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When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Washington, DC?
HomeLight
Real Estate
9 hrs ago
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If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Washington, D.C., you probably want to make the most of the opportunity — whether that means getting top dollar or closing quickly. Finding a great local agent and preparing your home are both important steps, but when you list can also have a big impact.

To help you determine the best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C., we spoke with Pennye Green, a top-rated real estate agent who consistently outperforms the average local agent. She shares expert guidance and practical tips for reaching serious buyers faster.

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Washington, D.C. housing trends

According to Green, the Washington, D.C. housing market stays active year-round, with a reliable pace of both buying and selling activity.

“Washington, D.C. remains a resilient and dynamic real estate market,” she says. “While pricing and pace may shift slightly with national trends, D.C. consistently holds value thanks to its limited space, historic charm, and high demand in core neighborhoods.”

Properties in Washington, D.C. typically go under contract roughly 37 days after hitting the market. This timeframe, known in the industry as days on market (DOM), tracks the span from listing date to contract signing. By comparison, the national average DOM currently stands at 51 days.

The median price for homes in Washington, D.C. hovers around $710,000, marking a 2.2% rise compared to last year.

“Interest rates have had a noticeable impact, with some buyers stepping back temporarily — but serious, qualified buyers are still very much active. We’re also seeing inventory remain relatively low, which continues to support pricing,” says Green.

What do these patterns mean for sellers? Motivated buyers are still active in the market, but carefully pricing and showcasing your Washington, D.C. home are more important than ever to attract serious offers.

When is the best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. experiences seasonal patterns with sales volume rising during the spring and fall. This makes the period from March to June the optimal window for achieving top sale prices. If your main goal is a quick sale, the best time to list your home in Washington, D.C. is February.

Because it generally requires around 37 days to secure a buyer and approximately 40 days for a buyer’s mortgage to finalize, you may want to list your property two or three months ahead of the peak selling window.

“Spring — especially March through May — is historically the strongest season for sellers. The weather improves, curb appeal shines, and buyer demand tends to peak. Fall can also be a strong second season, particularly for buyers aiming to close before the holidays or year-end,” says Green.

Let’s take a look at local transaction data to identify the best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C., whether your goal is maximizing profit or achieving a quick sale.

Best times to sell a house in Washington, D.C.

Selling objective List month Close month Benefit
Best time for higher price March June You could sell your house for 4.6% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months.

Best times to sell a house in Silver Spring

Selling objective List month Close month Benefit
Best time for higher price February May You could sell your house for 9.24% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 7 days sooner than if listed in other months.

Best times to sell a house in Arlington, VA

Selling objective List month Close month Benefit
Best time for higher price February May You could sell your house for 3.92% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months.

Best times to sell a house in Bethesda

Selling objective List month Close month Benefit
Best time for higher price February May You could sell your house for 6.66% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months.

Best times to sell a house in Alexandria

Selling objective List month Close month Benefit
Best time for higher price January April You could sell your house for 4.02% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 7 days sooner than if listed in other months.

“School calendars are a major factor — many families aim to move before the start of a new school year. University and government hiring cycles can also drive demand at certain times,” Green says.

For details on home-selling trends in other regions, try our Best Time to Sell Calculator.

Using this data as a foundation, you’ll be ready to connect with a leading local real estate professional who can provide tailored advice on the best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C. based on your neighborhood, situation, and local market dynamics.


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