The Best Time To Sell: Why April 13-19 Is The Ideal Week

If you’re a homeowner planning to sell in 2025, now is the time to prepare. According to housing market trends, the week of April 13-19, 2025, is expected to be the best time of the year to list your home. This window presents the most favorable market conditions for sellers, making it an optimal time to maximize your home’s value and attract serious buyers.

A recent study from Realtor.com® found that 53% of home sellers took a month or less to get their home market-ready, meaning the time to start preparing is now. This conclusion is based on an extensive analysis of historical housing data from 2018-2024 (excluding 2020), identifying patterns that favor sellers. While mortgage rates weren’t factored into the “Best Time to Sell” score—since they fluctuate due to broader economic forces—the data clearly highlights the advantages of listing during this prime week.

Key Benefits of Listing April 13-19, 2025

A study of past housing market trends from 2018-2024 (excluding 2020 due to its market disruptions) shows that mid-April consistently offers favorable conditions for sellers. Realtor.com’s analysis looked at key metrics such as listing prices, competition from other sellers, homebuyer demand, and market pace to determine which week of the year offers the best advantages for sellers.
Each week was given a “Best Time to Sell” score based on how well it benefits home sellers. April 13-19 ranked at the top because:

  ✅ Higher Home Prices

Historically, homes listed during this week have sold for 1.1% more than the yearly average and 6.7% more than the start of the year. If the market follows the previous years’ trends, the national median listing price could be $4,800 higher than the average week and $27,000 higher than January prices. This increase in potential profit can give sellers the financial flexibility to invest in a new home, pay down debt, or boost their savings.

For example, in 2024, homes listed in mid-April in high-demand markets like Salt Lake City and Provo saw bidding wars, leading to sellers receiving offers well above the asking price. The combination of peak seasonal demand and relatively lower competition makes this an ideal window for maximizing returns.

  ✅ Increased Buyer Demand

More buyers actively search for homes in early spring, and this week has consistently seen 17.7% more listing views than an average week. This means greater visibility for your home, leading to more inquiries, showings, and potential offers.

Buyers who delayed their purchase in 2024 due to high mortgage rates are expected to re-enter the market in 2025 as affordability improves. Additionally, first-time homebuyers and families looking to relocate before the summer will be more motivated to make quick decisions. For sellers, this increased demand translates to a better chance of securing a strong offer in a shorter time frame.

✅ Faster Home Sales

Homes listed during April 13-19 tend to sell 9 days faster than homes listed in other weeks. In 2024, homes sold in 46 days on average during this period—5 days faster than the yearly average and 7 days faster than in 2019.

A faster sale not only reduces the stress of prolonged showings and negotiations but also saves sellers money on carrying costs such as mortgage payments, utilities, and maintenance. Additionally, a shorter time on the market often means fewer price reductions, helping sellers retain more of their home’s value.

✅ Lower Competition from Other Sellers

Fewer homes tend to be on the market during this week, meaning 13.2% fewer listings compared to the yearly average. With less competition, your home has a better chance of standing out and receiving multiple offers.

In competitive markets, a well-prepared home can attract multiple bids, leading to favorable terms such as waived contingencies or a higher sale price. For instance, in Utah’s hot real estate areas like Lehi and Draper, homes listed in mid-April 2024 received offers within days, often above the listing price.

 ✅ Fewer Price Reductions

As buyer activity picks up in the spring, price reductions decline. Historically, homes listed during this week saw 20.9% fewer price cuts than the annual average. Sellers who list at the right time can avoid having to make deep price reductions later in the season, preserving their profits.

When homes linger on the market too long, buyers may assume there’s something wrong with the property, leading to lower offers. By listing during the peak demand period, sellers can maintain a stronger negotiating position and secure a more favorable deal.

2024 Housing Market Recap: How Did We Get Here?

Before looking at the 2025 market forecast, it’s helpful to understand the conditions that shaped 2024.
In 2024, the housing market continued to be challenging for buyers and sellers alike, largely due to high mortgage rates and affordability concerns. Here are some key takeaways:

• Mortgage rates remained high: Despite some fluctuation, mortgage rates hovered between 6.5% and 7.0% for most of 2024. While this discouraged some buyers, it also kept many sellers on the sidelines, reducing overall housing supply.
• Home prices stayed elevated: The national median listing price in June 2024 was $439,900, just shy of the previous year’s level. While prices did not surge as they had in earlier years, they remained high enough to pose affordability challenges.
• Inventory increased: For-sale inventory in 2024 was higher than in any year since the pandemic, providing buyers with more options than in recent years.
• Market pace slowed: Homes spent more time on the market compared to pre-pandemic levels, as fewer buyers were able to move quickly due to high borrowing costs.

Despite these challenges, 2024 laid the groundwork for a more balanced 2025 housing market. With mortgage rates expected to decline slightly and inventory continuing to increase, sellers can anticipate improved conditions this year.

Economic Uncertainty and Shifting Market Dynamics: What to Expect in 2025

As we move into 2025, the housing market could see a more favorable landscape for both buyers and sellers. A growing number of homes for sale may help balance supply and demand, making it easier for buyers to find properties in both well-supplied and high-demand markets. However, affordability remains the key factor shaping the market in 2025. Mortgage rates, inventory levels, and economic policy decisions will all play a role in determining whether buyers feel confident enough to enter the market.

One of the biggest question marks is how the current administration’s policies will impact the economy and housing sector. Uncertainty surrounding tariffs, inflation control measures, and potential housing affordability initiatives could cause some households to delay major financial decisions until clearer guidance emerges.

Mortgage Rates and Market Timing

Mortgage rates are expected to decline gradually, moving toward the mid-to-low 6% range by the end of 2025. While rates in 2024 remained high—hovering near 7% in early 2025—many experts predict a downward trend as inflation nears the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. However, market fluctuations could still create short-term volatility. For both buyers and sellers, it’s wise to prepare for potential rate changes and consider how different scenarios might impact their financial plans.

Sellers: Timing the Market for Success

While home prices typically peak later in the selling season, increased competition can make it harder for sellers to stand out. Historical data shows that by June, home prices in 2024 were up 7.6% from the start of the year. However, new listings surged by 46.2% over the same period, meaning more competition for a relatively stable pool of buyers.

For sellers looking to maximize their sale price while minimizing time on the market, listing earlier in the year may be a strategic move. Entering the market ahead of the seasonal rush could improve the odds of securing a strong offer with favorable terms.

How Uncertainty Could Shape Buyer and Seller Confidence

While inflation has eased in recent months, uncertainty surrounding government policies continues to weigh on consumer confidence. For example:

• Tariffs on building materials could drive up construction costs, making new homes more expensive and further straining housing affordability.
• Affordability-focused initiatives could help ease some of the financial burden on homebuyers but may take time to have a noticeable impact.

Ultimately, how these policies unfold will influence market sentiment. Some buyers and sellers may choose to wait for more stability, while others might seize opportunities before potential changes take effect.

What This Means for Sellers and Buyers

Sellers:

While we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list, the market remains undersupplied, meaning a well-priced, move-in-ready home is likely to sell quickly. Because spring is the high season for real estate, listing earlier raises the odds of a successful sale. Sellers should begin preparations well before their intended listing date to ensure a smooth process.

Buyers:

Market conditions have improved, with more inventory and slower market pace than in recent years. Buyers may find more negotiating power due to price reductions and increased options. Additionally, while demand is highest in the spring, listing views tend to cool in late summer and early fall, offering a less competitive market for those who wait.

In 2024, active home listings increased by over 30% in the fall compared to early in the year, meaning persistent buyers will likely have even more choices as the year progresses.

Conclusion

If you’re considering selling your home in 2025, April 13-19 is the golden opportunity to maximize your return. The combination of high buyer demand, competitive offers, and favorable market conditions makes this the best time to sell.
By planning ahead, making strategic upgrades, and working with the right professionals, you can take full advantage of the best-selling week of 2025. If you’re ready to get started, now is the time to prepare your home and position yourself for success!