Should You Sell Your Home in Summer or Wait for Fall?

Deciding when to sell your home is a big decision, and timing can make a difference. Here in Minnesota, summer and fall each offer unique advantages for sellers. But which season is better if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market?

As real estate professionals who live and work right here in the Twin Cities, we help homeowners weigh these choices all the time. Let’s break down the pros and cons of selling in summer versus fall, so you can decide what’s right for your situation.

Selling Your Home in Summer: The Pros

There’s a reason many homeowners choose to list their homes during the summer months. Between the warm weather and longer days, it’s often one of the busiest times of the year for real estate in the Twin Cities.

Here’s why summer is appealing to many sellers:

1. More Buyers Are Looking
For families with school-aged kids, summer is the ideal time to move. They want to settle into their new home before the next school year starts. That means more active buyers touring homes, especially during June, July, and early August.

Even buyers without children often prefer summer moves to avoid winter weather headaches. More buyer activity means a better chance of getting multiple offers or selling quickly.

2. Homes Look Their Best
Curb appeal matters, and summer makes it easier to show your home in its best light. Lawns are green, flowers are blooming and natural sunlight fills every room. When buyers drive through neighborhoods on a sunny day, it’s easy for them to picture themselves living there.

Even smaller outdoor spaces — like patios, porches or balconies — feel more inviting in summer.
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3. Longer Days Mean More Flexibility
​With daylight lasting into the evening, you’ll have more flexibility for showings, especially for buyers who work traditional office hours. More convenient showings mean a better chance of attracting serious offers.

The Case for Waiting Until Fall

While summer gets most of the attention, fall has its own set of advantages for sellers. Don’t rule it out too quickly — depending on your goals, waiting until fall might make more sense.

1. Less Competition
Summer tends to flood the market with new listings, especially in neighborhoods popular with families. By the time September rolls around, many of those homes are already under contract, leaving fewer options for buyers still looking. That can work in your favor.

With fewer homes on the market, your listing may stand out more. And serious buyers who didn’t find the right fit over the summer are still motivated to purchase.

2. Buyers Are More Serious
Not every buyer in summer is ready to make a move. Some are still “just looking,” while others are early in the process of selling their current home.

By fall, the buyers who are still searching tend to be more focused. They often have a clear timeline and specific needs, which can lead to stronger, more committed offers.
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3. Cooler Weather Brings Cozy Appeal
​There’s something about crisp fall air and cozy interiors that makes homes feel inviting. If your home has features like a fireplace, warm wood finishes or cozy living spaces, fall can help showcase them. Buyers imagining themselves curled up with a blanket on a chilly Minnesota evening can be just as powerful as a bright summer day.

What About the Minnesota Market in 2025?

Real estate markets are anything but static, and while seasonal trends are fairly consistent year after year, local market conditions play a big role too. So far in 2025, we’ve seen steady demand in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, with many buyers still looking for the right home.

Interest rates are always something to watch, and if rates dip slightly later in the year, a burst of renewed buyer activity could be seen in the fall. On the other hand, summer often brings out the widest range of buyers, especially those relocating for work or family reasons.

If you’re curious about current market conditions in your specific neighborhood, we’re always happy to share local updates tailored to your area.

So... Which Season Is Better for Selling?

Ultimately, the right time to sell depends on your goals and timeline. Both summer and fall can work well here in Minnesota, but each season brings different opportunities depending on what matters most to you.

​Choose Summer If...

• You want to reach the largest pool of potential buyers, especially families who prefer to move before the school year starts.
• You’re ready to put in the effort to prep your home for strong curb appeal — think fresh landscaping, tidy outdoor spaces, and clean windows.
• You’re hoping for the possibility of multiple offers or a faster sale, especially if your home is in a high-demand neighborhood.

Summer tends to be the “busy season” in Minnesota real estate, and competition between buyers can sometimes drive up the final sale price. If you’re already thinking about your next move, summer can help you line things up before winter arrives.

Choose Fall If...

• You want your home to stand out with less competition from other listings in your area.
• Your home has features that shine in fall, like cozy fireplaces, warm interiors or wooded lots with beautiful fall colors.
• You’d prefer working with buyers who are serious and ready to make decisions instead of those just starting their home search.

Fall can be a good fit if you don’t feel rushed. Many sellers who wait until fall value quality over quantity — they’d rather have three serious buyers visit than ten who are just browsing.

It’s Okay to Be Flexible
If your timeline is open, talk with your agent about local activity in your specific neighborhood. Every market is a little different. Some areas in the Twin Cities stay busy into October, while others quiet down after Labor Day.

The key is having a plan that fits your goals, with a real estate team that helps you price, market, and prepare your home so it shines — no matter when you decide to sell. A clean, well-staged home will attract buyers in any season!
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Thinking About Selling? Let's Connect!

If you’re wondering whether this summer or fall is the right time to sell your Minnesota home, we’re here to help. At Golden Homes Group MN, we live and work in this community, and we know how to help you make the most of your sale.

Get in touch today for a free, no-pressure consultation with Sheri Wessel or Melany Thelander. We’ll help you understand your home’s current value and what you can expect if you decide to list, regardless if that’s next week or next season.

Sheri Wessel
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-270-7157
Email: [email protected]   

Melaney Thelander
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-500-8789​
Email: [email protected]