Should you List Early Spring - or Wait until May?
I'm getting this question daily. Here's what the market is telling us:
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Inventory in Newburyport is extremely low - there are only 27 homes on the market right now compared to 59 on this same date in 2019!
- At the same time, prices have surged. The average list price has jumped from about $750K in 2019 to over $1.8M today!
- Homes are also selling faster. Average days on market has dropped from 104 days to about 60, with some price ranges moving in just weeks.
What does this mean for sellers? There are fewer homes for buyers to choose from which leads to more attention on each new listing, less direct competition, and serious, motivated buyers who have been waiting all winter.
We’re already seeing proof of this early-spring advantage. My listing at 718 Main Street in West Newbury went live at the end of January - typically a quiet time - and went under agreement almost immediately. Preparation, strategic pricing, and elevated marketing exposure (including Zillow Showcase) made the difference.
Some sellers wait for May, others take advantage of what the market is giving them right now.
My advice for 2026 sellers:
If you’re even thinking about selling this year, now is the time to start planning. Small improvements, preparation, and the right timing strategy can significantly change your final sale price and terms.
Of course, the best strategy depends on your home, price range, and personal timeline. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’d like, I’m happy to give you a personalized assessment of where your home would fit in today’s market and what timing might work best for you.
Alissa Christie
Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Bentley’s
#1 Real Estate Agent Essex County
luxuryhomesnewburyport.com
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