When Is the Best Time To Sell a House in Texas?
With its strong economy, diverse cities and landscapes, and many appealing job opportunities, Texas’s real estate market offers a unique landscape for buyers and sellers alike. In the last few years, this market has experienced significant activity. Rising home prices are allowing Texas property owners to access greater wealth. On the other hand, new home construction and increasing inventory could be tipping the scales in favor of buyers. These and other factors can make it difficult to know when to list your house.
As a seller, you want to maximize your home’s sale price while minimizing the time your property remains on the market. To do that, you need to take a look at the variables that influence optimal selling time. Seasonal trends, regional differences, market conditions — this guide will give you the information you need to get your house on the market at the best possible time.
Understanding Market Trends in Texas
The Texas housing market remains dynamic and resilient, supported by a strong economy and a steady influx of new residents. In 2023, the median home price in Texas was approximately $345,100, demonstrating a very slight year-over-year decrease. This is further complicated in 2024 due to increased inventory levels, as new home construction has surged, especially in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. As the number of available homes in Texas continues to rise, market dynamics are shifting and rebalancing.
More properties are being listed for sale, providing buyers with more options. On the other hand, economic factors (including job growth and population increases) continue to bolster demand for housing in Texas. Despite higher interest rates, the state’s healthy job market and lower cost of living compared to other large states keep attracting new residents, which supports sellers asking for higher prices. This demand is particularly strong in urban centers with thriving economies — properties in rural areas tend to see less demand and spend more time on the market.
Seasonal trends likewise play a major role in the Texas housing market. Typically, spring and early summer months witness higher buyer activity due to favorable weather and the end of the school year. But the market tends to slow down in the winter months when colder weather and holiday activities reduce the number of active buyers. However, Texas’s diverse regional markets mean that these trends can vary significantly across the Lone Star state.
Optimal Selling Periods for Speed vs. Profit
When is the best time of year to sell a house in Texas? It depends; while some months of the year are undeniably more popular for home shoppers, there are other details worth considering. First and foremost, we need to decide whether ‘best’ means the highest price or the fastest sale. Let’s take a look at each, based on the data:
- Best Months for Selling Quickly
The best months to sell a house quickly in Texas are typically June and July. During these months, homes spend less time on the market, averaging about 34 days, which is significantly faster than other months (even spring months; which often see increased property demand). This speed can be attributed to the high buyer activity during the summer when families prefer to move without disrupting the school year. Add to this the fact that those same families want to get everything finalized before school resumes in the fall, and you have motivated buyers snatching up listings.
- Best Months for Maximizing Profit
If your goal is to sell for the highest price, go for May and June. Homes sold in May of 2023 achieved a median sale price of $354,100, and June reached $358,300 (both are above the overall median sale price of $352,500). Late spring and early summer see a peak in buyer activity, leading to competitive bidding and higher prices. But good weather isn’t everything; December is also a month for maximizing profit in certain areas (with a median sale price of $342,600), as buyers usually want to close deals before the year ends.
When are the worst times to sell a house in Texas?
If you want to know the best time to list a house for sale, you also need to know the worst times. Whether you’re hoping for high prices or a fast turnaround, try to avoid selling your house during the following:
- Winter Months (January – February)
While December can mean opportunities for sellers in some parts of Texas, the months following the holidays are typically slow for the real estate market. Many potential buyers are recovering from holiday expenses and are less likely to want to make the financial commitment of buying a house. These months can also mean a drop in temperature, even in Texas where severe cold isn’t typically a problem. Slightly colder, shorter days have been shown to reduce buyer activity. - Hurricane Season
The Gulf Coast region of Texas is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during certain times of the year, and that’s often more than enough to deter buyers (particularly those from other states). Additionally, the threat of severe weather can complicate the logistics of moving, and for-sale properties caught in storms might need repairs to get them back in selling condition. What makes this all the more problematic is that hurricane season typically begins in June, which is otherwise the most profitable time for selling. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to understand how the market is affected not only by time of year, but also by region.
Regional Differences within Texas
One of the things that makes the Texas housing market unique is its size. Larger than most countries in terms of square miles, Texas includes a varied mix of city, rural, coastal, and other geographies. Here’s a look at some of the key areas and how they might impact your decision regarding the best time to sell a house in Texas:
- Austin
Austin is known for attracting tech companies and professionals, maintaining a strong demand for housing. The city’s real estate market is competitive, with home prices often among the highest in the state. The best time to sell in Austin is typically in the spring and early summer. December can also be a good time due to the city’s unique market dynamics where prices often peak right before the year’s end.
- Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the most active real estate markets in Texas, driven by its diverse economy and rapid population growth. Spring and early summer are ideal for selling, with May being particularly strong as it precedes the market saturation that typically occurs in June.
- Houston
Houston’s market is influenced by its powerful energy sector and large international population. The city has a strong construction industry, leading to a high number of new homes. The best time to sell in Houston is during the summer months, especially July, when buyer activity is high despite the heat. That said, this can vary from year to year, due to unpredictable factors like oil prices and hurricanes.
- San Antonio
Offering a mix of affordability and economic growth — and with a significant military presence contributing to the housing market’s stability — San Antonio is a popular option for buyers. Early spring, particularly April, is the best time to sell in San Antonio. This timing allows sellers to capitalize on the active market before the summer heat slows things down.
- El Paso
El Paso’s real estate market is more stable and less volatile compared to most other major Texas cities. The best time to sell in El Paso is in the summer, particularly July. However, listing should begin in late spring to ensure the home is sold during this peak period.
- Coastal Areas
Coastal cities like Galveston and Corpus Christi have unique markets heavily influenced by tourism and vacation home buyers. These areas are also susceptible to seasonal fluctuations thanks to weather patterns. The best times to sell in coastal areas are early summer for Corpus Christi and December for Galveston. However, if at all possible sellers should avoid trying to sell their homes during hurricane season — the unpredictability and risk of damage makes putting a property on the market during those times more trouble than it’s worth.
Tips for Preparing Your Home for the Market
Found the right time to sell? Now you just need to get your property ready for your buyers. Preparing your home for sale is a critical step to ensure you attract the best offers and don’t get stuck waiting. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Consult with a Realtor
A real estate agent can provide invaluable insights into the local market, helping you determine the best time to sell and what improvements can increase your home’s value. They can also assist with pricing your home competitively and marketing it effectively, so find a good realtor early in the process. - Keep Track of the Financial Considerations
Before listing your home, be aware of the costs associated with selling, such as agent commissions, closing costs, and potential repairs. Budgeting for these expenses upfront can prevent financial surprises later. Click here to read about 4 Financial Considerations Before Selling Your House. - Set a Competitive Price
Work with your realtor to set a realistic and competitive listing price. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market too long while underpricing will almost certainly end up costing you in home-sale revenue. A well-priced home attracts more of the right buyers and can lead to more competitive offers. - Focus on Staging and Repairs
Present your home in the best light by staging it to appeal to potential buyers. This might include renting furniture or decor to highlight your home’s strengths. Additionally, make any necessary repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, repainting walls, and ensuring all appliances are in working order. - Consider Professional Photos and Virtual Tours
High-quality photos and virtual tours can significantly enhance your home’s online presence, attracting more potential buyers. Professional photography highlights your home’s best features, while virtual tours provide a convenient way for buyers to explore the property without having to make the journey to see it in person (which can be a major advantage in a state the size of Texas).
Sold.com Can Help You Sell Your House in Texas
The best time to sell a house in Texas is usually May through July, but that’s only part of the story. Various factors like seasonal trends, regional-specific differences, and current market conditions should all be considered. Working closely with an experienced realtor can give you the extra insight you need to pinpoint the best possible time to list your home.
Of course, finding the best real estate agent for your situation can be difficult. Sold.com is here to help. Our platform provides tailored recommendations and connects you with local real estate experts who understand the intricacies of the Texas housing market. Whether you want to sell quickly, maximize your profit, or enjoy the best of both worlds, we offer the tools and insights you need to make informed decisions.
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