring through early fall performs best, before weather cools.
Texas: Spring and fall are strong; summer heat can slow showing activity slightly.
Agents should review their local MLS data or use BoldTrail CMA tools to confirm regional trends before advising clients.
The best time to list isn’t just about the season — it’s about when the home is truly market-ready.
Encourage sellers to:
Complete any necessary repairs or updates.
Declutter and stage the home.
Get professional photos taken when lighting and landscaping are at their best.
A home that’s prepared and priced right will sell faster than one rushed to market in the “perfect season” but not presentation-ready.