Homeowners

Should You Sell Your Home This Spring? What Every Seller Needs to Know in 2025

With mortgage rates coming down, home prices rising more slowly, and an increase in homes going up for sale, it’s fair to ask: Is now the right time to sell?

Traditionally, spring is when the housing market heats up as families look to buy a home and move before the next school year. Prices also tend to rise in the season.

So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether to list your home in the next few months, here’s what you need to know before you plant that “For Sale” sign in the yard.

“Every decision, from minor aesthetic tweaks to strategic pricing, is pivotal in achieving a successful sale in the competitive spring market,” said Johnny Austin, a real estate professional in Tacoma, Wash.

Home equity is at record highs

One of the strongest reasons to sell right now is that homeowners are sitting on record amounts of home equity.

The average homeowner had $313,000 in equity, an 8% increase over last year, according to the March 2025 Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Mortgage Monitor Report.

That’s real money. For sellers who have been in their homes for five, 10, or even 20 years, this spring could be a massive opportunity to cash out.

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing, relocating, or just putting your profits in the bank, this may be the time to do it. Home prices aren’t crashing, but price growth is slowing. Waiting too long could mean watching those potential gains shrink.

This is especially important for sellers who don’t plan to buy another home right away. If you’re planning to rent, move in with family, or relocate to a lower-cost area, selling now lets you lock in your gains while the market is strong.

What mortgage rates mean for your sale

After years of pushing and surpassing 7%, mortgage rates have been headed downward as of late. Rates averaged 6.63% for 30-year, fixed-rate loans in the week ending March 6, according to Freddie Mac data.

But here’s where sellers may need to pay attention. Many homeowners who refinanced into 3% APR mortgages aren’t eager to sell—because trading up means taking on a higher interest rate.

That’s kept housing stock inventory low and kept prices rising. However, it also means buyers are dealing with some affordability challenges.

For sellers, this translates to a market where homes still sell, but only when priced right.

“I believe it is important for sellers to do their homework and price correctly,” said Denise Suplee, a real estate professional at SparkRental. “Pricing too high can create negative connotations when that price must be reduced. Pricing too low can have a seller leaving money behind.”

So, if you’re listing this spring, make sure your pricing strategy matches reality. Overpricing could land your home in price-cut territory fast.

More homes are on the market

For years, sellers had the upper hand simply because there weren’t enough homes available. That’s starting to change.

Housing stock is up 27.5% compared to last year, according to Realtor.com’s February 2025 Monthly Housing Trends report. That means buyers finally have more options.

In places like Texas and Florida, listings have surged even higher, and homes aren’t flying off the market the way they were two years ago.

If you’re in one of these high-supply areas, you need to be strategic about how you list.

If your home is in great shape and priced competitively, it will likely sell. But if you’re banking on multiple offers and waived contingencies just because it happened in 2021, it may be time to adjust expectations.

Time your home listing for a peak price

Spring may be prime selling season, but not all weeks are created equal.

March and early April tend to see strong demand, with buyers motivated to lock in a home before summer moves. By late May and June, more listings flood the market, meaning your home could face stiffer competition—especially in areas where inventory is rising.

Sellers who wait too long could find themselves adjusting their expectations. If your home lingers on the market past its prime, you may need to consider price adjustments or incentives to stand out.

The bottom line? If you’re thinking about selling, consider not waiting too long to make your move. The sweet spot for listing is when buyers are ready—but before your neighborhood is flooded with competing homes.

Consider first impressions of your home

Finally, before you list, you may want to step back and assess your home the way a buyer would. Is it fresh, inviting, and move-in ready? Or does it need a little TLC?

Updated lighting and decluttering can go a long way in making your home feel polished and desirable.

Curb appeal matters, too. First impressions start when a buyer arrives. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-kept lawn, a clean walkway, and a new painted front door.

“I once represented a seller who invested in simple, high-impact improvements, a fresh coat of paint and vibrant landscaping, dramatically transforming the property’s appearance,” said Austin. “This investment attracted more showings and generated competitive offers, driving up the final sale price.”