When Is the Best Time to Sell a House? A Seasonal Guide for Gig Harbor Sellers

In Summary:

• The best time to sell a house in the U.S. typically sits in the intersection of spring and summer each year, as this often offers a much faster resolution from more active buyers and recent median prices peaking around May or early June.
• In Gig Harbor, seasonality can compound this, but while the bright summer sun makes an appealing waterfront neighborhood, presentation and preparing the property can further offset this.
• Your best bet is to design a well-staged and well-priced listing that has the backing of local expertise like Schulte & Co. to help you hit the right buyers at the right time for the best results, no matter the season.

Getting any edge in sales can be key in moving properties, and knowing the best time of year to do so is one of the best methods for finding when to invest your equity. Having a season-by-season map of when sales are strongest and what buyer behaviors to expect can help you sell your house fast while lowering the risk of potential price cuts after going live.

Schulte & Co can help you understand the best time of year to sell a house by offering advice on how to prepare for the process. Reduce the days a property remains on the market, and discover which yearly events might move the needle a little more or less.

Is Winter a Good Time to Sell?

We’ve previously discussed how winter tends to be a good time in which to sell, as the lower competition means that a well-prepared home can often stand out. You can then leverage how the season encourages more serious winter buyers to close the sale in time for the holidays, giving you a little extra push toward success. As such, while you can expect fewer tours, those who do visit are likely to be that much more engaged.

However, you will need to remain aware of the always-shortening days. During these times, turn the darker evenings into an advantage by using light to highlight areas of the outside that are more worth showing off and de-prioritizing spaces that do not offer as much value.

With the housing market not being as generally strong as the summer markets, you may have to be a little more flexible in your plans. We recommend that you allow for more short-notice showings, especially around school breaks, or that you offer showings that take into account the possibility of storms, and move the appointment whenever it makes sense to do so. However, be careful in the hillier neighborhoods of Gig Harbor when the ice starts to form, and be ready to take precautions to protect your viewing visitors.

What Makes Late Spring the Best Time to Sell a House?

As mentioned in the opening of this article, the best month to sell a house often revolves around late May and early June, when the median price of most residential properties sits at its peak in the late spring period. Different sources may quote different specifics, but the data, such as that from real estate analytics company ATTOM, is clear that late spring or early summer is where you should be aiming. However, it’s no time to sit on your laurels, as you will not be the only seller looking to take advantage of this period.

Get ready for the yearly rush by taking steps to get yourself ahead of the rest of the pack and boost the ROI of the property:

• Put down fresh mulch to give a fresh appearance to the property.

• Paint any treated wood a seasonal color (with HOA permission).

• Book window cleanings to get rid of streaks following April’s showers.

• Schedule photos on sunny days to make people pay more attention during moody spring weather.

Align your listing with school breaks to make booking these easier on families who might otherwise be busy.

Close to the waterfront, the spring is also the perfect time to leverage your position in the city. Source a few photos that highlight any decking outside your house.

If your home is well-suited to sunrises and sunsets, you can also use these to photograph your home in the light of the golden hour. However, make sure you don’t plan to get these photos in the morning, as spring turns to summer, as the approaching “June Gloom” may end up forcing a reschedule.

Why Is Summer Selling in Gig Harbor So Lucrative?

Your biggest enemy during the summer would often be the heat and the humidity, but in Gig Harbor, with its more comfortable summers, that’s less of a problem. Regardless, keep an eye on the HVAC and set it to align with the weather reports. Ensuring your system filters are well-maintained will give people a literal breath of fresh air as they step into your home, making them feel much happier with the property.

During this time, hire the services of a professional drone service to perform a promotional shot of the property. They may even be able to capture footage of water access routes, sweeping up from the water to show off your home from a grand vantage point.

The long daylight hours are also perfect for tour accessibility, but if you are going to be on vacation at all during that time, remember that you can set up access during these times by collaborating with a concierge service, which may be able to offer help in this area with both video tours and in-person appointments.

What Are the Benefits of Selling in Fall?

After summertime, many buyers refocus. Instead of looking for a place to enjoy the sun, they look into tidy landscaping and the Gemütlichkeit of a warm interior.

Around this time, you shouldn’t take any big risks or set grandiose aspirations. Instead, expect to set a clear price and be up-front with buyers, offering flexible closing dates to align with the challenges of year-end moves.

Of course, make sure you clear up any post-storm debris, too. If the weather blows through, look at your gutters and clear the garden of as many leaves as is reasonable given your time and ability. A nice pile of leaves might even make the place seem homely.

Leverage the Year-Round Expertise of a Local Agent

In short, due to the opportunities available throughout the year, there is no universal “worst” month to sell a house in. Similarly, while the best time to sell a house for price alone is the late spring or early summer, everyone knows buyers are thinking, “Is now a good time to buy a house?” at this time, and you’ll be entering a densely packed market. In truth, timing helps, but ensuring you change your strategy to match the time of year can close the gap every season.

No matter when you sell, the all-inclusive concierge service of Schulte & Co includes all the things you need to increase the likelihood that you can make a faster sale. Whether it’s professional staging, cleaning, or creating the perfect listing, we know the right people for the job and can get it done.

Book an appointment with us, then leverage our local expertise and market knowledge to get the sale you deserve today.

FAQs: The Best Time of Year to Sell a House in Gig Harbor

When is the best time to sell a home in Gig Harbor?

Late spring and early summer, typically around May and June, bring higher buyer activity and stronger sale prices. However, with the right marketing, winter and fall can also yield excellent results due to lower competition.

Is winter a bad time to sell?

Not at all. While the market is quieter, serious buyers tend to act quickly in winter. With fewer listings, your home can stand out — especially if it’s warm, well-lit, and staged to feel inviting.

Why does spring bring higher sale prices?

Spring coincides with school breaks and tax returns, creating a surge in motivated buyers. Homes also look their best with fresh landscaping and natural light, helping listings attract premium offers.

Are there advantages to selling in fall?

Yes. Fall buyers are often motivated to close before the holidays. The season’s cozy atmosphere and beautiful foliage also help homes photograph and show well.

How can Schulte & Co. help me sell faster?

Schulte & Co. offers a concierge-level selling experience — from professional staging and photography to pricing strategy and marketing. Their local expertise ensures your listing performs well year-round. Contact them here to get started.