Spring tends to give sellers an edge, as increased consumer activity shifts the market in their favor.
For sellers in Cincinnati, Seattle, and Grand Rapids, MI, the week of March 29–April 4 is the Best Time to Sell according to Realtor.com® economists.
Experts say that sellers who list during this period can expect to encounter a very favorable combination of housing market conditions at the national level, from high prices and consumer demand to fast sales and less competition.
“By measuring prices, inventory, demand, and market velocity, retailers are expected to have a better-than-average sales experience through the best week,” it said.Hannah Jonessenior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
To identify the best week to list a home, Realtor.com researchers analyzed seasonal trends from 2018 through 2024 (excluding 2020, which marked the start of the COVID-19 pandemic) and calculated a Best Time to Sell score for each week of the year. The score is based on a combination of real estate metrics that are best suited for sellers. That includes competition from other sellers, listing prices, days on market, price reduction opportunities, and home buyer demand.
Mortgage rates are not included in the result because they are driven by broader economic shifts and do not follow a seasonal pattern.
While the best time nationally to sell a week is April 12-18, the following metros are developing to be ready for sellers now.
1. Cincinnati
Historically, homes listed in Cincinnati during the week beginning March 29 sold for about $50,000 more than earlier this year — a gain of nearly 14.7%. As of February, the city’s listing price averaged $338,841.
Another benefit of listing during this prime window is increased buyer interest. Data shows that properties typically receive 17.5% more views than an average week on Realtor.com.
Sellers can also benefit from quick sales, with homes going under contract about six days sooner than usual.
What really sets this week apart, however, is the combination of low competition and a few price cuts. Inventory is expected to be 18.6% lower than the average week, giving retailers more leverage in the market. At the same time, 27.6% fewer listings are expected to reduce their prices, indicating strong pricing power for those listing.
2. Seattle
Historically, homes listed in Seattle during the week of March 29 sold for about $76,000 more — about 10.2% more — than those listed at the beginning of the year, giving sellers a big boost.
In February, the median listing price in metropolitan Washington reached $794,950.
During the week beginning March 29, buyer activity is generally up, with views per property up 22% over the average week on Realtor.com.
Sellers who move quickly to capitalize on this prime listing window, rather than waiting for the height of the spring season, can see their homes sell up to 10 days sooner than usual.
Another important benefit this time is fewer price cuts, with 52.3% fewer listings needing to lower their price.
Seattle homeowners ready to list soon may benefit from reduced competition, as inventory is expected to be 30.5% lower as of the week of March 29, giving their properties a better chance to stand out.
3. Grand Rapids
In previous years, homes listed in Grand Rapids during the week of March 29 sold for about $34,000 more than at the beginning of the year – an increase of about 8.4% – giving sellers a tangible financial edge.
As of February, the median listing price in the Grand Rapids area stood at $399,900.
According to Jones, Midwest markets like Grand Rapids are seeing some of the highest demand in the country because they remain affordable and desirable, and supply in these markets is still limited.
During the week of March 29, buyer interest generally increased, with views per property jumping 22.6% compared to the average week.
Sellers who act early instead of waiting for the spring market to peak can also benefit from faster transactions, with homes selling about five days faster than usual.
One of the most notable benefits during this period is the decrease in price, with 54.3% fewer listings needing to be reduced in price.
Competition is also easy. Sellers entering the market at this time can expect 27.2% fewer active listings competing for buyers’ attention, creating an ideal environment for them to stand out.
