Spring tends to give sellers an edge, as the surge in buyer 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 sellers who list during this period can expect to encounter the most favorable combination of housing market conditions at the national level, from higher prices and buyer demand to a brisker sales pace and less competition.
"By balancing prices, inventory, demand, and market pace, sellers are expected to have a better-than-average selling experience by taking advantage of the best week," says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
To identify the optimal week to list a home, Realtor.com researchers analyzed seasonal trends from 2018 until 2024 (excluding 2020, which marked the beginning 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 mix of housing metrics most favorable toward sellers. Those include competition from other sellers, listing prices, days on the market, the likelihood of price reductions, and homebuyer demand.
Mortgage rates are not factored into the score because they are driven by broader economic shifts and do not follow a seasonal pattern.
While the national best time to sell week is April 12-18, the following metros are shaping up to be ideal for sellers now.
1. Cincinnati
Historically, homes listed in Cincinnati during the week beginning March 29 have sold for about $50,000 more than at the start of the year—a gain of roughly 14.7%. As of February, the city’s median listing price stood at $338,841.
Another advantage of listing during this prime window is increased buyer interest. Data shows that properties typically receive 17.5% more views than during an average week on Realtor.com.
Sellers may also benefit from a quicker sale, with homes going under contract about six days faster than usual.
What truly sets this week apart, however, is the combination of lower competition and fewer price reductions. Inventory is expected to be about 18.6% lower than a typical week, giving sellers greater leverage in the market. At the same time, 27.6% fewer listings are projected to reduce their prices, signaling stronger pricing power for those who list.
2. Seattle
Historically, homes listed in Seattle during the week of March 29 have sold for about $76,000 more—roughly 10.2% higher—than those listed at the start of the year, delivering a sizable boost for sellers.
In February, the median listing price in Washington’s largest city reached $794,950.
During the same week beginning March 29, buyer activity typically climbs, with views per property rising 22% above the average week on Realtor.com.
Sellers who move quickly to capitalize on this prime listing window, rather than waiting for the peak of the spring season, may see their homes sell up to 10 days faster than usual.
Another key advantage during this period is fewer price reductions, with 52.3% fewer listings needing to lower their asking price.
Seattle homeowners who are ready to list soon may also benefit from reduced competition, as inventory is expected to be 30.5% lower starting the week of March 29, giving their properties a better chance to stand out.
3. Grand Rapids
In past years, homes listed in Grand Rapids during the week of March 29 have sold for about $34,000 more than at the start of the year—an increase of roughly 8.4%—giving sellers a notable financial edge.
As of February, the median listing price in the Grand Rapids area stood at $399,900.
According to Jones, markets in the Midwest like Grand Rapids are seeing some of the highest demand in the country because they remain relatively affordable and desirable, and supply in these markets is still quite limited.
During the week of March 29, buyer interest typically surges, with views per property jumping 22.6% compared with an average week.
Sellers who act early instead of waiting for the peak of the spring market may also benefit from faster transactions, with homes selling about five days quicker than usual.
One of the most striking advantages during this period is the drop in price reductions, with 54.3% fewer listings needing to cut their asking price.
Competition is also lighter. Sellers entering the market around this time can expect about 27.2% fewer active listings competing for buyers’ attention, creating a more favorable environment to stand out.
