The Early Advantage: Why the First Homes of the Year Often Win Big
Every year, the same pattern emerges. After a long winter marked by limited inventory, buyer demand builds. Buyers stay engaged, watch closely, and grow increasingly frustrated by the lack of available homes. When the first well-prepared homes come to market, the buyers who have been waiting move fast.
These early listings often receive immediate and decisive interest. Not every home, but those in strong locations that feel thoughtful, complete, and appropriately priced. This is where the early advantage comes into play.
Spring is still the best time to sell a home in Marin. However, for those who are ready, entering the market just before the spring rush can offer meaningful benefits.
Why Being First Works
Being early typically means listing in late winter or early spring, most often February or early March, before inventory builds through the heart of the spring market. In a low-inventory market like Marin, this timing can work strongly in a seller’s favor, particularly when attention is focused on a limited number of new listings.
With fewer homes available, early listings face less competition and receive more focused attention. Buyers are not yet overwhelmed with options, which allows standout properties to command interest quickly and confidently.
Early-season buyers also tend to be highly motivated. Many are families planning moves around school calendars, or buyers who have spent months watching the market and are prepared to act when the right home appears. These buyers are organized, informed, and decisive.
Early listings can also help establish pricing benchmarks for the season. When pricing and presentation align, this often translates into stronger offers and a shorter time on market.
Preparation Is the Difference
The early advantage is not about listing first at any cost. The homes that perform best early in the year are thoughtfully prepared, realistically priced, and located in areas with consistent demand. Buyers remain selective, and overpricing or under-preparing can stall momentum, even in a tight market.
Some of our strongest results have come from homes launched in February.
835 Chamberlain Court launched on February 24, 2025. More than 100 buyers toured the home in its first week, five offers followed within seven days, and the property sold for $2,600,000, 18.5% over asking and a tenfold return on the seller’s prep investment.
1235 Waterview Drive, introduced off-market in late February 2024, welcomed more than 50 buyer groups in five days, generated five offers, and sold off-market for $2,800,000, 12% over asking.
In both cases, limited inventory gave these properties space to stand out and allowed buyer demand to concentrate quickly.
What the Market Is Saying
Looking ahead, inventory across Marin remains limited, particularly in high-demand towns like Mill Valley, Tiburon, Larkspur, and Kentfield. While this continues to favor sellers, success increasingly depends on smart pricing and strong presentation rather than optimism alone.
For buyers, readiness is the key to success. When a desirable home becomes available, especially early in the season, the ability to act decisively can make all the difference.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
In Marin, the market typically begins to reawaken in February, with momentum building through March. Sellers who want to take advantage of being early should begin planning in January or February, allowing time for strategy, preparation, and thoughtful presentation.
If you are considering a spring sale and want to explore whether an early strategy makes sense for your home, we’re always happy to talk it through. Book a call anytime, a simple planning conversation now can make all the difference later.
