Blog > The Markham Home Sellers Guide to Timing the Market: Spring, Fall, Winter and Personal Timing
The Markham Home Sellers Guide to Timing the Market: Spring, Fall, Winter and Personal Timing
by
Michael John Lau is a top real estate agent in Markham and a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region. He helps sellers weigh the season against the things that matter more: their next home, their mortgage and their family.
When is the best time to sell a home in Markham
The best time to sell is usually when your home is ready and your next step is clear, then the season. Spring typically brings the most buyers and the most competing listings. Winter is slower: Markham’s average days on market rose from 34 in November 2025 to 40 in January and February 2026, but there were also fewer homes to compete with. Personal timing often matters more, including your mortgage renewal date, school calendars and how ready the home is to show.
How Each Season Usually Plays Out
| Season | Buyers | Competition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Usually the most | Most listings | Good presentation and pricing matter most |
| Summer | Steady, with vacation dips | Moderate | Family buyers aiming for September |
| Fall | Second busy period | Moderate to high | Activity slows after mid-November |
| Winter | Fewer, often serious | Fewest listings | Longer days on market |
What Last Winter Looked Like
| Markham | Average days on market | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | 34 | 219 |
| December 2025 | 36 | 171 |
| January 2026 | 40 | 163 |
| February 2026 | 40 | 182 |
Homes still sold every month. Sellers who priced from recent sales and kept the home easy to show did well.
Personal Timing Often Matters More
- Mortgage renewal: selling near renewal can avoid a prepayment penalty; selling mid-term may mean a penalty unless you port.
- Your next home: plan whether to buy first, sell first or use bridge financing.
- Family calendar: school years, new jobs and caring for parents.
- Home readiness: repairs and preparation usually take one to three weeks.
Deciding when to list? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286.
Rates and the Market Right Now
The Bank of Canada raised its rate to 2.5% on October 28, 2026, and prime rose to 4.70%. With 1,122 active listings in September, buyers had choice. Waiting for spring may bring more buyers, but also more competing homes and uncertain rates. See sell this fall or wait for spring 2027.
Who Is Buying at Each Time of Year
- Spring: families planning a summer move, and first-time buyers who saved over winter.
- Summer: families aiming to settle before school starts.
- Fall: buyers who missed out in spring, and relocations.
- Winter: job transfers, relocations and buyers with a deadline, who are often ready to act.
Knowing who is likely to be shopping helps you plan the photos, the price and the showing schedule.
Is Your Home Ready?
A well-prepared home in a slower month often does better than a tired home in spring. Before choosing a date, list the repairs, cleaning and staging the home needs, and how long they will take. Small fixes, fresh paint and good photos usually matter more than the calendar.
The Cost of Waiting
| Cost of waiting a few months | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mortgage interest and property tax | You keep paying them until you sell |
| Winter utilities and maintenance | Heating, snow clearing and upkeep |
| Rate changes | Buyers’ budgets move with rates, in either direction |
| Your next home | Prices and choice where you are buying may change too |
Compare these with the benefit you expect from waiting.
A Simple Way to Decide
- Write down the date you need to move, and work backward.
- Check your mortgage renewal date and penalty.
- Get a price from recent sales, not last spring’s market.
- Decide what you need to do to get the home ready.
- Compare listing now with listing in spring, including carrying costs.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you choose your timing.
Next Steps
- Free home evaluation: start with a price based on recent sales.
- Selling your Markham home: a plan built around your timing.
- Seller services: preparation, marketing and negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to sell a house in Markham?
Spring usually brings the most buyers, but the best time depends on your home, your next move and your mortgage.
Is it bad to sell a house in winter?
Not necessarily. Homes take longer, but there are fewer competing listings and buyers are often serious.
How long do Markham homes take to sell in winter?
Average days on market rose from 34 in November 2025 to 40 in January and February 2026.
Should I sell before my mortgage renewal?
Selling near renewal can avoid a penalty. Ask your lender for the exact payout figure.
Should I wait for spring 2027 to sell?
It may bring more buyers but also more competition. Compare carrying costs and your own timeline.
How long does it take to get a home ready to sell?
Usually one to three weeks for repairs, cleaning, staging and photos.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps Markham sellers choose a listing date that fits their life, with a price based on recent sales and the reasoning behind every recommendation.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Want a timeline built around your move?
Michael John Lau can review recent sales and your plans to recommend when to list.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Monthly days on market and sales are from TRREB Market Watch as compiled by BCG Team (November 2025 to February 2026). September 2026 figures are from TRREB. Rate information is from the Bank of Canada and bank announcements (October 2026). Seasonal patterns are general. Michael John Lau is not a lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or mortgage professional. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional about your own situation.