When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Virginia?
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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 Virginia, timing can make a big difference — whether your goal is to get top dollar or close the deal quickly. While choosing the right local agent and prepping your home are important steps, when you list can also impact your outcome.
To help identify the best time to sell a house in Virginia, we spoke with Mike Cranston, a seasoned local agent on a team with top-performing agent Beth Pretty. He shares practical advice and expert insights to help you attract motivated buyers and sell with ease.
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Virginia housing trends
Despite slower sales activity, Virginia’s housing market remains resilient, with rising prices and an increase in available inventory.
“The market in Richmond, VA, remains strong and is recognized as a top 10 housing market in the U.S., according to industry publications. The average sales price is up almost 4% YTD, and inventory remains tight, supporting home values,” says Cranston.
Homes in Virginia usually go under contract in about 10 days after listing. This timeframe is referred to in the industry as days on market (DOM), which measures the duration between the listing date and contract signing. To put it into perspective, the national DOM currently averages 51 days.
The median sales price in Virginia is approximately $425,000, marking a 2.0% year-over-year increase.
“Interest rates continue to be a factor in our local market, and there’s been continuing uncertainty, most recently regarding tariffs, that impact buyers’ decision making,” says Cranston.
What does this mean for sellers? Though motivated buyers are still present, competitive pricing and strong presentation have become even more important to help your Virginia home attract attention, especially given the wider selection available to buyers.
When is the best time to sell a house in Virginia?
Virginia traditionally experiences seasonal patterns, with sales activity peaking during the spring and summer. As a result, the period from May to July typically offers the highest returns for sellers. If your goal is a quick sale, the best time to sell a house in Virginia begins in June. However, this may change depending on your specific location within the state.
Since it usually takes 10 days to secure a buyer and about 40 days for loan approval and closing, listing your property two to three months ahead of the peak season is wise.
“Historically, the spring market is the ‘best time to sell’ and that is from March to June. We notice that August is a bit slower as the end of summer and back-to-school plans become the focus,” says Cranston.
Let’s take a closer look at local transaction data to identify the best time to sell a house in Virginia.
Best times to sell a house in Virginia Beach
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 4.08% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | May | August | You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Chesapeake
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | July | October | You could sell your house for 4.93% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 13 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Arlington
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | February | May | You could sell your house for 3.92% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | February | May | You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Norfolk
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | February | May | You could sell your house for 4.06% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Richmond
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 7.51% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 9 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
For insights on selling trends in other locations, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to consult with a leading local real estate professional who can provide advice on the best time to sell a house in Virginia based on your neighborhood, situation, and market dynamics.
“It is important for homeowners to know that the best time to sell is based on their unique needs and changes in their lifestyle. Regardless of the time of year, working with an experienced real estate agent and developing a great strategy, including the right price, allows a home to sell when it is the best time for an individual homeowner,” says Cranston.
What’s the worst time to list a house in Virginia?
According to Cranston, there is no worst time to sell a house in Virginia. “When a homeowner needs to sell, that is the right time for them based on their unique situation. We can help a seller develop the proper strategy based on the current market conditions during any season,” he explains.
Curious about your net proceeds? Use HomeLight’s free Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate roughly how much you can expect to earn from selling your Virginia property.
What seller concessions help close a sale in Virginia?
To help close the deal, many Virginia sellers are providing concessions or granting credits to buyers.
“We encourage sellers to budget accordingly and expect that a buyer will ask for some, or all, of their agent’s fee in the purchase agreement,” says Cranston. “Another incentive that is becoming more common is an interest rate buydown, as today’s rates remain a concern for homebuyers.”
Here are some common seller concessions and credits you might offer to make your Virginia home more appealing to buyers and help move the sale forward:
- Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Assist with a limited-term mortgage rate reduction
- Provide a credit to cover repairs noted during the home inspection
- Cover fees for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal costs
- Take care of the initial months of HOA charges if applicable
- Pay the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent
- Advance the first year’s property taxes or homeowners’ insurance premiums
Insider tips to help sell your house in Virginia
As a highly rated Virginia agent, Cranston specializes in guiding sellers to success, regardless of seasonal challenges.
“I recommend hiring an experienced real estate agent. Two-thirds of real estate transactions don’t make it to the closing table with the same terms they began with. The right agent can help keep things on track and ensure a successful settlement,” he says.
Here are some of Cranston’s expert recommendations to help you sell your Virginia home:
1. Set the right price from day one
Overpricing can lead to prolonged listings and necessary price drops. Implementing a smart pricing approach grounded in recent sales data (comparable home sales) encourages strong buyer interest and competitive bids.
2. Select an experienced agent
Partnering with a knowledgeable local agent who understands your market will enable you to price, advertise, and negotiate your home effectively. The right professional understands how to position your Virginia property for a successful sale. According to HomeLight data, the top 5% of agents sell homes for 10% more compared to the average agent.
3. Address the right repairs
Fix obvious problems like dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint, as buyers often suspect minor flaws point to larger concerns. Focus your repairs on items that provide a return on investment and increase buyer trust. A knowledgeable Virginia agent can also advise you on which issues to avoid fixing.
4. Enhance both physical and digital curb appeal
Maintaining manicured landscaping, tidy exteriors, and a bright entrance creates curb appeal that leaves a memorable first impression in person. Online, sharp photography and virtual tours help your Virginia listing capture attention right away.
5. Clear out and depersonalize the space
Remove excess items by decluttering furniture, family photographs, and personal decorations to enlarge and brighten your rooms. Presenting a neutral, tidy environment allows buyers to envision themselves living there.
6. Provide a home warranty
Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers concerning potential costly repairs, especially for older Virginia residences. This added benefit can help distinguish your home in a competitive market.
7. Stay open to showing times
The more accessible your property is for potential buyers, the quicker it will sell. Availability on weekends and evenings for viewings is particularly beneficial for buyers who live out of town or have demanding schedules.
8. Think about home staging
Staging your home tends to speed up the sale and increase the final price by helping buyers better imagine the space. Even partial or virtual staging can improve your listing’s appeal.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Virginia 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 Virginia home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in Virginia?
While certain properties in Virginia may sell fast, a quick sale isn’t always guaranteed. If you need a speedy sale or don’t have the time or funds to complete necessary repairs, you might want to explore requesting an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.
In just minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-strings-attached cash offer within a day. Simple Sale offers cash bids on properties in any condition across Virginia, allowing you to forget about preparations, showings, and repairs, and close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake Virginia home sellers make?
Cranston points out that the most common error Virginia sellers make is overpricing. “It is important to remember that the market determines a home’s value, and an experienced agent studies the market and pricing every day. A homeowner will ultimately net less by overpricing their home,” he says.
Find a top Virginia agent for a successful sale
The best time to sell a house in Virginia depends on your goals. However, selling your home faster and for a better price doesn’t need to be complicated. Equipped with the right knowledge, you can make smart choices and steer clear of common mistakes.
Partnering with a leading local agent means having a reliable guide and expert to help you successfully sell your home. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, take advantage of HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern option lets you tap into your equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new home and move just once. Watch this short video to learn more.
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