Published July 2026 • Ask Laurie & Cailin

It's one of the questions we hear most often this time of year:

"Should I wait until fall to list my home?"

The short answer is: not necessarily.

While many homeowners assume October is the "best" time to sell in the Coachella Valley, waiting isn't always the strategy that produces the best outcome. In many cases, listing during the summer can actually work in your favor.

Why Summer Can Be a Smart Time to Sell

There Are Often Fewer Competing Listings

Many sellers delay their plans until cooler weather arrives. That can create an opportunity for homes that come to market in July, August, or September.

With fewer comparable properties available, your home has a better chance of standing out to qualified buyers.

Serious Buyers Shop Year-Round

The buyers actively touring homes during the summer are rarely just browsing.

Many are relocating before the season begins, purchasing a second home, or planning to spend the winter in the desert. These buyers are typically motivated and prepared to make decisions.

Luxury Buyers Think Ahead

The luxury market doesn't always follow traditional seasonal trends.

Buyers searching in communities like PGA West, The Madison Club, The Hideaway, Tradition Golf Club, Andalusia, and Indian Ridge are often planning months in advance. Many want to close before the height of the social season so they can settle in and begin enjoying their new home immediately.

Pricing Matters More Than Timing

The biggest mistake we see isn't listing in the summer.

It's pricing based on last year's market instead of today's.

A well-priced home with exceptional photography, thoughtful marketing, and broad online exposure will generally outperform an overpriced home regardless of the month it hits the market.

Every Home Is Different

There isn't one answer that fits every seller.

A home on a golf course, a lock-and-leave condo, a custom estate, and a primary residence all attract different buyers and require different strategies.

That's why we always begin with the same questions:

  • What are comparable homes selling for today?

  • How much competition is currently on the market?

  • Who is the most likely buyer for your property?

  • What is your timeline?

Those answers shape the strategy—not the calendar.

Laurie & Cailin's Advice

If you're thinking about selling this year, don't wait simply because someone told you "fall is better."

The right time to list depends on your goals, your home, and the current market—not a date on the calendar.

A personalized pricing and marketing strategy will almost always have a greater impact on your results than waiting for a different season.

Have a Question?

Every week we answer a real question from buyers and sellers across the Coachella Valley.

If there's something you've always wondered about buying, selling, HOA fees, golf communities, property values, or living in the desert, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your question, and it may be featured in an upcoming edition of Ask Laurie & Cailin.