Selling your home yourself in 2025? Timing matters more than you might think. The housing market shifts throughout the year, and some months naturally bring more buyers, faster offers, and higher sales prices. Others… not so much.
If you’re going the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route and using a flat fee MLS service like ListWithFreedom to reach buyers, knowing when to list can make all the difference. This guide breaks down the best times to list—so you can attract more buyers, sell faster, and get a better deal.
Why Timing Your MLS Listing Matters
The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is where serious buyers and real estate agents go to find homes for sale. When your home hits the MLS, it competes directly with every other listing in your area.
If you list when buyer activity is high and inventory is low, your home can stand out in search results and get more showings. And if you’re selling FSBO in 2025, you want every possible advantage.
With ListWithFreedom, you can get your home on the MLS quickly and affordably. But timing that listing correctly can help you turn more views into real offers.
The Best Months to List a Home in 2025
Spring: The Prime Season for Sellers
March, April, and May are historically the best months to sell a home.
Why?
More buyers are actively looking.
The weather makes home tours easier.
Families want to move before the next school year.
For maximum exposure, aim to list by mid-March to ride the peak wave of buyer demand through April and May.
Summer: Still Strong, but with More Competition
June to August can also be great—especially in warm-weather markets or vacation home areas.
But here’s the trade-off: By summer, more sellers have listed, which means more competition. If you list in summer, make sure your price is competitive, your photos are professional, and your online listing stands out.
Fall: Fewer Buyers, but Highly Motivated Ones
From September to November, buyer activity slows, but the shoppers left in the market are often very serious about making a purchase.
If you missed the spring rush, fall can still work—just be prepared for fewer showings and keep your home presentation flawless.
Winter: Slow Season, Serious Buyers
December through February tends to be the slowest period for real estate.
That said, winter sellers face less competition, and the buyers who are still looking are usually motivated. Keep your home clean, cozy, and move-in ready to make the most of the season.
Best Days and Times to Go Live on the MLS
It’s not just when in the year—the day of the week matters too.
Thursday is ideal because it gives buyers time to plan weekend showings.
Friday is the next-best option for a fresh listing before the weekend.
Avoid Mondays and holiday weekends when buyers are distracted.
Tips to Make Your FSBO Listing Shine
Even with perfect timing, your listing still needs to grab attention:
Use a flat fee MLS listing with a trusted service like ListWithFreedom to reach Realtor.com, Zillow, and hundreds of other sites.
Invest in quality photos—bright, high-resolution images get more clicks.
Write a strong description that highlights your home’s best features.
Price it strategically by checking comparable sales in your area.
Is There a “Bad” Time to List?
The worst time to list is when you’re not ready. If your home isn’t clean, photographed, or priced right, even the best season won’t help.
Take the time to prepare your home and go live when it’s in top shape—your results will be worth it.
Choosing the Right Time to List in 2025
In 2025, FSBO sellers have more tools than ever to sell without an agent. But when you list still matters.
👉 Ready to list your home the smart way?
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