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s the housing market teeters on the edge of uncertainty, a delicate dance between economic factors and seasonal trends is unfolding. While mortgage rates, inflation, and personal financial anxiety may keep buyers at bay, two new reports offer a glimmer of hope for sellers looking to maximize their profits.

    Realtor.com's annual "best time to sell" analysis points to the week of April 13-19 as the ideal window, based on seven years of seasonal trends. However, Zillow's research suggests that waiting until late May may yield even better results. In fact, last year's sales data showed that sellers who listed during this period sold for a whopping 1.6% more, or approximately $5,600 on a typical home.

    Despite the economic volatility, seasonal patterns remain a reliable guide for homeowners considering when to list their properties. Homes listed in the spring tend to be priced higher and sell faster than average weeks throughout the year. Realtor.com's data reveals that homes listed during the week of April 13 typically have a median listing price 1.1% higher than the average week, with prices 6.7% higher compared to January.

    However, timing is everything, and sellers who list too early may find themselves competing with more listings in the market. Zillow's report notes that while mid-April to early May have traditionally been peak selling weeks, the pandemic and mortgage rate volatility have made the housing market less predictable. Sellers who list during the annual sweet spot aren't seeing as big of a sale price premium, but they also aren't taking as big of a hit if they list outside that window.

    In some areas, the prime listing period may have already begun. Last year, sellers in Austin, San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle saw significant gains when listing in late March, with San Jose experiencing the highest sales premium (+5.3%). Even in typically off-season markets like Phoenix, sellers who listed in late November saw a boost in profits.

    Ultimately, while economic uncertainty may disrupt typical market trends, seasonal patterns remain a reliable guide for homeowners looking to maximize their profits. Whether it's listing in mid-April or waiting until late May, the key is to stay informed and adapt to changing market conditions.