Why Is My Home Not Selling? Part 4: Timing the Market – What Sellers Need to Know in 2026

Why Is My Home Not Selling? Part 4: Timing the Market – What Sellers Need to Know in 2026.

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is: Why is my home not selling? In this series, we’ve covered pricing, condition, and showings. Today, let’s talk about timing—when you list your home can dramatically impact how quickly it sells and how much you ultimately net.You can’t perfectly time the real estate market any more than you can time the stock market, but there are clear indicators and patterns that give you a strong edge. The key is understanding the seasonal rhythms in the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area (especially in the south metro: Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington) and aligning your strategy with them.Why Timing Matters for Selling Your Home FastThe Twin Cities real estate market is highly seasonal. Spring is traditionally the strongest time to sell because buyer activity peaks—more people are looking, more homes are coming on the market, and competition drives prices up. But here’s the nuance many sellers miss: the “spring market” doesn’t always start in spring.

In some years, I’ve seen the spring market kick off as early as January 2.
In other years, it doesn’t fully ignite until May.
The real turning point? Usually around Super Bowl weekend (early February). That’s when we typically escape the worst of winter, a few 40°+ days appear, and buyers start thinking about moving.

Once the thaw hits, buyer traffic surges—showings increase, multiple offers become more common, and homes sell faster and often for top dollar.The Danger of Waiting Too LongMany sellers wait until “peak spring” (April–May) to list, thinking they’ll get the highest price. The problem? By then, the market is flooded with inventory. More competition means your home has to stand out even more—and if it doesn’t sell quickly, it can become stale, leading to price reductions and lower offers.The smarter play: List early (late winter/early spring) when inventory is still low and buyer demand is building. Homes that come on in January–February often sell in a matter of days (or weeks) with multiple offers because they’re among the first options buyers see.How to Time Your Sale Strategically in 2026Here’s the practical framework I use with my sellers to maximize results:

Absorption Rate — Look at how many homes like yours sold in the last 90 and 180 days. A low absorption rate (few sales) means a slower market—consider waiting. A high rate means buyers are hungry—list now.
Active & Pending Inventory — Check how many similar homes are currently for sale (active) or under contract (pending). Low inventory favors sellers; high inventory means you need to price aggressively and stage perfectly.
Your Personal Timeline — If you’re forced to sell (job change, life event), timing is secondary. But if you have flexibility, waiting for the right window can add thousands to your bottom line.
The Other Market — If you’re buying your next home, analyze that market too. A balanced approach (knowing both supply/demand sides) gives you the best shot at a smooth transition.

Many homes that close in May were actually listed in February or March—they just took longer to negotiate. Early listers often win.The Bottom LineTiming isn’t everything, but it’s a lot. Listing during a strong buyer window (late winter/early spring) with low inventory gives you the best chance to sell your home fast and for top dollar in today’s market. The agent you hire needs to understand these seasonal patterns, track absorption rates, monitor inventory, and position your home to take advantage of the upswing.If your home has been sitting too long or you’re planning to list your home in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or anywhere in the south metro, let’s talk strategy. As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years of experience helping sellers navigate the Minnesota housing market, I’ll give you a clear, honest plan to get your home sold quickly and for the most money possible.Ready to time your sale for success in 2026? Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Text or call me, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, and let’s get your home moving.