Deb Wells March 8, 2025
The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much.
So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with her neighbor about buying a home—advice every buyer and seller needs to hear.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 spring market, based on data from Zillow and expert insights from Hale herself.
Zillow’s latest research says that homes listed in late May sell for $5,600 more on average. That stat makes headlines every year, but here’s what most people miss:
In 2022, March was the best month to sell.
In 2023, it was June.
In 2025? No one knows because mortgage rates, local demand, and inventory play a bigger role than the calendar.
Danielle Hale backed this up when advising her neighbor:
There are always reasons to be uncertain in the housing market. My advice…is to keep your eyes open, and when you see a home that is a good fit, go for it.
Trying to outsmart the housing market is like predicting the stock market—it rarely works.
A common myth is that most buyers don’t start house hunting until late spring. In reality, serious buyers are already looking.
Mortgage rate volatility means buyers jump in and out of the market all year. They’re not waiting for May—they’re waiting for an opportunity.
The takeaway? Don’t assume waiting for May will bring better buyers if you're selling. The right buyer could be searching for your home right now.
This is the actual wild card. Buyers flood the market if rates drop—no matter the time of year. If rates rise, demand cools off—even in a so-called “hot” market.
That’s why Hale told her neighbor to stop worrying about short-term fluctuations and instead focus on long-term plans. If you plan to stay in a home for at least five years, trying to time the market perfectly isn’t worth the stress.
For sellers, this means one thing: If buyers see an opportunity, they’ll jump—regardless of whether it’s May, March, or July. The question isn’t when you list; it’s how competitive you make your home.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is trusting national headlines instead of understanding their local market.
Zillow found that the best time to sell varies widely by city. The peak selling period in San Diego and Austin starts as early as March. In Phoenix, sellers don’t hit peak pricing until November, and in Orlando, the “seasonal bump” is small—just 0.9%.
Meanwhile, inventory is rising in some areas and staying tight in others. The Northeast is still short on homes. The South and West have more new construction, which means more options for buyers.
Danielle Hale summed it up perfectly:
“You want to look at national numbers to understand the broader context, but what matters is what’s happening in your market.”
So, what’s happening in our Collin County Market? Here are some quick housing market stats:
Inventory: Up 54% year over year.
Median Sale Price: Down 1% year over year.
Days on Market: On average, homes sold in 66 days in February.
Want a deeper dive into market stats for your neighborhood? Contact me here, and I’ll compile the data for you.
A lot of sellers focus on when to list. But how you list is just as important—maybe more.
Zillow’s research found that:
Homes listed on the MLS sell for 1.5% more than off-market listings.
Homes with high-quality photos, 3D tours, and interactive floor plans sell for 2% more.
Homes with in-demand features—like remodeled interiors, outdoor TVs, or bluestone patios—can command thousands more in offers.
That’s why sellers who maximize exposure and highlight the right features will get top dollar—no matter the month.
The biggest takeaway from Zillow’s research and Hale’s advice is that you shouldn’t wait for the “perfect” moment.
For buyers: If you find a home that meets your needs and budget and plan to stay put for a while, go for it.
For sellers: If you’re ready to sell, focus on strategy, not just timing.
The market doesn’t wait for anyone; the best deals go to those prepared to act.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
If you're not already familiar with the Celina story, the numbers speak for themselves.
EV-Ready Living. Light Farms offers electric car charging stations within the community.
Buying a new construction home is a fundamentally different process than buying a resale property.
You’re clearing multiple rooms, a garage, attic, shed, or light remodel debris.
You find yourself only using part of the house while the rest collects dust.
Keeping the same flooring throughout the main living areas helps create a smooth, cohesive flow.
Overpricing, even by a little, can cause a listing to sit stale — which often leads to price drops.
Every week I am visiting with many new homes sales associates and I am hearing a consistent story.
North Sky is a June 2025 favorite, with new contemporary homes featuring open layouts and smart tech.
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