When Is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Silicon Valley’s real estate market moves fast, and timing your home sale right can make a huge difference in how quickly your home sells and how much you earn. With a steady stream of tech professionals relocating, investors looking for opportunities, and families planning their next move, the market here doesn’t follow the same seasonal patterns as other parts of the country. While demand is strong year-round, some months are better than others for maximizing your home’s value and attracting serious buyers.

If you’re considering selling your home, here’s a detailed look at the best times to sell, the key factors influencing the market, and how to get the best price for your property.

Unlike real estate markets in other parts of the country, where sales slow dramatically in winter and spike in summer, Silicon Valley’s market is active nearly year-round due to the constant movement of tech professionals and business executives. However, some times of the year still stand out as the best times to sell a home for top dollar.

Spring is hands down the best season to sell a home in Silicon Valley. By March, buyer activity surges, and homes start selling faster and at higher prices. This is when families looking to move before the next school year, tech workers relocating for new jobs, and investors looking for prime properties flood the market.

• High buyer demand means more competition and stronger offers.
• Longer daylight hours allow for more showings and open houses.
• Homes typically sell faster—often with multiple offers above asking price.

March through May tends to be peak season for Silicon Valley real estate, especially in cities like Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Cupertino, where demand is highest.

Summer remains an active time for selling but with a few key differences from spring. Families rushing to settle before the school year keep demand high, and many tech workers time their moves around job transitions. However, buyer activity can slow down in late July and August, as many potential buyers go on vacation or push their search to the fall.

• Desirable school districts (like those in Los Altos, Menlo Park, and Saratoga) still see strong demand.
  
  
• Homes with outdoor features like pools, patios, or large yards tend to sell faster.
  
  
• Luxury home sales remain steady, as many high-net-worth buyers in Silicon Valley don’t follow traditional market trends.

If you’re selling in summer, listing your home in June or early July is ideal—before buyers start pulling back for vacations.

While not as fast-paced as spring, fall still offers good selling conditions, especially for sellers who position their homes well. Buyers who didn’t find the right home in summer are still actively searching, and many serious buyers are looking to close deals before the holidays.

• Homes in great condition still attract strong offers, especially if priced correctly.
• Fewer new listings mean less competition in the market.
• Tech workers relocating for end-of-year job changes add to buyer demand.

If you list your home in the fall, September and early October are the best months before activity slows as the holidays approach.

Winter is the slowest time for home sales, particularly in December, as the holiday season takes priority. However, there are exceptions, particularly in Silicon Valley. The local market doesn’t come to a full stop because tech professionals frequently relocate year-round, often starting new jobs in January or February.

• Serious buyers have fewer options, meaning motivated sellers can still secure strong offers.
  
  
• Relocation buyers in the tech industry often need to move quickly and aren’t concerned about seasonal trends.
  
  
• Luxury buyers remain active, as high-end home purchases are less affected by seasonal market changes.

If you need to sell in winter, pricing your home strategically and offering flexible closing terms can help attract serious buyers.

Silicon Valley’s real estate market is closely tied to the tech industry. When major companies like Google, Apple, and Meta announce expansion plans or new IPOs, buyer demand surges. Conversely, when there are layoffs or hiring slowdowns, the market can temporarily cool off.
Keeping an eye on tech industry trends can help sellers time their listings strategically.

Interest rates affect how much buyers can afford. When rates are low, more buyers enter the market, pushing up home prices. When rates rise, demand can dip, making it more important to price your home competitively and offer incentives like closing cost assistance to attract buyers.

The number of homes available for sale directly impacts how much competition you face. In low-inventory markets, buyers have fewer choices, meaning homes sell faster and often above asking price. In high-inventory markets, sellers may need to adjust pricing strategies and invest in home staging to stand out.

Regardless of when you sell, presentation matters. Homes that are move-in ready, well-staged, and professionally photographed tend to sell faster and at higher prices.

Key updates that can increase home value:

• Fresh paint in neutral colors.
• Updated kitchen and bathrooms with modern finishes.
• Curb appeal improvements, including landscaping and exterior upgrades.

For most sellers, spring (March - May) and early summer (June - July) offer the best conditions—with higher sale prices, strong buyer demand, and faster closings. However, depending on personal circumstances, fall and winter can still be good opportunities, particularly for those targeting relocation buyers and high-net-worth individuals.

Strategically timing your home sale can make a big difference in both speed and price. Whether you’re ready to list now or want expert advice on preparing your home for the market, Roh Habibi brings deep local knowledge and a proven strategy to help you maximize your sale. Contact Roh Habibi today to discuss the best time to sell your home and start planning for a successful, high-value transaction.