Quick answer: In Spokane, spring and early summer usually bring the most buyers and the most homes for sale, while fall and winter tend to be quieter with less competition. But the best time for you depends far more on your own timeline, finances and goals than on the calendar.
| Season | For sellers | For buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Most buyers are looking; homes and yards show well | More choices, but more competition |
| Summer | Still active; families aim to move before school starts | Good selection; school-year timing matters |
| Fall | Fewer competing listings; serious buyers remain | Less competition and sometimes more room to negotiate |
| Winter | Fewer listings, so a well-priced home can stand out | Motivated sellers and fewer buyers in the market |
Snow and short days can make winter showings harder, and yards and gardens don't show as well. On the other hand, buyers out looking in December are usually serious.
Timing the market is often secondary to the timing of your own life. A new job, a baby, a marriage, a divorce or the loss of a loved one are usually what really drives a move. These usually matter more than the calendar:
And if you're selling and buying, timing the market is a double-edged sword. The season that's best for selling is often the toughest for buying, so you can end up working against yourself on the other end. What matters most is weighing all the factors and making the choice that's best for you and your situation.
When clients start thinking about a move, I pull a TrendGraphix chart for them that shows the number of homes sold and the number of homes for sale over the year. You can see the cycles: times when there's less competition and more homes starting to sell. Often that sweet spot is early spring, around mid-March, but it's always worth pulling a fresh graph when you start planning. I'd be happy to pull one for you and walk through it together.
"She was also available to cheerfully answer all our questions, to recommend good resources and to see that our home was well presented. Our home sold quickly, especially for being in the off-season."
Patty R., Redfin review
Activity usually picks up in spring and stays busy into summer, then slows in late fall and winter.
Not necessarily. There's less competition, and the buyers who are looking tend to be motivated.
No one can predict rates with certainty. It often makes more sense to focus on what you can comfortably afford now and talk with a lender about your options.
I'm happy to help you think through the timing that fits your life.
Call or text Chelsea: 509.565.1581
Email: chelsea@mcfarlandprey.com
Office: 1402 S Grand Blvd, Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99203
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