The best time to list? Sellers could earn $6,000 more listing in late May

For sellers who have flexibility this year, timing their listing could be worth thousands.

A new Zillow analysis of 2025 home sales finds that homes listed in the last two weeks of May sold for 1.7% more nationwide or about $6,000 on a typical U.S. home. In higher-priced markets, the premium climbs much higher, reaching $25,000 to more than $50,000.

That matters because, according to Zillow’s latest Consumer Housing Trends Report, 58% of sellers say maximizing their sale price is their top priority. For agents, timing is one of the clearest levers to help deliver on that goal.

Why late spring creates opportunity

Buyer demand typically peaks before Memorial Day, as households aim to move over the summer and settle before the new school year. More motivated buyers shopping at once increases the odds of competition, and competition pushes prices higher.

When sellers can align their home sale with that demand surge, they position themselves for stronger offers. That makes preparation critical: staging, repairs and photography should be scheduled early enough to ensure the home debuts at full strength during peak demand.

The best week depends on the market

While late May is the national sweet spot for sellers, the best time to list varies by metro and can significantly impact sale price.

In expensive coastal markets, timing can mean tens of thousands of dollars. San Jose peaks as early as the first two weeks of February, while Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco all see their strongest premiums in spring. Midwestern markets show strong seasonality, with cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Minneapolis peaking in late May and Columbus and Kansas City slightly earlier. Texas markets tend to heat up sooner, with Austin peaking in late March and Dallas, Houston and San Antonio in late April. Baltimore stands out with a later peak in late June.

For agents, these patterns underscore the importance of hyperlocal expertise when setting listing strategy and maximizing a seller’s price.

When sellers can’t wait, focus on what can be controlled

Not every move can be timed perfectly. Job changes, family needs and life events often determine when a seller enters the market. That makes an agent’s strategy just as important as the calendar. In today’s market, the agents who perform best are the ones pairing local expertise with reliable data to guide their decisions.

One of the clearest advantages agents can bring to the table is maximum exposure. Zillow data shows that homes marketed broadly on the MLS sell for more than those ultimately kept off the MLS. Listings that are not widely distributed sell for a median of 1.5% less, or nearly $5,000 on a typical home. Ensuring a property reaches the largest possible audience remains one of the most effective ways to protect a seller’s price.

The online listing experience also matters more than ever. Because Zillow hosts the largest online audience of home shoppers in the U.S., the platform provides a unique window into how buyers engage with listings. That data shows that homes with a complete digital media package perform better. Zillow Showcase listings with high-resolution photography, 3D Home® virtual tours and interactive floor plans sell for about 2% more than similar homes.

Zillow’s housing data can also help agents better understand what buyers value most in a home. Research based on millions of listings finds that certain features, such as outdoor kitchens, quartzite countertops or white oak flooring, can help homes sell for as much as 5.3% more than expected. Highlighting these features in listing descriptions and marketing materials can influence buyer perception and strengthen offers.

Selling strategy is evolving as well. Zillow Preview is a new way for agents to publicly introduce a home to buyers before it officially goes active on the market. Using real-time buyer feedback like shares, saves, and tour requests, agents and sellers can refine their strategy before a listing is live. 

Zillow’s data and tools offer agents a powerful way to turn market insight into action. Timing still plays a role, but the professionals who combine data-driven strategy, maximum exposure and compelling marketing give their clients the best chance to capture peak demand, no matter when they list.