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| Each week, the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) shares local housing data, sales trends, expert insights and other real estate-related topics. This week, the association provides data from the National Association of Realtors and MLS Listing related to national and local seasonal real estate trends. |
Real estate seasonality refers to the predictable ebbs and flows of sales activity that occur throughout the year. These fluctuations are generally influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, weather patterns, school schedules, holidays and major family changes like pregnancies and divorces.
During the peak spring season between April and June, homes also tend to sell faster. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median number of days nationwide a home stays on the market during these months is around 33 compared to 35 all other months of the year.
A report provided by MLSListings shows that Bay Area real estate transactions move much more quickly. In San Mateo County, the median number of days a house was on the market between April and June 2024 was 11. In Santa Clara County, the median number was even lower at eight days.
Nationally, home prices tend to be lower in December and January in comparison to June, with a difference of roughly 16%, according to NAR findings. This pattern is generally the same locally in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, which also typically experience lower prices during those months.
“We saw a surge of buyers and sellers last year evidenced by more closed sales in the Bay Area in 2024 compared to 2023,” said MLSListings president and CEO Dave Wetzel. “That trend continued into the first quarter of 2025 with a noticeable increase in the number of new listings and in many areas, higher prices.”
Seasonal shifts: National peak vs. local peak
Housing market seasonality varies significantly across the country, depending on seasonal shifts and patterns. NAR stated that the national real estate market typically peaks in June, particularly in the Midwest and the South. However, last year both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties saw their highest number of single-family residential home sales in May, according to data from MLSListings.
“My experience has been that the earlier part of the spring market is often stronger than later spring, and sellers will typically keep their homes on the market at least until summer,” said Sebastian Frey, a Realtor for Compass in Los Gatos. “This means that every month of spring, there are more homes available for purchase than the month prior. Yet by mid-April, the bulk of the buyers are already out looking.”
How seasonality can guide your real estate strategy
For buyers, understanding seasonality can help identify periods when there may be more homes to choose from, potentially leading to better deals. Understanding seasonal trends allows buyers to predict price changes and plan accordingly. This includes the possibility of making more competitive offers during peak season, according to real estate experts.
Sellers can benefit during periods of high demand by attracting more buyers and potentially achieve higher selling prices. Additionally, being aware of seasonal trends can help sellers anticipate fluctuations in buyer interest and guide real estate professionals in adjusting their marketing efforts accordingly.
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing 5,000 Realtors and affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
