A Smarter Way to Time the Market This Year

As we head into the new year, most homeowners start thinking about selling “in the spring.” It’s the advice we’ve all heard for years, and it’s the way many people have been conditioned to approach the market. The truth is: the market does have a seasonal rhythm… but the best strategy isn’t always to follow the crowd.

The market has a rhythm and timing beats tradition

When we look at recent years, the pattern is clear: sales volume tends to build into spring and early summer. That’s when more buyers are out, more homes are listed, and more transactions happen.

But here’s the part most people miss:

The highest sale prices often show up before the busiest season does.

Late winter and early spring can be a powerful window because buyer activity is starting to rise, but inventory hasn’t fully ramped up yet. That matters. Fewer competing listings often means more attention, more urgency, and stronger negotiating leverage for sellers. Once the traditional spring wave hits, inventory climbs and buyers have more options. More choice can soften urgency, and it becomes harder to stand out — even in a busy market.

If selling felt tough before, it might not have been “just the market”

If you’re thinking about selling this year or if you’ve tried in the past and didn’t get the result you wanted, it might not be just the market. It may have been your timing and your marketing. Launching at the right time with the right plan can change the outcome. Timing helps you avoid the most crowded part of the market, while marketing ensures your home stands out once buyers show up.

The “sell-first” strategy most people overlook

There’s also a second advantage to selling earlier that many homeowners don’t consider: it can set you up for a better purchase.

A smart approach can look like this:

1. Sell early in the year when buyer activity is rising and competition is lower
   
   
2. Negotiate a longer closing date so you’re not rushed
   
   
3. Buy later when spring inventory is higher, giving you more options and more negotiating power
   
   
4. Line up your closing dates so the move feels planned, not frantic

In simple terms: sell when supply is tight and demand is rising then buy when selection is better and leverage improves.

What this means for you

If you’re even considering a move this year, now is a great time to think strategically rather than defaulting to the “spring market” out of habit. The goal isn’t just to sell when it’s busy — it’s to sell when you have the most leverage. If you’d like, I’m happy to share what this timing and marketing strategy could look like specifically for your home and your goals.

Brandon Hebert
The Hebert Group
416.949.7529