The best time to sell (and worst to buy) has almost arrived

If you’re angling to sell your home for top dollar, circle late May on your calendar.

Zillow found that, in most parts of the country, properties listed during the last two weeks of May sell for the highest prices—about 1.7% more or $6,000 on a typical home. Why? Because that’s when buyers flood the market, bidding up prices.

But that timing isn’t one-size-fits-all: In San Jose, CA, the best window hits way earlier; the first two weeks of February are when sellers can score a 3.1% premium (about $53,800). Baltimore, meanwhile, peaks the latest, in the second half of June, when sellers can snag 2% more ($8,000).

Still, chasing peak prices comes with trade-offs. For one, you’ll face more competition from other sellers targeting the same buyers. That’s why Realtor.com urged sellers to list a bit earlier this year: April 12–18. This week boasts an ideal balance of 11.9% fewer properties than average, 16.7% more views per listing, a nine-day faster sales pace, and a 1.3% higher price (around $5,300).

Broader market conditions are also improving, setting the stage for a busy spring. With mortgage rates now closer to 6%—down from around 7% last year—Zillow expects home sales to rise 4.4% in 2026.

“I’m listing three weeks earlier than I did last spring, ahead of the wave,” says Florida real estate investor and agent Alexei Morgado. “Lower rates got a lot of people back in the game.”

Sellers are also ditching the old “aim high and adjust later” dance.

“Last spring, I could test a higher price. Not this year,” says New Jersey–based investor Derek Lopez. “There’s no time for aspirational pricing.” With more inventory and faster deals, he’s pricing “tighter from day one” and spending more upfront on repairs. “Preparation has supplanted patience as the new strategy,” he explains.

As for what this means for buyers: Spring shoppers will likely pay a premium, so die-hard deal hunters may want to wait until October, traditionally the cheapest time to buy. Still, even in a competitive spring market, timing can work in your favor.

“Buyers who wait until May will go up against a wave of competition,” Lopez says. “As a buyer, I’m starting sooner, too.”