Spring sellers often make a common mistake: waiting too long to list.
While Zillow research says the best time to sell a home is the second half of May, Realtor.com says April 13-19 is set to offer the best market conditions. (And real estate professionals know that timing can vary drastically depending on the local market.)
What many sellers don’t know is that waiting until the “Best Week” to list means they are already behind the curve. Data shows that those who delay risk getting lost in the flood of new listings, facing more competition and less exposure.
That’s because, by the time late spring hits, the market sees and influx of sellers who also got the memo. To maximize price, minimize time on market, and avoid price reductions, homeowners need to list before competition spikes.
Why Early Spring Listing Gives Sellers the Edge
Byron Lazine, BAM co-founder, emphasizes that most consumers mistakenly believe they should wait until “peak spring” to list. Many believe they need to wait until the grass is green, flowers are in bloom, and the skies are no longer gray.
In reality, sellers who list early gain significant advantages.
While agents know this, many make the mistake of giving generic advice: “Now’s the best time to be on the market. More buyers are out there in the spring.”
But, as Byron pointed out, those are just words. What resonates with sellers is proof.
So, here are five charts and data points from the Realtor.com Best Time to Sell Report. Coupled with simple scripts broken down by Byron Lazine on Monday’s Hot Sheet, you can use this data in listing appointments to drive home the benefits of listing sooner rather than later this spring.
The final chart is a game-changer—don’t miss it.
1. Lowest Price Reduction Share
The data shows that price reductions are at their lowest point during early spring.
Key Data Point: Approximately 20.9% fewer homes have price reductions during Realtor.com’s Best Week to Sell.
Scripting Point:
“Right now, the price reduction share is at the lowest it will be all year, outside of the holiday week. This means sellers who list now are less likely to have to reduce their price compared to any other time.”
2. Higher Listing Prices
Every seller wants to get the most they can from their home sale. Historically, listing prices are 1.1% higher than the average week and are typically 6.7% higher than the start of the year during this week.
Key Data Point: “If 2025 follows the previous years’ seasonal trends, the national median listing price could reach $4,800 above the average week, and $27,000 more than the start of the year.”
Scripting Point:
“The homes that sell at peak pricing in June are the homes that were listed in March and April. Buyers aren’t waiting until summer to start looking—they’re making their offers now so they can move in for summer break. If you list now, you’re perfectly positioned to capture those motivated buyers.”
3. Faster Sales
Homes listed now also sell faster than at any other time of year. The longer a home sits, the more likely it is to require a price reduction.
Key Data Point: Homes sell approximately 17% (or 9 days) faster than the average week.
Scripting Point:
“This chart shows your house will be on the market for the least amount of days right now. When your house is on the market for fewer days, saves and shares go up online. When saves and shares go up, offers go up.”
4. Less Competition from Other Sellers
Listing inventory is at its annual low point right now, giving early listers a significant competitive advantage.
Key Data Point: There are typically 13.2% fewer sellers on the market during this week compared to the average.
Scripting Point:
“The active count of listings is at the low point of any point in the year. These next 30 days leading into that week in April, the conditions are favorable. Chances are high that you’re competing with fewer homes right now.
“You want to be on the market now, not at the end of spring when everyone else lists. In real estate, unlike a club or party, you don’t want to show up when it’s packed – you want to be there early when buyers have fewer options and will compete for your property.”
5. Page Views Per Property
This is often an overlooked metric, but one that resonates deeply with consumers. Right now, page views per property are at their highest, meaning more exposure and stronger offers.
Key Data Point: This week historically gets 17.7% more views per listing than the typical week.
Scripting Point:
“Mr. and Mrs. Seller, this is the time when your home will get the most attention. Right now, online traffic on listings is at its peak. More eyeballs on your home means more interest, which leads to more offers and stronger sale prices. If you wait, you’ll be listing when views are declining, and you’ll be fighting for attention against an influx of new listings.”
Final Takeaway
Every seller wants to maximize their home’s value, minimize their time on market, and avoid the stress of price reductions. The data from Realtor.com shows the best way to achieve that is by listing in early spring.
For agents, this is your moment to show up as the expert. Use these charts in your listing appointments. Back up your advice with real numbers. Sellers trust data, and when you show them the reality of market conditions, they’ll feel more confident making the right decision.
