When Is the Best Time to Sell in Ann Arbor?

Posted by Michael Perna on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025  5:08pm.


Selling your home is a big decision, and timing can significantly impact your success. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, homeowners often ask: When is the best time to sell? This comprehensive guide will dive into updated 2024–2025 real estate data to answer that question with facts. We’ll explore Ann Arbor’s home prices, inventory, days on market, and buyer activity, and break down how spring vs. summer, fall, and winter market conditions stack up. We’ll also discuss how the University of Michigan’s academic calendar and other local events influence the market. Whether you own a single-family house, condo, townhome, or a luxury property, you’ll get actionable insights to determine the optimal time to list based on your home type, goals, and timing flexibility. Finally, we’ll highlight The Perna Team’s proven track record in Ann Arbor and why we’re a trusted choice for sellers. Let’s jump in!

Ann Arbor Housing Market Trends (2024–2025)

Ann Arbor’s real estate market has been strong and competitive over the past year. Despite higher mortgage rates in 2024, home values continued to edge up thanks to limited supply and steady demand. Early 2025 data show the market remains tilted in sellers’ favor, even as it stabilizes slightly compared to the frenzy of 2021–2022. Here’s a snapshot of recent trends:

Bottom line: Ann Arbor entered mid-2025 with rising home prices, quick sales for desirable listings, and buyers ready to compete. It’s a slightly cooler market than the extreme frenzy of a couple years ago (buyers have a bit more breathing room than during the pandemic boom), but by any normal standard it’s still a hot market. Sellers who price and prepare their home well can expect strong results. With that market backdrop in mind, let’s examine how each season of the year impacts your chances of selling for the best price.

  

Spring vs. Other Seasons: When Should You Sell in Ann Arbor?

Every season brings changes in the real estate market, especially in a place like Michigan where weather and the school calendar strongly influence buyer behavior. Spring has a reputation as the best time to sell – but is that true in Ann Arbor? Let’s compare spring, summer, fall, and winter in terms of inventory levels, buyer traffic, competition, and pricing power in Ann Arbor. Timing can make a big difference: a recent analysis found Michigan has one of the most dramatic seasonal price swings in the nation – about a 20.7% drop in median home prices from summer highs to winter lows on average. That’s nearly double the national average swing, underscoring how important seasonality is in Michigan real estate. Ann Arbor’s market follows this general pattern: prices and buyer demand peak in the warmer months and ease up in the cold winter. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of what sellers can expect:

So, when is the best time to sell in Ann Arbor? For most homeowners, spring (through early summer) is the optimal window – it historically offers the best combination of high buyer demand, low inventory (from a seller’s perspective), and strong pricing. The data supports this: prices peak in spring/summer and buyer activity is highest, meaning you’re more likely to sell quickly and at top dollar during that time. That said, every situation is different. Some homes will do just fine in summer or even fall, especially if the overall market remains solid or if your property has unique appeal that always draws interest. The least favorable time to sell, generally, is the depths of winter, when both buyer traffic and pricing power hit their low point. But even in winter, a well-priced Ann Arbor home can find a buyer due to the chronic low supply. Ultimately, to decide the best timing for your sale, you should consider your personal situation and consult with a local expert (that’s where we come in!). Next, we’ll discuss how Ann Arbor’s unique local factors – especially the influence of the University of Michigan and other events – can affect the timing of your sale.

How Ann Arbor’s Local Events & University Calendar Affect the Market

One special aspect of selling in Ann Arbor is the presence of the University of Michigan and the cycle of events and economic trends related to it. Local events – from the academic calendar to community happenings – can create ebbs and flows in the housing market. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

In short, Ann Arbor’s local events and cycles mostly reinforce the usual seasonal patterns. Spring and summer are boosted by university hires and good weather; fall sees a bit of a lull (aside from special cases like relocation buyers); winter is quiet. When planning your sale, it’s wise to avoid launching during any major distracting event (you want full attention on your listing). A knowledgeable local agent will help schedule around things like U-M move-in week or big community events. Now, let’s turn to how your specific home type and personal situation factor into the timing equation.

   

Deciding the Best Time to Sell: Home Type, Goals, and Timing Flexibility

While market trends and seasons give a general answer to the “when to sell” question, the best timing for you also depends on your home type, your goals as a seller, and your timing flexibility. Here’s how to tailor the decision to your situation:

To determine your ideal listing time, put yourself in your buyer’s shoes and consider when they are most likely to be actively looking. Combine that with an honest assessment of your own needs and constraints. The “best” time is a balance of market conditions and personal circumstances. If you’re unsure, it’s wise to consult with a local expert who can provide data and advice tailored to your specific home and situation. And that’s where having a trusted real estate team by your side makes all the difference.

The Perna Team’s Proven Track Record in Ann Arbor

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial, especially in a nuanced market like Ann Arbor. You want a team with local expertise, a proven process, and a history of success in this community. The Perna Team is proud to be one of Michigan’s top-selling real estate teams – and we have a strong track record of delivering exceptional results for Ann Arbor home sellers in particular. Here are a few reasons why Ann Arbor sellers trust us to guide them:

When you choose The Perna Team to sell your Ann Arbor home, you’re getting a dedicated partner invested in your success. We combine data-driven strategy, deep local knowledge, and unmatched marketing muscle to help you achieve your goals, whether that’s selling at a record price or simply making the process easy and efficient for you.

  

Ready to Sell? Let’s Find Your Best Time – Free Consultation

Deciding when and how to sell your home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Perna Team is here to help. Our expertise in the Ann Arbor market means we can give you personalized guidance on the ideal timing and strategy for your sale. We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. We’ll assess your home, discuss your goals and timeline, and crunch the latest market numbers to identify the optimal time to list and a game plan to maximize your results. Even if you’re months away from selling or just curious about market conditions, we’re happy to be a resource.

Contact The Perna Team today to get started. With our local experience and proven approach, we’ll ensure that whenever you decide to sell, you do so with confidence – and achieve an outstanding outcome. Don’t miss out on the market opportunities in Ann Arbor. Reach out now for your free consultation, and let’s make your home sale a success!


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THINKING OF MOVING TO Ann Arbor, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.

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