May 19th, 2023 | Selling

When Is the Best Time to Sell My Ottawa Home?

Does it feel like the time has come for a change in your life? Perhaps you want to sell your home to move across the country for a whole new experience. Or maybe you want to stay in Ottawa but move to a different neighbourhood to be closer to work or family. Whatever your reasons, the first step is selling your existing home. 

If you follow the news, you’ve likely heard that timing is imperative. But is it really more advantageous to sell during a certain season? Keep reading to discover the advantages and disadvantages of selling your house during different times of the year.

No one Can Perfectly Time the Market

If you had a crystal ball, you could gaze into it to see when housing values would reach their highest point before starting to fall again. Then you could be sure to sell your house at the very peak of the market. But in the real world, that perfect scenario is rare. 

No one can predict the market with such accuracy. Plus, who’s to say the timing works for you even if you could anticipate the peaks and valleys? A better approach is to use all available tools and resources to get the best possible results when you are ready.

Three Types of Markets

Let’s start with the big picture. Whenever you decide to list your home, one of these scenarios will apply:

  • We are in a seller’s market where buyers don’t have enough listings to choose from and are in tough competition for the few homes that are for sale. This is a good position to be in as a seller!
  • We are in a buyer’s market where the buyer holds most of the cards. They have plenty of homes to choose from. You may have to work a little harder to stand out from other sellers, but a successful sale is still possible if you don’t skip any of the steps.
  • We are in a balanced market. There are enough homes for the buyers who are searching, but competition can still arise in highly desirable areas.

The above scenarios will reflect the market as a whole. However, seasonality can also play a part. 


Preparing your house to make a positive first impression can help you enjoy a successful sale anytime. Here are some ideas that will get you started:


Make a Splash in the Springtime

Spring is well-known as the busiest season for real estate by far. The snow has melted, the tulips are blooming, and enthusiasm is in the air. Potential buyers are also out in full force with the vision of that perfect new dream home dancing in their heads. 

Many homeowners wait until spring to sell, and it’s easy to see why. 

  • Since more buyers are searching, your chances of a successful transaction are high.
  • Selling in the spring is easier and less messy, with no one tracking snow or slush through your home.
  • Think of the extra curb appeal! Decking out your front porch with fragrant flowers and colourful blooms can greatly increase the desirability of your home.
  • More buyer competition can increase the chances of receiving multiple offers on your home.
  • A spring sale will typically close in the summer, virtually guaranteeing you will never have to move during a snowstorm.
  • Buyers with children are also motivated to act now so they won’t have to move in the middle of the school year.

There is no doubt about it; spring is an excellent time to sell. However, there are also a few other things to consider before putting up the “For Sale” sign. 

  • There are more buyers in the spring, but there are also more people selling their homes. This increased competition means you must ensure your home stands out, especially if there are several listings in your neighbourhood.
  • Spring brings out the serious buyers, but it also can bring out the curiosity seekers who just want to walk through your home without any real intention of purchasing.

Thinking about downsizing? Here’s a post you may enjoy: What All Downsizers Need to Know About Buying and Selling in Ottawa

Sizzling Summer Sales

Summer is not traditionally the busiest time in real estate. Many potential buyers put their plans on hold while they spend their days at the beach or vacationing at the cottage. However, listing your house during the hottest months can offer a few distinct advantages. 

  • You could capitalize on the tail end of the busy spring market. 
  • You’ll have less competition from other sellers.
  • Buyers are motivated to make their decision so they won’t have to move during the cold weather.

The Frenzy of Fall

Spring is the most hectic time in real estate, followed closely by autumn. This is when many empty-nesters and younger buyers without children start their home search. Though slightly less busy than spring, fall is also an excellent time to sell. 

  • The fall colours provide an opportunity to create stunning curb appeal for your home. You can complement nature by adding a few touches of seasonal decor to make an instant first impression on potential buyers.
  • You will face less competition from other sellers than you would in the spring.
  • Buyers are motivated to close quickly so they won’t have to move when the snow begins to fall. 

What happens after selling your house? If buying a new home is on your agenda, the following resources will help you along your way:


Winning in the Winter

Ask anyone, and they’ll usually tell you that winter is the worst season for real estate. However, reality often tells a different story. It’s true that there is typically less activity during the coldest months. However, people will always be buying and selling houses no matter what the season. 

Achieving results when selling in the winter comes down to having a winning strategy and reasonable expectations. It may take longer to find a buyer than it would in the spring or fall, and you may have to work a little harder to keep your home in tip-top shape for showings. Still, there are several advantages to selling your home as the snow flies.

  • You’ll face very little competition from other sellers since most will be waiting for a “better” time.
  • You will have fewer curiosity seekers browsing through your home.
  • Winter buyers are often the most motivated of all. It is deeply embedded in the collective unconscious that you should “always buy in the spring or fall.” If someone is searching in the winter, they have a compelling reason for it. 

Conventional wisdom says to avoid selling in the winter. However, anyone who has recently enjoyed a successful transaction might tell you it’s the best season of all! It always depends on your personal situation.

The Real Best Time to Sell Your Home

As you can see, anytime can be a great time to sell. It’s not the season that matters so much as your strategy and ability to market your listing effectively. 

For the best results, work with a local real estate agent who can expertly position your home in every possible season and scenario. With a knowledgeable professional by your side, you won’t be held back by the whim of a fast-changing market. Instead, you can act when the time is right for you to experience a new adventure in your life!

Do you have questions about how to get the best possible results right now when selling your Ottawa home? Help is just a phone call or email away! Reach out to the Chell Team right here or give us a call at 613.829.7484.