As November approaches, many people considering listing their homes ask the same question: Is it okay to list at the end of the year, or is it better to wait until spring?

Let's look at the numbers. In Montgomery County, the median days on market for listings were 55 days in December 2025 and 57 days in January 2026.

By March 2026, that number dropped to 29 days, then 30 days in April, and 29 days in May. This means winter listings stayed on the market nearly twice as long as spring listings.

This data comes from Realtor.com, compiled by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank (FRED). The latest figures in this series are available up to September 2026.

The longer days on market in December are not unique to last year. From 2016 to 2025, December values ranged from 44 to 65 days, while April values ranged from 23 to 35 days.

Let's also consider pricing. According to the same data, the median listing price in the county was $560,000 in January 2026 and rose to $639,000 in May.

However, interpreting this as an $80,000 loss if you list in winter can be misleading. The listing price is not the actual sale price, and the size and type of homes on the market vary by season.

In winter, there is a higher proportion of smaller condos and townhouses, while spring sees many single-family homes aimed at school district demand. A significant part of the reason for the change in median values is due to the composition of homes available.

Therefore, analyses that focus solely on seasonal effects are more useful. Redfin published data on April 20, 2026, that illustrates this.

Redfin created seasonal indices by state using data from 2015-2019 and 2023-2025, excluding the pandemic-affected years of 2020-2022.

Nationally, homes listed at the end of April had median sale prices that were 4% higher than the annual average. The likelihood of selling above the asking price was 18%, and the chance of selling within two weeks was 17% higher.

One important aspect to note is regional differences. Redfin identified the optimal listing time for the Washington DC metro area as mid to late March, which is about a month earlier than the national average.

So, are winter listings always at a disadvantage? The number of competing listings tells a different story.

In Montgomery County, active listings were 1,444 in December 2025 and 1,244 in January 2026. By May, that number increased to 2,046.

In winter, while fewer people come to view homes, there are also fewer comparable homes in the neighborhood. If a well-maintained home is priced appropriately, it can stand out more easily.

People looking at homes during the year-end tend to be in urgent situations. Many have job relocations or expiring rental contracts, resulting in a lower percentage of casual viewers.

Interest rates also need to be considered. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.24% as of October 29. While it decreased from 7.32% the previous week, it remains significantly higher than 6.17% a year ago.

No one knows where interest rates will be in spring. If they drop, demand will likely increase, but waiting four months based solely on that expectation is essentially betting on interest rates.

You also need to factor in the costs incurred while waiting. Monthly expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, winter heating, and maintenance continue to accrue.

If you've already purchased a new home or have a set moving date, you may end up paying for two homes simultaneously. In such cases, the fixed costs for a few months may outweigh the percentage you could gain by waiting until spring.

Conversely, if you're not in a hurry, it may be better to use winter as a preparation period. Completing painting, minor repairs, and organizing your belongings during the colder months will allow you to move quickly in March.

If you decide to list in winter, pay attention to your photos and showing times. Since the sun sets early, take photos during the day, and ensure all lights are on during showings.

It's advisable to minimize decorations. Large trees or elaborate decorations can make spaces feel smaller, and if photos remain until after January, the listing may appear outdated.

Make sure to clear snow and ice from the front entrance in advance. Any memories of slipping on stairs can negatively impact the impression of the home.

It's crucial to set a realistic price from the start. Fewer visitors in winter can lead to longer days on market if you start too high and then lower the price.

The September figures are also worth noting. Active listings in the county were 2,328, which is more than a year ago, and the median days on market were 40 days. This indicates a market with more options for buyers.

In summary, if you are in a hurry or have a well-maintained home and can set a realistic price, winter listings can be worthwhile.

If not, I would choose to prepare during winter and list around mid-March, as the local data suggests that timing.

The figures mentioned are based on the latest data available up to early November. The actual trends for this winter will only be clear once December and January data are released, so I recommend reviewing recent transaction examples in your neighborhood.