If you’re getting ready to sell your home in California, timing can make a big difference — whether your goal is to sell fast or get top dollar. While choosing the right local agent and preparing your home are important steps, knowing when to list can also give you a stronger advantage. To help pinpoint the best time to sell a house in California, we spoke with Jared Martin, a top-rated local agent with 24 years of experience. Martin also offers valuable tips and insights to help you attract committed buyers more quickly.
According to Martin, California’s housing market is being driven by tight inventory and broader economic challenges, which are leading to fewer sales and softening prices. “There’s some uncertainty even with still very low levels of inventory. I would describe it still as a seller’s market because of some of the political uncertainties that we’ve experienced this year. I would say that we’re seeing fewer transactions than we normally see this time of year,” he says. Properties in California generally sell within about 21 days after listing. This period is referred to in the industry as days on market (DOM), indicating the span from when a home is listed until a contract is signed. By comparison, the national average DOM currently stands at 51 days. The median sales price in California is approximately $900,170, marking a 0.9% decrease compared to the previous year. “I think that the lack of availability of housing in California has affected the ability for homebuyers to purchase a home, and I don’t think that’s just a one-year or two-year thing. It’s something that we’ve seen for over a decade now,” says Martin. What does this mean for sellers? A fast, top-dollar sale isn’t always a given in today’s market. To stay competitive, focus on setting the right price and presenting your home well to make your California listing stand out. California traditionally experiences seasonal patterns where sales activity rises during the spring and summer. This makes the period from April to July ideal for achieving the highest sale price. For sellers prioritizing a quick sale, the best time to list in California begins in April. Keep in mind that your specific location within the Golden State will determine the best time to sell. Since it generally takes 21 days to locate a buyer and around 40 days for a buyer’s loan to close, consider listing your property two to three months ahead of the prime selling season. “I believe that in California, it’s a good time to buy a home during most seasons. People, especially young families, want to buy during the spring and summer while their kids are out of school. But, historically speaking for myself, my best quarter has always been the fourth quarter,” says Martin. Let’s examine local sales data to identify the best time to sell a house in California — whether your goal is maximizing profits or selling fast. For insights on home-selling trends in other cities, explore our Best Time to Sell Calculator. With this information, you’ll be ready to consult a top-performing local real estate agent who can provide tailored advice on the best time to sell a house in California based on your location, personal situation, and market dynamics.California housing trends
When is the best time to sell a house in California?
Best times to sell a house in Los Angeles
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
August
November
You could sell your house for 2.49% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
March
June
You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in San Diego
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
April
July
You could sell your house for 3.02% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
February
May
You could sell your house 4 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in San Francisco
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
March
June
You could sell your house for 4.58% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
April
July
You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in San Jose
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
January
April
You could sell your house for 6.13% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
January
April
You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in Fresno
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
September
December
You could sell your house for 4.94% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
June
September
You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in Sacramento
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
February
May
You could sell your house for 6.61% more than the yearly average.
Best time to sell fast
April
July
You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months.
Best times to sell a house in Long Beach
Selling objective
List month
Close month
Benefit
Best time for higher price
June
September
You could sell your house for 3.96% 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.
