When Is the Best Time To Sell Your Home in 2026?

By Rachel Mooney

Rachel has built a reputation for making the complex process of buying and selling homes not only enjoyable but also financially rewarding. Her deep understanding of the local market, combined with her genuine passion for helping families transition through different stages of life, has allowed her to serve hundreds of clients with exceptional care and professionalism.

If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you may be wondering if now is the right time. Traditionally, many sellers wait for the spring, assuming it’s the best time to sell. While it’s true that spring brings more buyers, it also means more competition.

In 2026, the biggest factor won’t be interest rates or the time of year. Instead, it will be how much competition you’re facing in the market.

The market shift in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, the market was incredibly hot. You could list your home any time of year and expect multiple offers within hours. Buyers were eager, and sellers had the advantage. But in 2024 and 2025, things began to change. Buyers became more cautious about rising interest rates and home prices, which led to a pullback. This shift slowed down the market.

As we look ahead to 2026, the main challenge will not be interest rates or timing. It’ll be about standing out in a crowded market filled with competition.

Why waiting for spring might not be the best strategy? It’s common to think that waiting for spring is the best option. After all, more buyers are typically looking for homes during that time. But it also means more homes will be listed. That creates more competition, and when there’s more competition, it’s harder for your home to stand out.

Some experts predict that the number of homes available in 2026 could be up to 10% higher than the previous year. With that many homes on the market, buyers will have plenty of options, which means your home could get lost in the shuffle.

Take advantage of lower competition in the early months. So, what’s the solution? If you want to avoid competing with a flood of listings, consider selling in the earlier months of the year. January and February tend to be slower months because fewer sellers are listing their homes. Many people wait until March or April to put their homes on the market, meaning you’ll have less competition.

If your home is in good condition and priced right, listing in these early months can give you an edge. In fact, areas like Forsyth County have seen fewer homes listed recently, which means less competition for you. This can be a great opportunity to sell quickly and at a favorable price.

Focus on your local market, not the national headlines. It’s easy to get caught up in national news, but it’s important to focus on your local market. National trends don’t always reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood.

For example, in areas like North Metro Atlanta, new construction is booming, and neighborhoods are growing. This signals strong buyer demand, even if the national market seems uncertain. Pay attention to the activity and growth in your area. Local demand is often a better indicator of your home’s value and market conditions than national trends.

Stability in home prices for 2026. If you’ve been holding off on selling because you’re waiting for prices to drop, it’s time to reconsider. In 2025, we saw some ups and downs in home prices, but in 2026, prices are expected to stabilize. Experts predict modest year-over-year growth of 2% to 5%, depending on your location. This stability makes 2026 a good year to sell if you’re looking for steady pricing without the dramatic fluctuations seen in recent years.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the local market and choosing the right timing, you can make your home stand out and attract serious buyers.

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026 and have any questions, feel free to call or text me at 678-804-4733 or email me at rachel@rachelmooney.com. I’m here to help you navigate the market, price your home right, and create a strategy that works for you.