Timing the Market: When Is the Right Time to Buy or Sell a Home?

By Young & Partners Real Estate | Real Estate Insights

LOS ANGELES, CA — When newlyweds Jasmine and Daniel began their home search last summer, they quickly discovered the rollercoaster of Los Angeles real estate. Competing offers, fast-paced bidding wars, and shifting interest rates made one thing very clear: timing matters — more than most realize.

“By the time we were ready to make an offer, the same house had jumped $60,000,” Jasmine recalled. “We didn’t just need a dream home; we needed a strategy.”

And they’re not alone.

As market trends shift and headlines buzz with talk of rate cuts and housing shortages, both buyers and sellers are asking the same question: When is the right time to make a move?

Spring Surge or Fall Advantage?

Traditionally, spring is considered “prime time” for real estate — warmer weather, longer days, and end-of-school-year transitions all contribute to higher buyer demand. But with more competition comes less negotiating power for buyers.

Sellers, on the other hand, may see multiple offers and faster closings during this season — if their home is priced and marketed correctly.

But don’t sleep on fall.

“In LA, fall is one of the most overlooked windows,” says Robert Young, founder of Young & Partners Real Estate. “Buyers get fatigued from the spring frenzy, and serious sellers are more flexible. That can create a sweet spot for negotiation.”

Rates, Inventory & Real Strategy

Beyond the seasons, buyers and sellers should monitor:

• Mortgage interest rates: Even a 1% shift can dramatically affect affordability

• Local inventory: Low supply = seller’s market; high supply = buyer’s advantage

• Economic indicators: Job growth, inflation trends, and market sentiment impact confidence

A good agent knows how to time these variables to a client’s benefit.

For Buyers:

• If you’re flexible, look at “off-season” opportunities for better pricing

• Get pre-approved early — it allows you to act quickly when the timing is right

• Consider long-term ownership. “Timing” is less critical if you plan to hold for 7–10 years

For Sellers:

• Prep your home 30–60 days before you want to list to hit peak market times

• Stage, photograph, and market properly — even in seller-favored months, presentation is everything

• Don’t chase the market. Overpricing during the wrong season can lead to price cuts later

The Bottom Line:

The “right time” is deeply personal — based on your goals, finances, and flexibility. But working with a trusted team like Young & Partners can turn market timing into a competitive edge.

Because in real estate, it’s not just about when — it’s about who you have by your side when the moment strikes.