By Weiting Yu, Texas-licensed agent (TREC #787385) · Updated November 13, 2026
What does the data show for each Texas metro?
| Metro | Best two weeks to list | Sale price premium | In dollars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | Last two weeks of March | 2.5% | $10,800 |
| Dallas | Last two weeks of April | 1.6% | $5,700 |
| San Antonio | Last two weeks of April | 1.6% | $4,500 |
| Houston | Last two weeks of April | 1.3% | $4,100 |
Source: Zillow, March 2026, based on 2025 home sales in the 35 largest U.S. metros. Nationally, the best window was the last two weeks of May, at 1.7%.
Why does spring win?
More buyers are looking. Families who want to move between school years shop in spring to close in early summer. Yards look their best, days are longer, and showings are easier to fit in.
Zillow also notes that mortgage rates can shift the pattern. When rates fall, buyers return whatever the month. When rates rise, the spring bump can shrink.
When should you start preparing?
Work backward from the listing date.
| Weeks before listing | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 to 10 | Interview agents, get a pricing opinion, decide on repairs |
| 4 to 8 | Repairs, paint, landscaping, declutter |
| 2 to 3 | Complete the Seller's Disclosure Notice, find your survey, deep clean |
| 1 | Photo shoot, listing copy, sign and lockbox |
An Austin seller aiming at late March should start in January.
Is it a mistake to list in fall or winter?
No. Fewer buyers are looking, but fewer homes are for sale, and the buyers who shop in December usually need to move. Relocations, job changes and tax-year deadlines do not wait for spring.
Compare the seasonal premium with your carrying cost. If the mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities on a vacant home cost $3,500 a month, waiting four months for a 1.6% bump on a $400,000 home spends $14,000 to gain $6,400.
What matters more than the month?
- Price. A home priced 3% too high loses more than any season adds. See how a list price is set.
- Condition and photos. Buyers choose showings from the listing.
- Local supply. Check months of inventory for your metro on our Texas housing market pages.
- Your own timeline. Most sellers move for life reasons, and that is a sound basis for choosing a date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst time to list in Texas?
Zillow's study names the best windows, not the worst. Late fall through the holidays generally has the fewest buyers.
Does the best week change every year?
Yes. It moves with mortgage rates and local supply. Treat the window as a season, not a date.
Should I wait for spring if my house is ready now?
Run the carrying-cost math above. For most sellers with a home ready to go, waiting several months costs more than it earns.
How much does it cost to sell in Texas?
See our cost breakdown and net proceeds calculator. KAT Realty Group lists for a $5,999 full-service flat fee (homes under $900,000; higher-priced homes have their own fixed fee). Sellers pay $600 at listing signing and the balance at closing, only if the home sells.
Source: Zillow, "Best time to list: Homes sell for $6,000 more in late May" (March 18, 2026).
