The Real Estate Market Seasonal Trends 

It's not enough to know how to sell or buy a home– You need to know when. Seasonal trends impact the real estate market significantly, from pressuring people to close before fall begins to a slowed market during the chilly winter season.  

Read on to explore the seasonal trends of real estate and how they shape the market. 

4 Seasonal Trends 

Selling and buying without seasonal knowledge will only get you so far. Along with other real estate market factors, keeping up with the season trends is crucial to selling and buying efficiently and wisely.  

Below are brief descriptions of how the four primary seasons of the year affect the real estate market and what you can do to make the most of it. 

Buying and Selling Homes in the Summer 

Summer is an excellent time for the real estate market! People are selling and buying right in time to settle down in the fall to focus on the new school year and holidays. In fact, June 28th is known as the most likely day to close on a home because of the pressure of the approaching fall. 

The weather is perfect for touring homes, showing off the interior with plenty of natural sunlight and featuring the yard and landscaping at its best. To take advantage of the summer seasonal trends, list your home at the start of summer and put extra time and money into marketing to get your property seen. 

Fall Real Estate Trends 

In autumn, the real estate market slows. Fall is when families are getting their kids back into the school day routine, and the world prepares for the exciting holiday season. Most people don't have a lot of extra time and money to sell or buy a home, producing a slower market. 

However, this isn't necessarily a negative thing. A slower market makes more room for those selling and buying, like those without young families or busy holiday schedules. There's more help from professionals and more opportunity for your property to stand out. 

Real Estate Market in Winter 

Winter's seasonal trends are quite unique. While the holidays make buying and selling homes a little less urgent, there are excellent opportunities for targeting different audiences. For instance, sellers can make the most out of "snowbirds" or those who spend the cooler months of the year in warmer climates. While they are in your region, it's the perfect time to put more time and money into advertising to these specific audiences. 

Furthermore, the winter is a popular time for buying and selling in the hotter parts of the country. In the north, snow days and freezing weather make it challenging to get around, touring homes and moving. However, the mild winter weather is a refreshing break from the intense summer heat in warmer regions. 

Seasonal Trends of Spring 

Spring is known for being the best season for buying and selling homes. After the slow winter holidays and coming close to summer, buyers and sellers are prompted to take action. Spring is also the time for tax refunds, giving many the extra cash for a down payment or moving costs. 

Because the summer is popular for moving, spring is the time to sell and buy. Seasonal trends make curb appeal more critical than ever. Because the market is busier and there is more competition, doing what you can to make your house stand out can help immensely. 

What Other Seasonal Trends Should You Know About? 

Beyond the set four seasons of the year, other periods affect the real estate market. Below are the two most prominent times of year that make a big difference in real estate. 

• The School Year: Because a great portion of buyers and sellers are families with young children, the school year affects the real estate market. Most families avoid moving in the middle of the school year. 
• The Holiday Season: Another time of year that slows the housing market is the holiday season, which is late October to January. People are busy with gift shopping, hosting work events, family gatherings, and more. Not to mention, the holidays can be extra expensive for many. 

Real Estate Seasonality FAQs 

There is so much to know about seasonal trends! Truly, the best way to fully grasp the ups and downs of seasonality is through experience and extensive research. However, below, we will answer the most commonly asked questions to continue diving deeper into this critical part of the market. 

What Are the Slowest Months in the Housing Market? 

October, November, and December (also January and February, depending on where you are in the country) are known as the slowest months of the housing market because of the low demand through the holidays, cold weather, and the start of school. 

Which Is the Best Month to Maximize Home Sale Profits? 

Sellers and buyers see the most profit in March, June, and July. The weather begins to warm in March, and the holidays have passed, giving people more time and motivation to sell and buy. On the other hand, June and July are prime times for selling and buying because people want to close before fall approaches. 

What Season Do Most Houses Go on the Market? 

We see the most listings in spring and summer. 

What is Regional Seasonality? 

Seasonal trends vary from place to place. This is primarily because the seasons differ depending on where you are in the country. For instance, summer is comfortably warm in the north, while it can be overly hot in warmer regions. 

What Key Factors Affect Seasonality in the Housing Market? 

Weather is one of the most prominent factors that impacts the real estate market. However, seasonal trends don't only involve the monthly forecast. They also are defined by what is happening at that time of year, like the winter and fall holidays and summer vacations. 

CITED: Attomdata.com, Constantcontact.com, Investopedia.com