How to Sell Your Home for More Money: 2026 Edition

Choose the right time to list

Activity in the real estate market fluctuates throughout the year, and listing at the wrong time could cost you time and money. 

In the peak buying season, the median days on market — the time from listing to a signed contract — is about 30 days. In slower months, the days on market can be even longer. The closing process, which involves the time a buyer needs to finalize their purchase loan, adds an average of 41 days to the selling timeline. 

So, when is the best time to sell?

April is typically the best time to sell because it kicks off the busy spring buying season, when demand is high and inventory is still limited. Homes also show better with longer days and natural light, and families are eager to move before the new school year, often leading to stronger offers. 

However, this doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best time to sell in your market. Factors like school schedules, vacation buyers, and the weather play a role in buyer demand.

To figure out the best time to list, you’ll have to do more than look at your calendar. First, you need to analyze market trends, which involves a lot of research and deciphering the data you’ve collected.

HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator considers these factors. Our calculator uses your market’s transaction data to pinpoint the best time to put your home on the market (and potentially get more money). 

Hire a top agent

The best way to get more money for your house is to work with a real estate agent — specifically, a top agent in your area. At HomeLight, we’ve learned that working with the right agent can significantly impact your bottom line. Our data shows that across the United States, the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average agent.

So, when you’re researching local agents, a key statistic you’ll want to pay attention to is their sale-to-list ratio. This ratio indicates how accurately they price homes and how much of the seller’s asking price they deliver. The higher their sale-to-list ratio is, the better they are at getting more money for your house.

Be sure to interview at least a few agents to make sure that you and your agent are aligned on any number of factors important to you. Ask these important questions to find the best match.