When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Northern 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 a home in Northern California, timing can make a real difference — not just in how fast your home sells, but in how much you walk away with. While working with a skilled local agent and prepping your home are key, listing at the right moment can give you an added edge.
To help you determine the best time to sell a house in Northern California, we spoke with Eddie O’Sullivan, a HomeLight Elite Agent with 16 years of experience. He shares practical tips and local insights to help sellers stand out and connect with serious buyers.
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Northern California housing trends
In Northern California, housing trends vary by region. For example, in the San Francisco Bay Area, homes generally sell approximately 20 days after they hit the market. In the Far North region, homes sell in about 24 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.
“For single-family homes, it’s quite difficult for buyers. It’s a good market for sellers, especially for sellers of quality properties in quality locations. It can be a little challenging for sellers of properties that have a deficiency of some shape or form,” O’Sullivan says.
The median home price is another measure that varies by region. In the Bay Area, homes sell for roughly $1,400,000, with little change from last year. Meanwhile, in the Far North, the median price sits at $385,000, indicating a 5.9% year-over-year decrease.
According to O’Sullivan, elevated interest rates and high home prices are affecting sales across Northern California. He points out that homeowner insurance has also become a major challenge. “It has gotten much more expensive, and actually getting coverage and getting quality coverage has become very difficult,” he says.
So what do these trends mean for sellers? Despite high interest rates and regional price shifts, serious buyers are still moving on well-priced homes in desirable locations. However, with more listings for buyers to choose from, sellers may need to work harder to stand out, especially if the property has any drawbacks. Smart pricing and strong presentation are now more important than ever.
When is the best time to sell a house in Northern California?
Northern California traditionally experiences seasonal patterns, with sales activity rising during the spring and summer. The period from February to May is generally the best time for sellers to maximize their returns. If your priority is a swift sale, the best time to sell a house in Northern California typically begins in March.
Because it can take weeks to locate a buyer and roughly 40 days for the buyer’s loan to close, consider listing your property two to three months before the peak selling period.
Keep in mind that market activity varies depending on the region. For example, in O’Sullivan’s market, home sales tend to peak in the spring and again in the fall. “But as we get into the months of mid-July and August, it gets quieter in the Bay Area. Then it kind of starts in September, and then around Thanksgiving through the Christmas holiday, it gets quiet again,” he says.
Let’s take a closer look at regional sales data to pinpoint the best time to sell a house in Northern California, whether your focus is maximizing profit or expediting the sale.
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 Oakland
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | January | April | You could sell your house for 5.69% 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 Fremont
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | January | April | You could sell your house for 7.21% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Redding
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | November | February | You could sell your house for 3.95% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 14 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 Chico
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 2.84% 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 Ukiah
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | November | February | You could sell your house for 9.58% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 12 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
To explore home-selling trends in other regions, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
Using this data, you’ll be ready to connect with a top-performing local real estate agent who can advise you on the best time to sell a house in Northern California based on your local market, circumstances, and neighborhood patterns.
What’s the worst time to list a house in Northern California?
According to O’Sullivan, there isn’t necessarily a bad time to sell a house in Northern California. “Sometimes strategically, it can be advantageous for a seller with a particular kind of product to sell when it might be considered quieter because they’ll have less competition,” he explains.
Wondering about your net earnings? Try HomeLight’s complimentary Net Proceeds Calculator for an estimate of how much you could make from selling your Northern California property.
What seller concessions help close a sale in Northern California?
To help close deals in a competitive market, some Northern California home sellers are offering concessions or buyer credits. These incentives often depend on the home’s condition, buyer preferences, and local market dynamics.
“Credits for closing costs would probably be the most common. Sometimes, rate buy-down is a seller concession that’s been more common in these higher interest rate days,” says O’Sullivan.
Here are some typical concessions and credits that could make your Northern California home more appealing to buyers:
- Assist with a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Help cover the costs of a short-term mortgage interest rate buy-down
- Provide a credit for repairs identified during the home inspection
- Pay for the buyer’s home inspection or their appraisal charges
- Cover initial HOA fees for the first few months, if applicable
- Agree to pay the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent
- Prepay property taxes or the first year’s homeowner’s insurance
Insider tips to help sell your house in Northern California
As a highly rated Northern California agent, O’Sullivan is experienced at guiding home sellers to success regardless of challenges or the season.
Here are some of O’Sullivan’s expert pointers to get your house sold:
1. Set the right price upfront
Listing your home too high can lead to lingering on the market and ultimately having to reduce the price. Implementing a smart pricing approach grounded in recent sales data (comparable property sales) attracts greater interest early on and encourages competitive offers.
2. Select a top-notch agent
Collaborate with a knowledgeable local professional who knows your area well and can assist with pricing, marketing, and negotiating. The ideal agent understands how to position your Northern California property for a successful sale. According to HomeLight’s research, the best 5% of agents sell homes for 10% more than the average.
3. Address necessary repairs
Fixing obvious problems, such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint, is important since buyers might interpret minor issues as signs of bigger problems. Prioritize repairs that provide a good return on investment and build buyer confidence. A skilled Northern California agent can also advise you on which fixes aren’t necessary.
4. Boost both physical and online curb appeal
Maintaining tidy landscaping, a spotless exterior, and a well-lit entryway enhances curb appeal and leaves a positive impression during in-person visits. Digitally, professional photos and virtual tours help your Northern California listing stand out when buyers browse online.
5. Clear away clutter and depersonalize
Eliminate excess items like bulky furniture, family photos, and knick-knacks so rooms appear larger and more welcoming. A neat, neutral environment allows buyers to better envision themselves living in the space.
6. Provide a home warranty option
Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers by protecting against unforeseen repair expenses, particularly for older homes in Northern California. This can also make your listing more attractive in a competitive market.
7. Stay flexible for showings
Making your home available at convenient times increases the likelihood of a quick sale. Scheduling showings during evenings and weekends is especially helpful for buyers from out of town or those with busy schedules.
8. Invest in staging
Homes that are staged tend to sell more rapidly and at a higher price by helping buyers more easily imagine living there. Even partial or virtual staging can significantly enhance your listing’s appeal.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Northern 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 Northern California home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in Northern California?
While some homes in Northern California seem to fly off the shelves, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you need to sell quickly or lack the time or funds to make necessary repairs, think about requesting an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.
In just a few minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale lets you get a cash offer for your Northern California home, regardless of its condition. You can skip staging, repairs, and showings — and close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake Northern California home sellers make?
O’Sullivan notes that the biggest mistake Northern California homeowners make is “Believing that the market is so strong that they don’t have to do anything to get the best price.”
Even in a competitive market, preparation, presentation, and smart pricing are important to attract serious buyers and achieve a strong outcome.
Find a top Northern California agent for a successful sale
Determining the best time to sell a house in Northern California depends on your personal goals and situation. However, ensuring your home sells quickly and at the best price doesn’t have to be complicated. Equipped with the right knowledge, you can make smart choices and avoid common pitfalls.
“I think the main thing is that everybody’s situation is going to be different because every property is slightly different in location. Every property is not in the same condition,” says O’Sullivan. He emphasizes the importance of working with a knowledgeable, seasoned agent.
Teaming up with a leading local agent means having a trusted expert by your side to guide you toward a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re purchasing and selling simultaneously, explore HomeLight’s cutting-edge Buy Before You Sell program. This innovative option lets you tap into your home equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your next property and move only once. Watch this short video to discover more.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)
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