When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in California?
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Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorClose
Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorCheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com. Previously, she worked as a writer for Static Media (Mashed.com and Chowhound.com) and as an editor for CBR.com. Cheyenne holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis, where she also founded and led a literary magazine called Open Ceilings. She has four years of experience writing and editing on topics including real estate, financial advising, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home in California, timing can make a big difference — whether your goal is to sell fast or get top dollar. While choosing the right local agent and preparing your home are important steps, knowing when to list can also give you a stronger advantage.
To help pinpoint the best time to sell a house in California, we spoke with Jared Martin, a top-rated local agent with 24 years of experience. Martin also offers valuable tips and insights to help you attract committed buyers more quickly.
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California housing trends
According to Martin, California’s housing market is being driven by tight inventory and broader economic challenges, which are leading to fewer sales and softening prices.
“There’s some uncertainty even with still very low levels of inventory. I would describe it still as a seller’s market because of some of the political uncertainties that we’ve experienced this year. I would say that we’re seeing fewer transactions than we normally see this time of year,” he says.
Properties in California generally sell within about 21 days after listing. This period is referred to in the industry as days on market (DOM), indicating the span from when a home is listed until a contract is signed. By comparison, the national average DOM currently stands at 51 days.
The median sales price in California is approximately $900,170, marking a 0.9% decrease compared to the previous year.
“I think that the lack of availability of housing in California has affected the ability for homebuyers to purchase a home, and I don’t think that’s just a one-year or two-year thing. It’s something that we’ve seen for over a decade now,” says Martin.
What does this mean for sellers? A fast, top-dollar sale isn’t always a given in today’s market. To stay competitive, focus on setting the right price and presenting your home well to make your California listing stand out.
When is the best time to sell a house in California?
California traditionally experiences seasonal patterns where sales activity rises during the spring and summer. This makes the period from April to July ideal for achieving the highest sale price. For sellers prioritizing a quick sale, the best time to list in California begins in April. Keep in mind that your specific location within the Golden State will determine the best time to sell.
Since it generally takes 21 days to locate a buyer and around 40 days for a buyer’s loan to close, consider listing your property two to three months ahead of the prime selling season.
“I believe that in California, it’s a good time to buy a home during most seasons. People, especially young families, want to buy during the spring and summer while their kids are out of school. But, historically speaking for myself, my best quarter has always been the fourth quarter,” says Martin.
Let’s examine local sales data to identify the best time to sell a house in California — whether your goal is maximizing profits or selling fast.
Best times to sell a house in Los Angeles
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | August | November | You could sell your house for 2.49% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in San Diego
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 3.02% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 4 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in San Francisco
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 4.58% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in San Jose
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | January | April | You could sell your house for 6.13% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | January | April | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Fresno
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | September | December | You could sell your house for 4.94% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | June | September | You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Sacramento
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | February | May | You could sell your house for 6.61% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Long Beach
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | June | September | You could sell your house for 3.96% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
For insights on home-selling trends in other cities, explore our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
With this information, you’ll be ready to consult a top-performing local real estate agent who can provide tailored advice on the best time to sell a house in California based on your location, personal situation, and market dynamics.
What’s the worst time to list a house in California?
Based on Martin, there is no worst time to sell a house in California. “In California, we have such wonderful weather that just about any time of year is a good time to buy a home,” he explains.
Wondering about your expected net earnings? Try HomeLight’s complimentary Net Proceeds Calculator to get a rough estimate of how much you could gain from selling your home in California.
What seller concessions help close a sale in California?
To help close the deal, many California sellers are offering concessions or credits to buyers. According to Martin, the most common in his market are credits for repairs or closing costs.
Here are some common concessions and credits that can make your California home more attractive to prospective buyers:
- Assist with part of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Provide funds toward a short-term mortgage interest rate reduction
- Grant a credit to cover repairs uncovered during the inspection
- Pay for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal charges
- Cover initial HOA dues for a few months, when applicable
- Agree to pay the commission fees for the buyer’s agent
- Prepay property tax or homeowners’ insurance for the first year
Insider tips to help sell your house in California
As a leading real estate professional in California, Martin is experienced at guiding home sellers toward success, regardless of challenges or seasonality.
Here are some of Martin’s insider tips to get your home sold:
1. Set the right price from day one
Pricing too high can cause a listing to stagnate and require later reductions. An informed pricing approach based on recent sales data (comparable sales) can generate strong buyer interest and competitive bids early on.
2. Select a skilled agent
Collaborate with a knowledgeable local expert who understands your neighborhood and can help with pricing, marketing, and negotiation. A skilled agent will position your California property to achieve a successful sale. Data from HomeLight shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for 10% more than the average agent.
3. Boost curb appeal physically and virtually
Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and bright lighting at the entrance create strong curb appeal and positive first impressions during in-person showings. Online, professional photos and virtual walkthroughs help your California home shine as soon as buyers browse listings.
4. Clear clutter and remove personal items
Eliminate clutter by removing extra furniture, family photos, and trinkets to make spaces feel open and inviting. Neutral, clean areas allow buyers to picture themselves living in the home.
5. Include a home warranty
Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential repair costs, especially with older California properties, while helping your listing stand out in a competitive market.
6. Stay flexible with home showings
Making your home widely available for viewings usually shortens its time on the market. Evening and weekend showing times are especially helpful for buyers who live out of town or have busy schedules.
7. Think about staging
Staging your home can expedite the sale and often increase offers by helping buyers better visualize the property. Even partial or virtual staging can add significant appeal to your listing.
8. Complete the necessary repairs
Address visible problems such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — buyers often view minor flaws as potential bigger issues. Prioritize repairs that offer a high return on investment and increase buyer trust. An experienced California agent can also guide you on what repairs to skip.
According to Martin, a home will sell based on either its price or its condition — and often one of those needs to compensate for the other. ”If the home is in rough condition, you need to make sure you price it accordingly. On the other hand, if it’s pristine, the condition helps it sell itself,” he says.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your California Home
It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.
Our data shows the top 5% of agents across the U.S. help clients sell their home for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent.
Answers to other California home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in California?
While some homes in California can sell fast, a quick sale is never guaranteed. If you need a speedy sale or don’t have the time or funds to make necessary repairs, consider requesting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.
In just minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale accepts homes in almost any condition throughout California, allowing you to forget about staging, showings, and repairs and close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake California home sellers make?
Martin notes that setting too high a price is one of the most common mistakes sellers make when listing a property in California.
“If your real estate professional gives you a range, and you ignore the range, many times, you’ll end up being on the market longer than you want to be,” he says.
Find a top California agent for a successful sale
The best time to sell a house in California depends on your goals, circumstances, and local market conditions. However, selling your home quickly and for the best price doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can make well-informed choices and steer clear of common mistakes.
For example, Martin has the following advice for California sellers: “If you are planning to sell your home, and you want to get top dollar for your home, then make sure your home is in pristine condition.”
A leading agent can provide helpful recommendations and guide you toward a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern strategy helps you access your equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new home and move only once. Watch this short video to find out more.
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