Even in a Seller’s Market, There’s Still a Best Time of Year to List Your Home

Four ways to appeal to buyers even more.
exterior of beige home

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The housing market is booming (interest rates are low; city dwellers continue to flee to the suburbs), so there is technically no bad time to sell. That said, there’s still a best time to list your property if you want to let go of it. According to Realtor.com’s chief economist, Danielle Hale, early spring is the ideal season. She told us, “If [homeowners] want to raise their odds of a quick sale at a good price thanks to plenty of eager buyers and not as many sellers, putting their home up for offer in mid-April enables them to capitalize on the sweet spot.”

In particular, the week of April 10–16 is the exact time frame the Realtor.com team recommends putting your place on the market, and, yes, that is right around the corner. No need to panic: Even if your home isn’t quite picture-perfect, here are four easy (and fast) renovations that will put you a step ahead of the competition.

Make the Grass Greener

First impressions are key, and buyers can develop lasting opinions before they even walk in the door. A path of large concrete slabs can help your front yard feel more formal. (Psst: Recycled materials like limestone, gravel, and bamboo have value-boosting potential.) And laying down drought-friendly turf makes it extra family-friendly. Who’s up for a game of bocce ball?

A Warm Welcome

Keep the curb appeal going with a front-door upgrade. Replacing a traditional faux wood fiberglass one with a glossy black Dutch door or a Japandi-approved slatted oak version can increase your home’s value by more than $8,000.

Blow Off Steam

Tick off more boxes on buyers’ wish lists by upgrading your kitchen appliances. Opt for a steam-convection combination oven and watch offers roll in that are nearly 4 percent over asking price. 

Set the Stage

You want people to be able to picture themselves and their families in your space, so consider hiring a staging company (it could increase your property’s value by 20 percent) or do some rearranging yourself if that’s not in the budget. Centering all the art and furniture on your main living room wall and filling in empty corners with leafy houseplants are two pro-approved ideas.