Best week to list your home is almost here

Question: Dear Kari, My husband and I have been planning to sell our home this year, but we're having a bit of a difference of opinion. I'd like to list now since I'm hearing there are a lot of buyers in the market, while he prefers to wait until summer because he believes that's the best time to sell. We'd really appreciate your guidance on the best timing for our situation. Answer: Thank you for your fantastic question. Generally speaking, spring and earlier summer are the most profitable times to sell your home. Many families prefer to move before the new school year begins, and the longer, warmer days make house hunting easier. Buyer activity typically tapers off in the fall and winter months. Based on historical trends, California sellers looking to maximize their profit and minimize time on the market should consider listing in mid-April, with April 13-19, 2026, standing out as the optimal week. Here's what makes this window especially favorable for sellers: · Increased buyer activity, as research shows homes listed during this week usually receive more views than average. In a market where buyers have several options, that extra attention can make a big difference for your home sale. · Faster sales with higher buyer demand during this period can speed up the selling process. Although homes have been taking longer to sell overall, properties listed during this week tend to spend less time on the market. · Higher selling potential. With more homes on the market, buyers often request credits, repairs or price reductions. However, during this early spring window, fewer homes see price cuts, giving you a stronger opportunity to obtain a better price for your property. Since you are already thinking of selling your home, first find your professional real estate agent, who will use their insider knowledge to help you figure out what you need to do now, including key areas to refresh before putting your home on the market, how to prioritize repairs and which contractors can help with easy and cost-effective updates that make big differences. For some sellers, this would be as easily completed in a weekend, such as some touch-up paint or fresh mulch and colorful flowers in the front yard. For other sellers, it's worth taking another month or so to make needed repairs and minor updates before listing, and that's OK. In addition, you should always put your best foot forward when selling your home. Presenting your property in its best light with cleaning, de-cluttering, staging and professional photos is critical to creating a strong first impression, attracting more buyers and maximizing your sale price. While the mid-April window can give sellers an edge, it's not the only factor that drives a successful sale. This marks the official start for anyone planning a spring move, meaning time to take action. I wish you the best home selling process.