HousingWireHousingWire
Homeowners looking to sell this year may find the middle of April to be the most advantageous time to list, according to a report released Wednesday by Realtor.com.
The report suggests that homes listed between April 13 and April 19 could sell faster, face less competition and command higher prices compared to other times of the year.
“Spring is typically a good time to list your home, and at a time when policy changes and economic turning points create questions and uncertainty, it can be helpful to focus on what we do know,” Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in the report. “Very predictably, homes listed in the spring tend to be priced higher and sell faster than the average week throughout the year.”
Realtor.com’s analysis indicates that homes listed during this week historically have a median listing price that’s 1.1% more than the yearly average and 6.7% higher than at the start of the year. If trends hold this year, sellers could see an average price increase of $4,800 compared to an average week and $27,000 more than a listing in early 2025.
In Realtor.com’s analysis of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, 20 have “best listing start dates” ranging between April 6 and April 27, with most falling between the 13th and the 19th of the month.
All of these metros have optimal listing dates in March or April, with the exception of three: Birmingham, Alabama (May 11); Indianapolis (May 4); and Memphis, Tennessee (May 4).
Additionally, homes listed in the mid-April window have typically sold about nine days faster than the average listing. While market conditions were relatively stable in 2024 due to low inventory and buyer hesitation, an uptick in demand could accelerate the pace of home sales this spring.
Buyer interest is expected to be strong this spring. Realtor.com data suggests that mid-April listings receive approximately 17.7% more views per property than an average week. And mortgage rates, which have remained above 6% for more than two years, have kept many buyers on the sidelines but have recently declined from the 7% range.
Improved inventory and slowing home-price growth could entice buyers back into the market, with further demand increases possible if mortgage rates decline further, according to Realtor.com.
Another factor that favors sellers during this period is reduced competition. Historically, there are 13.2% fewer homes on the market in mid-April compared to an average week. While inventory typically increases throughout the spring and summer, sellers who list earlier may benefit from a less crowded market.
Looking ahead, the 2025 housing market will largely depend on mortgage rates and affordability. Rates are expected to decline to the mid- to low-6% range by the end of the year, although fluctuations remain likely. Inflation trends and Federal Reserve policy decisions will play a key role in determining rate movements, and potential economic shifts could influence buyer confidence.
Later in the year, home prices are projected to peak alongside increased seller competition. By late June 2024, listing prices were 7.6% higher than at the start of the year, but new seller activity had also surged by 46.2%, Realtor.com reported.
Economic uncertainty remains a factor for buyers and sellers alike. While inflation has moderated, ongoing policy discussions — including tariffs that could impact homebuilding costs — may influence market conditions.
Conversely, federal efforts to improve housing affordability could provide relief. The broader impact of these factors remains unclear, and market participants may hesitate until more clarity emerges, Realtor.com added.
