Best Day of the Week to List Your Home for a Quick Sale

Thinking of selling your home? Now's the ideal moment to act. Discover the best day of the week to list your property for a quick sale at an optimal price.

Did you realize that the day you choose to list your home can influence how long it remains on the market and the final selling price? In 2021, the housing market was incredibly competitive, with homes selling in mere days rather than weeks. Research revealed that homes listed on a Thursday typically sell faster and often above the asking price compared to listings on other days of the week. In contrast, Sunday turned out to be the least favorable day, with listings lingering on the market an average of eight days longer than those on Thursdays. Even Saturdays and Mondays don’t fare much better, with homes listed then remaining on the market for seven additional days on average.

“Most home buyers and open houses happen later in the week and over the weekend,” says a Chief Economist. “When homes are listed toward the weekend, they attract buyers planning their in-person tours, leading to quicker offers.” It's crucial to collaborate with a local real estate expert who understands whether these trends apply to your specific market.

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According to research, homes listed on Thursdays are more likely to sell for higher amounts. Listings on this day are statistically more successful at achieving above-list prices than those posted at other times. Homes that linger too long on the market can signal potential buyers to negotiate for a lower price or raise concerns about the property. While just a few days may seem insignificant, half of all homes are currently selling within a week of being listed. It’s a fast-paced environment.

What’s Special About Thursdays?

The analysis suggests that the best time to list your home is now. This year’s spring and early summer have shown little variation from the rest of the year, with the market remaining strong through traditionally slower periods. It’s advised to list your home before Labor Day, based on past market trends.

Historically, spring was seen as the optimal season for home sales. In 2019, homes listed during mid-March sold the fastest. Labor Day has often marked the conclusion of the home-buying season, with homes typically staying on the market longer afterward. In 2019, the weeks around October 14 and 21 proved to be the worst times to list if you aimed for a sale above the list price.

“The real estate market has distinct monthly and weekly patterns,” the Chief Economist notes. “These trends are added to the seasonal patterns, like an influx of family-friendly homes in spring and summer, when families prefer to move with minimal disruption to their children's schooling.”

However, today’s market defies typical patterns. Increased buyer demand has led to quicker sales, even during historically slower months. Homes usually take longer to sell in winter, but last year saw an accelerated pace. The percentage of homes selling above the asking price has more than doubled since before the pandemic.

“Since last summer, the housing market has been consistently active, skipping its usual winter slowdown,” states a Zillow economist. “While we don't know if 2021 will revert to typical seasonal patterns, some form of seasonality is likely to persist, even if the fluctuations aren’t as pronounced as before.”

Sellers are catching on to these trends; currently, 21% of homes are listed on a Thursday, the highest percentage for any day. The most proactive sellers are found in Seattle and Portland, where over a third of homes are listed on Thursdays, while only 13% are listed on weekends. If you’re set to sell but need further guidance, our Real Estate page has plenty of tips for buying and selling. You've got this!