Timing isn’t just important in real estate—it’s the foundation of a successful home sale. In February 2024, Los Angeles home prices increased by 5.9% year-over-year, with 1,297 homes sold, marking a 12% rise from the previous year. Single-family home and condo inventory, along with new listings, rose from December 2023 to January 2024, indicating increased market activity at the beginning of the year. In 2025, the market is expected to see new trends influenced by shifts in interest rates, evolving buyer preferences, and post-pandemic migration patterns. Choosing the right time to list your home could mean the difference between multiple offers above asking price or a drawn-out sales process. But when is the “sweet spot” in 2025?
It’s not just about seasonality anymore. While spring has historically been a popular time to sell, emerging trends such as remote work, increased international buyers, and the continued rise of millennial homeownership are reshaping the landscape. In this guide, I’ll dive deep into market trends, explain the impact of buyer behavior at different times of the year, and provide expert insights to help you identify the best time to sell your home in 2025—so you can maximize your profit and make your next move with confidence.
Market Activity and Home Prices
Analyzing Los Angeles home sales over the past three years reveals consistent seasonal patterns, with spring and early summer emerging as peak periods for transactions.
2022: Home sales volume peaked early in March 2022, with a subsequent decline throughout the year.
2023: Annual home sales experienced a 22% decrease from 2022, with sales volume 30% below 2019 levels.
2024: In February 2024, Los Angeles home prices increased by 5.9% year-over-year, with 1,297 homes sold, marking a 12% rise from the previous year. Single-family home and condo inventory, along with new listings, rose from December 2023 to January 2024, indicating increased market activity at the beginning of the year.
These trends suggest that listing your home during the spring and early summer months may enhance the likelihood of a swift sale at a favorable price.
California Market Trends from 2024
Home Prices in California: The median home price in California reached $850,000 in late 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.3%. Coastal areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego saw the highest price growth due to ongoing demand for luxury properties.
Inventory Levels: California experienced a notable inventory rebound in 2024, with active listings growing by 18% compared to 2023. This inventory growth was particularly evident in regions like Orange County and the Bay Area, offering buyers more options and increasing competition for sellers.
Seasonal Peaks: According to the California Association of Realtors (CAR), spring and early summer remained the most active selling seasons in 2024, with May alone accounting for 12% of statewide home sales. Sellers who listed during this period saw faster closing times and higher offers compared to those who listed in the fall or winter.
Luxury Market in Los Angeles: Los Angeles continues to lead the way in California’s luxury market, with homes priced above $5 million selling in an average of 65 days—much faster than the national average for luxury properties. Celebrities and international buyers remain key players in this segment, especially in areas like Beverly Hills, Malibu, and the Hollywood Hills.
Why This Matters for 2025
For California homeowners, these trends suggest that spring 2025 will likely be the best time to list your home to capitalize on buyer demand and favorable market conditions. Additionally, the growing inventory in 2024 means that strategic pricing and expert staging will be critical for standing out in a more competitive landscape.
Early Spring: The Prime Selling Season
Spring has long been the go-to season for selling homes, and 2025 is no different. Here’s why this time of year consistently outperforms others—and how you can make the most of it:
Why Spring Works
As the weather warms and days grow longer, buyers are more motivated to attend open houses and explore properties. Many are eager to close deals in time to settle into their new homes before summer, especially families who have just found out what school their kids will be attending or looking to move before the next school year begins.
Market Trends
In luxury real estate, spring often ushers in a surge of serious buyers, many of whom have been waiting for fresh inventory. This uptick in demand frequently results in multiple offers, quicker sales, and the potential for above-asking-price bids—especially for properties that are turnkey or boast in-demand features like outdoor entertaining spaces.
Pro Tip
Timing is everything. To capture the full benefits of the spring market, aim to list your home between late February and mid-May. This ensures your property hits the market just as buyer activity reaches its peak, giving you the best chance to stand out and sell quickly.
By leveraging the natural momentum of the season, you can position your home to attract the most attention and maximize its value.
Summer: Ideal for Family Buyers
Summer can be an excellent time to sell your home, especially if it’s located in a family-friendly neighborhood. With kids out of school and families eager to settle into a new home before the next academic year begins, this season offers a unique opportunity to attract motivated buyers.
Why Summer Works
For families, summer provides a window of flexibility for house hunting and moving without disrupting their children’s school schedules. Buyers in this category are often ready to make decisions quickly to ensure they can settle in before August or September.
Key Selling Points
I’d showcase your home’s outdoor spaces that truly shine during the summer months. Pools, patios, lush gardens, and outdoor kitchens can be huge selling points. Highlighting these features in listing photos and during showings to appeal to buyers envisioning summer barbecues, pool parties, or relaxing evenings outdoors.
Pro Tip
Timing is key—list your home by early June to ensure it captures the attention of families planning to move before school starts. Additionally, consider hosting open houses during early evenings to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and create an inviting atmosphere.
By emphasizing your home’s family-friendly features and summer appeal, you can connect with buyers looking for the perfect place to call home before the fall.
Fall: A Strong Secondary Market
Fall is an underrated yet strategic time to sell your home, particularly if it appeals to empty nesters, professionals, or investors. With fewer homes on the market, competition is reduced, but the buyers who remain active tend to be serious and ready to make decisions.
Why Fall Works
Unlike the busy spring and summer seasons, fall attracts focused buyers who aren’t just browsing—they’re intent on finding the right property before the year ends. Additionally, the cooler weather and relaxed pace can make your home stand out in a less crowded market.
Key Selling Points
Fall’s cozy atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to showcase your home’s warm and inviting features. Highlight fireplaces, rich interior tones, and entertaining spaces that are ideal for hosting gatherings during the holiday season. If your property has unique architectural details or a scenic autumn view, I’d be sure to emphasize those in your marketing materials and staging.
Pro Tip
To capitalize on fall’s momentum, aim to list your home between early September and early November. This timing allows you to connect with buyers before the holiday season begins, which traditionally slows market activity.
By leveraging fall’s charm and targeting a dedicated buyer pool, you can position your home to sell quickly and at a competitive price.
Winter: The Right Time for Certain Sellers
While winter is traditionally seen as a slower season for real estate, it can offer distinct advantages—especially for luxury properties. High-end buyers often operate on different timelines, making winter an opportune time to list your home if marketed strategically.
Why Winter Works
Luxury buyers are typically less influenced by seasonality and more driven by their personal circumstances, such as end-of-year tax planning, relocations, or securing a property for the new year. This group tends to be highly motivated, serious about purchasing, and appreciative of exclusivity—which winter naturally provides with fewer homes on the market.
Key Selling Points
I would use the season to highlight your home’s warmth and elegance. Staging is essential—think timeless décor, roaring fireplaces, plush furnishings, and other luxurious indoor amenities. Features like home theaters, wine cellars, and indoor spa areas become especially appealing during colder months. If your property offers scenic winter views, I’d make sure to showcase them in listing photos and during showings.
Pro Tip
Timing is critical in winter. Listing between late December and January allows you to target motivated buyers looking to close before year-end for tax reasons or to coordinate with relocation timelines. Hosting private showings or virtual tours during this period can create an exclusive experience for these discerning buyers.
Winter may be the “off-season” for some, but for luxury homes, it’s a time to stand out and connect with serious buyers ready to invest in their dream property.
The Key to Success: Work with a Luxury Real Estate Expert
Selling a luxury home is far more nuanced than listing a standard property. It requires a strategic approach that accounts for the unique demands of high-end buyers, impeccable presentation, and a marketing plan tailored to attract the right audience. Partnering with an experienced luxury real estate professional like myself is essential to ensuring your home stands out in a competitive market.
Market Knowledge
Timing is everything, and I can analyze local and national market data to determine the perfect window to list your home. I’ll consider factors like buyer demand, seasonal trends, and even broader economic indicators to ensure your home hits the market at the optimal moment.
Targeted Marketing
High-end buyers don’t typically browse on mainstream platforms—they look for properties on exclusive networks, international sites, and curated publications. I know exactly how to position your home on these platforms, using professional photography, marketing strategies, and my vast network to showcase your property to its fullest potential.
Strategic Pricing
Pricing a luxury home requires a deep understanding of market trends and buyer psychology. Overpricing can deter serious buyers, while underpricing can leave money on the table. I will help you set a competitive price that attracts qualified buyers quickly while maximizing your return on investment.
By working with me, you’ll gain access to insider knowledge, exclusive marketing tools, and a tailored strategy to ensure your home sells for its maximum value—on your timeline.
Final Thoughts
While spring and early summer remain the best times to sell for most properties, the right timing for your home depends on its unique features, location, and target buyer.
Ready to sell your luxury home in 2025? Contact me today for a personalized market analysis and strategy to ensure your property stands out and achieves maximum value.
To get deeper insights into my proven selling process, download my exclusive Seller’s Guide where I cover Common Questions from Sellers, The Juliette Hohnen Advantage, My 10-Step Selling Process, and more. Download Here: Exclusive Seller’s Guide
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