When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in New England?
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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 New England, setting yourself up for success is key — whether that means getting top dollar or closing quickly. Connecting with the right local agent and preparing your home are important steps, but when you list can also make a difference.
To determine the best time to sell a house in New England, we spoke with Isadora Sarto, a highly rated local agent who sells homes more than 35% faster than her peers. She shares helpful insights and practical advice to help you reach serious buyers sooner.
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New England housing trends
In New England, housing trends vary by state. For example, in Massachusetts, homes generally sell approximately 28 days after they hit the market. In New Hampshire, homes sell in about 19 days. This timeframe, known as days on market (DOM), measures the period between the listing date and when a purchase agreement is signed. By comparison, the national average DOM is currently 53 days.
“I would say we still have a pretty strong market for sellers — if they’re pricing correctly and using Realtors and brokers such as myself who excel at this market,” says Sarto, who works across multiple markets in Massachusetts.
The median home price is another measure that varies state by state. In Massachusetts, homes sell for roughly $725,000, indicating a year-over-year rise of 3.6%, while in New Hampshire, the median price is $565,000, reflecting a 4.6% rise from last year.
“Buyers are still a little on the sidelines because of economic uncertainty. Sellers are also still on the sidelines, and many of them are overpricing, unfortunately, because they’re stuck in this idea of the unicorn years, which is basically the COVID era,” says Sarto.
What does this mean for home sellers? While some areas remain competitive, rural and suburban areas show signs of shifting toward buyer-friendly conditions, with increased inventory and longer listing times. Sellers across New England may still find strong opportunities, but correct pricing and presentation are becoming more important as buyers weigh a growing number of options.
When is the best time to sell a house in New England?
New England’s market traditionally experiences seasonal cycles, with an uptick in sales during the spring and summer. This period, spanning April through August, tends to offer the greatest potential for maximizing returns. If your goal is to sell quickly, the best time to sell a house in New England begins in March.
Since it can take weeks to locate a buyer, plus roughly 40 days for closing financing, it’s wise to list your property two to three months ahead of the busiest selling period.
“We’re seasonal in the sense that it does get cold. Four months out of the year, it’s very cold. But I think, again, for houses priced right and marketed well, there are always buyers looking to purchase,” says Sarto.
Now, let’s look at local sales data to identify the best time to sell a house in New England, whether you prioritize maximum profit or quick turnover.
Best times to sell a house in Boston
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 2.93% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 13 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Worcester
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | May | August | You could sell your house for 4.14% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 12 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Providence
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | August | November | You could sell your house for 15.72% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house X days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Springfield
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 5.40% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Bridgeport
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | May | August | You could sell your house for 12.75% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Stamford
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 5.53% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 13 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in New Haven
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 15.66% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 13 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
For additional insights on home-selling timelines in other cities, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-positioned to consult a top-performing local real estate agent who can provide expert guidance on the best time to sell a house in New England based on your location, personal situation, and current market trends.
What’s the worst time to list a house in New England?
According to Sarto, there’s no truly bad time to sell a home in New England. She emphasizes that sellers can succeed in any season with the right pricing strategy and effective marketing.
Wondering about your net earnings? Try HomeLight’s free Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate how much money you could receive from selling your New England property.
What seller concessions help close a sale in New England?
To finalize a sale, sellers in New England are offering concessions or providing credits to buyers. These incentives can vary depending on the home’s condition, local market trends, and buyer needs — especially in areas seeing more competition or price sensitivity.
Below are typical seller concessions and credits you might want to consider to help make your New England home more appealing and support a successful closing:
- Assist with a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Help reduce the interest rate through a temporary mortgage rate buydown
- Provide a credit for repairs based on issues uncovered during the inspection
- Cover the costs of the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal fees
- Pay for several months of HOA dues, if applicable
- Agree to pay the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent
- Prepay the property taxes or homeowner’s insurance for the initial year
Insider tips to help sell your house in New England
As a top agent in New England, Sarto helps sellers navigate the process with confidence, no matter the season or situation. Her top three tips for homeowners are as follows: “Pricing right is number one. Digital marketing is number two, and using an experienced agent is number three.”
Here’s a closer look at those strategies — plus a few others experts recommend to help you get the most from your home sale:
1. Set the right price from the outset
Overpricing your home can result in extended time on the market and eventual price cuts. A well-planned pricing approach that reflects recent comparable sales attracts strong buyer interest and competitive bids early on.
2. Partner with a skilled local agent
Choose an experienced New England agent familiar with the local marketplace who can assist you with pricing, marketing, and negotiating your sale effectively. According to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of agents typically sell homes for about 10% more than the average agent.
3. Address necessary repairs strategically
Fix visible concerns such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — homebuyers often interpret minor issues as signs of bigger problems. Focus on repairs with good return on investment to increase buyer confidence. A knowledgeable New England agent can advise you on what shouldn’t be repaired.
4. Enhance curb appeal both physically and online
Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and inviting lighting improve your home’s curb appeal and make a positive first impression in person. Online, high-quality photographs and virtual tours help your New England listing grab attention from the start.
5. Clear clutter and remove personal items
Declutter your home by eliminating excess furniture, family photos, and personal belongings so rooms feel more spacious and welcoming. A clean, neutral environment allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
6. Provide a home warranty
Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential maintenance costs, particularly in older New England houses, and can make your listing more attractive amid competition.
7. Be accommodating with showing times
The more available your property is for viewings, the quicker it will likely sell. Offering weekend and evening showing times is especially helpful for buyers coming from out of town or those working full-time.
8. Think about staging your home
In New England, staged homes normally sell faster and at higher prices because they help prospective buyers visualize the space. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your New England 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 New England home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in New England?
While some homes in New England may sell right away, a quick sale is never guaranteed. If you’re looking for a fast sale or don’t have the time or funds to complete necessary repairs, consider requesting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.
In just a matter of minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and receive a no-strings-attached cash proposal within 24 hours. Simple Sale buys homes in nearly any condition across New England, letting you avoid staging, showings, and repairs — with the possibility to close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake New England home sellers make?
Sarto points out that the most common mistake sellers make when putting a home on the market in New England is setting too high a price. Overpricing can lead to longer days on market and ultimately lower offers, especially in areas where buyers have more options.
Find a top New England agent for a successful sale
Ultimately, the best time to sell a house in New England depends on your goals. However, listing your property for a quicker sale and higher price doesn’t have to be complicated. With accurate guidance, you can make smart choices and steer clear of common mistakes.
“Work with a good, strong agent who knows how to negotiate, price the house right, and also market it well,” Sarto advises.
By partnering with a top agent in your region, you’ll gain a reliable advisor to support you through a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, check out HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern solution unlocks your equity to streamline the process. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more.
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