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Is the spring selling market still a thing and is March too early?

Everyone says wait for April to list, but there is literally ZERO inventory in my neighborhood right now. If I list my house early while everyone else is waiting for spring, will I get a better price because of the lack of competition, or are buyers not even looking yet? I don't want to sit on the market for 60 days and look 'stale.
Asked By T | Topeka, KS | 33 views | Selling | Updated 15 hours ago
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Rising Star
29 Answers
Becky Groe

Coldwell Banker Realty, Colorado Springs

(82)

Yes, the spring market is still very much a real thing, and March is actually when it typically begins to gain momentum rather than being too early.

Historically, the spring market (March through June) tends to be the most active time of year because:
• Buyers want to move before summer
• Families plan around the school calendar
• Weather makes showings easier
• More inventory comes to market

However, what many people don't realize is that the most strategic sellers often prepare before the peak months.

March can actually be a strong time because:
• Serious buyers are already actively looking
• There is often less competition than April and May
• Early listings can stand out more
• You may avoid competing with the highest inventory period

I often tell sellers that waiting until the "perfect" time sometimes means competing against more listings. Being slightly early can actually be an advantage if the home is priced and marketed correctly.

For buyers, starting in March can also be smart because:
• You see homes before peak competition
• You can understand pricing trends early
• You have more time to make informed decisions

The better question usually isn’t "Is March too early?" but rather:

"Am I prepared to enter the market?"

That preparation might include:
• Understanding your home's value
• Reviewing financing options
• Making small improvements if selling
• Understanding current local demand

Every market behaves a little differently depending on location and inventory levels, but generally speaking, March is when many serious buyers and sellers begin making moves.
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Rising Star
25 Answers
Phong Tran

Real Broker

(4)

Yes, the “spring market” is still a thing
Buyers typically ramp up from March through June, but it’s not a hard start date anymore. Activity often begins earlier, especially if rates stabilize.

March is NOT too early
Serious buyers are already out looking right now. Many are actually frustrated by low inventory.

Low inventory = opportunity

Less competition = more eyes on your home

Higher chance of stronger offers (or multiple offers)

You stand out instead of getting buried in April/May listings

The “wait until April” advice is outdated in some markets
That was more relevant when inventory patterns were predictable. Right now, supply is tight, so timing matters less than competition.

The real risk isn’t listing early
It’s overpricing

If priced right → you’ll get activity quickly

If overpriced → that’s what causes the “stale” 60-day listing, not timing

Simple way to think about it

Low inventory + active buyers = strong seller position

High inventory (later spring) = more competition, more price pressure

Bottom line:
If your neighborhood truly has zero inventory, listing in March can actually give you an edge. Just make sure pricing and presentation are dialed in so you capitalize on that early demand.
Jacquelyn Giordano

REMAX Realty One

(1)

Spring market is absolutely still a thing—but it starts earlier than people think. Buyer activity ramps up in March, while inventory typically surges in April–May. Where I live we are definitely seeing a more pre-CoVid Spring market trend for the first time.

Listing in March can be a smart strategy if inventory is low—you’ll face less competition and capture serious early buyers. The potential tradeoff is slightly fewer total buyers than peak spring, but often stronger positioning.

Bottom line, March is not too early—if your neighborhood truly has low inventory, listing now can give you an advantage.
Bill Snowdon

Snowdon Realty LLC

(23)

The "Spring Market" is much more of a thing in areas that have a true winter climate. Homes present better with grass and fresh flowers than they do with snow covering everything and some properties can be difficult to even access during "Mud Season". Seasonal planter buckets can help with curb appeal outside and provide a fresh spring scent indoors as well if mother nature isn't ready to show in your area. Pricing and selling strategies are going to be the bigger impact in your area. Find an agent who knows the area and how to sell it. Ask for a comparative market analysis and don't just rely on "website values". For top dollar and quicker sales insist on 3D Tour, HD Photography, and also possible video marketing of the listing as well as in person agent assisted showings. If you are paying an agent to sell your home make sure they are actively going to engage in "selling it". A good agent should be able to come up with a marketing plan specific to your property that addresses the immediate, 2 week, 20 day, and 45-60 day windows. Make sure you and your agent are on the same page from the beginning and it will cut down on the potential for misunderstanding later on.
Celeste Huss

North Realty LLC

(36)

Low inventory can work in your favor because you have less competition, but that only helps if buyers are active and your home is priced and presented well.

The good news is buyers don’t just “show up” in April—they’re already looking now. In fact, serious buyers are often out earlier because they’re tired of competing.

The bigger risk isn’t listing early—it’s overpricing and sitting, which is what creates that “stale” feeling.

If your home is well-prepared and priced correctly, listing before the spring rush can absolutely give you an advantage. You’re essentially getting in front of buyers before they have more options.

So it’s less about timing the calendar and more about timing the competition and pricing strategically.
Leda Othman

Keller Williams Realty Spartanburg

(24)

Yes, the spring selling market is absolutely still a thing — and March is not too early, it's the right time.

Locally, the data backs this up. In Spartanburg, pending sales are up 1.2% and new listings are actually down 7.4% year-over-year, meaning buyer demand is outpacing supply. Less competition on the listing side right now is an advantage for sellers. In Greater Greenville, pending sales rose 6.1% heading into the new year with buyer activity clearly picking up.

The sellers who win in this market are the ones who list before inventory builds. Waiting until April or May means more competition for the same pool of buyers. Price it right, present it well, and March is a great time to be on market.
Leda Othman

Keller Williams Realty Spartanburg

(24)

Yes, the spring selling market is absolutely still a thing — and March is not too early, it's the right time.

Locally, the data backs this up. In Spartanburg, pending sales are up 1.2% and new listings are actually down 7.4% year-over-year, meaning buyer demand is outpacing supply. Less competition on the listing side right now is an advantage for sellers. In Greater Greenville, pending sales rose 6.1% heading into the new year with buyer activity clearly picking up.

The sellers who win in this market are the ones who list before inventory builds. Waiting until April or May means more competition for the same pool of buyers. Price it right, present it well, and March is a great time to be on market.
Sarah Schelin

Ascent Real Estate Group

(6)

List now!!

Seriously, buyers don’t magically wake up in April and decide to start house hunting. They’re already out there… especially the serious ones! AND, if there’s zero inventory in your neighborhood right now? That’s your moment!

Less competition = more eyes on your home.

The only reason homes sit and go “stale” this time of year isn’t because it’s March… it’s because of price or condition.

So if you’re going to list now, do it right:
✔ Clean
✔ Decluttered
✔ Show-ready
✔ And MOST IMPORTANTLY, priced correctly for today’s market

A well-prepped, well-priced home in a low-inventory market? That’s exactly what buyers are waiting for. If anything, waiting until April just means you’re jumping in with everyone else… and more competition. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be the only option than one of ten 😉
Franco DeSimone

Century 21 Beutler & Associates

(3)

Usually March is when everybody starts to putting things on the market average time now is about 60 days if it’s sitting that long without any action it’s because the price of your home is too high so you can take it off the market for a little bit and come back on with a new price and it’ll show as a new listing and start the clock all over again
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Novice
1 Answer
Lori Hinkes

HomeSmart

(5)

Spring is still one of the best times to list a home- March through June tends to bring out the most serious buyers, and more people are actively looking compared to other times of the year. That said, the market isn't what it used to be-pricing and presentation matter more than ever. buyers are paying attention, and homes that are price right and show well are still moving, while others can sit and start to feel stale. Even in neighborhoods with very little inventory, it doesn't automatically mean a higher price - if a home is overpriced or not staged properly, buyers will hesitate.

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