Should We Wait Until Fall to List?

We hear this one a lot—especially around this time of year. “Would it be better to wait until fall to list our house?”

It’s a fair question. Portland real estate moves in seasons, literally and figuratively. Spring often feels like the hot market. Summer brings travel. Fall seems quieter but more focused. So when a couple in NE Portland asked us this exact question last week, we paused before answering.

Instead of giving a blanket response, we walked through their goals.

They needed to sell before their next home closed. They wanted to maximize their value but weren’t interested in months of prep. And most importantly—they were ready. Waiting for fall would’ve meant holding costs, emotional limbo, and possibly missing their ideal window.

We mapped out a two-week listing plan, lined up photos and staging, and helped them hit the market with confidence.

Here’s the thing: the “right” time isn’t always seasonal. It’s strategic. It’s about your timeline, your neighborhood, your house’s condition, and your goals. We’ve seen January sales outperform May ones—and vice versa. The market isn’t a clock. It’s a conversation.

This is why we never answer timing questions with a simple yes or no. We answer them with you in mind.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Portland area, we’d love to be part of your story.