When choosing the best time to sell a house, having current data matters. Recent market insights for 2024 show that timing still plays a huge role in setting your final price and cutting your listing time. Families continue to plan moves around the school calendar, and more stable mortgage interest rates help encourage buyers to explore new options. This year, the housing market shows subtle signs of growth, making it a good idea to know when to list a home.
The time of year you pick to sell a house can affect its final price. It can also shape how long it sits on the market. In 2024, changes in buyer habits are still clear.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2024 Housing Market Forecast report, the average homebuyer wants to move before the next school year starts.
This pattern repeats each spring and early summer. During this busy season, your home for sale can draw more offers from eager buyers.
The average time to sell a home varies by market, but national trends give clues. According to NAR’s early 2024 housing data, homes listed in late April through June often go under contract about 15% faster compared to listings in January or February.
While exact days on the market differ by region, this uptick in spring has stayed true for several years. In strong local markets with high demand, this difference can mean selling your home a few weeks earlier than expected.
The best month to sell a house in U.S markets has often been April or May. This year, that timing still appears key. As shared in the Realtor.com 2024 Housing Forecast, listings during May 2024 are projected to sell about ten days faster than those listed in March. Sellers can also gain a slight price premium.
| Month | Buyer Activity | Average Days on Market | Potential Price Premium |
| January | Low | 50+ days | -3% |
| February | Low to Moderate | 45-50 days | -2% |
| March | Moderate | 40-45 days | ±0% |
| April | High | 30-35 days | +1% |
| May | Very High | 25-30 days | +2% |
| June | High | 30-35 days | +1.5% |
| July | Moderate | 35-40 days | ±0% |
| August | Moderate | 40-45 days | -1% |
| September | Low to Moderate | 45-50 days | -2% |
| October | Low | 50+ days | -3% |
“As inventory remains tight, sellers who list their homes in May 2024 may still get a premium, likely around 2% above the national median.” -Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale
The best day to list a house can also influence results. Data from a Zillow 2024 Analysis shows that homes listed on Thursdays in peak months often receive more weekend showings.
Zillow’s study notes that Thursday listings in May 2024 may get up to 18% more showings in the first four days on the market than those listed on Mondays.
| Day of the Week | Advantages | Drawbacks |
| Monday | Early exposure for the week | Low weekend planning time for buyers |
| Tuesday | Allows for midweek buyer activity | May still miss weekend-focused buyers |
| Thursday | Aligns with weekend planning; highest initial showings (18% more on average) | Requires preparation earlier in the week |
| Friday | Good for last-minute weekend interest | Risk of lower exposure by Sunday |
| Saturday | High foot traffic for open houses | Limited online visibility before weekend ends |
| Sunday | End-of-week interest from serious buyers | May miss casual browsers planning ahead |
By aiming for Thursday, you can match your home’s debut with buyers’ weekend plans.
Market signals suggest that 2024 is seeing stable mortgage interest rates.
Did you know that? The NAR 2024 Forecast projects a modest 1.2% increase in median home prices nationwide by the end of the year, bringing the median from about $386,300 in 2023 to almost $391,000 in 2024.
| Factor | Impact on Sale Time | Explanation |
| Season | High | Spring and early summer sales are faster due to buyer activity |
| Local Job Growth | High | New jobs increase demand for housing |
| Mortgage Interest Rates | Moderate | Lower rates attract more buyers |
| Home Condition | High | Well-maintained homes sell faster |
| Pricing Strategy | Very High | Correct pricing reduces time on market |
| Market Inventory | Moderate to High | Fewer homes for sale increase buyer urgency |
“In real estate, timing isn’t just important because it’s everything. Knowing the market and seasonal trends can transform a listing into a fast sale at a great price.” – Jennifer Carter, Real Estate Analyst, 2024
House loan rates remain higher than during the pandemic. However, they are stable now. This makes folks feel better about putting in offers.
“We think people will buy more homes in late spring 2024 when rates stay steady,” –Lawrence Yun, Top Economist at NAR
This means if you’re planning to sell your house this year, the next few months could be a good time to do so.
Seasons still rule buyer behavior in 2024. Spring and early summer remain the top seasons to hit the market. Warm weather and flexible school schedules encourage families to move. With the NAR data showing slightly higher median home values this year, this pattern has not changed much.
If you must sell in winter, fewer buyers will search, but you may face less competition. This gives serious buyers a better chance to focus on your listing.
While national stats help, remember that your local market may not follow every trend. Cities with fast-growing jobs or rising new-home construction may see different patterns.
Check recent local sales and talk to a trusted real estate agent who knows your neighborhood. They can guide you on the best time to sell a house, factoring in local trends and inventory.
Want to sell house fast? Contact a professional real estate agent or company to save your time.
In 2024, even during peak selling seasons, fair pricing remains key. Aim for a listing price that aligns with recent sales of similar homes. If your price is too high, you risk scaring off potential buyers. The price is too low, and you might leave money on the table. An expert agent can help you strike the right balance.
For expert guidance on timing and pricing, visit Red Head Home Properties today.
| Feature | Spring (April-May) | Winter (December-February) |
| Buyer Interest | Very High | Low |
| Days on Market | 25-35 days | 50+ days |
| Competition | Higher (More Listings) | Lower (Fewer Listings) |
| Price Premium | +1-2% | -2-3% |
This year, reliable sources continue to update their figures. The NAR, Realtor.com, Zillow, and other housing sites post regular insights.
For example, Zillow’s 2024 data suggest a slight 3% increase in the national median home value by December 2024. Such info helps you pick an ideal time to sell based on market signals.
In 2024, timing your home sale still matters. May stands out as the best month to sell a house, and listing on a Thursday can help bring in more showings. Stabilized mortgage interest rates and modest price growth have created a steady environment for sellers. By tapping into spring buyer demand, pricing your home fairly, and trusting fresh data, you can aim for a top-dollar sale.
Get a custom selling plan from Red Head Home Properties to boost your results.
May 2024 looks promising, with data showing faster sales and slightly higher prices.
It varies by location. National data suggests homes can sell about 15% faster in late spring than in early winter.
Yes. Stable rates make buyers feel more confident. The NAR expects a small price uptick by year’s end.
Thursday listings often draw weekend visitors. Zillow’s 2024 study shows up to 18% more showings for Thursday debuts in May.
Yes. Local job growth, school calendars, and housing supply can influence the best time to sell in your area.
Yes, if you price fairly and prepare the home well. Some buyers shop year-round and face fewer options in winter.
Check trusted sources like the National Association of Realtors, Realtor.com, Zillow, and talk to a local agent.
