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MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTER
PenFed Mortgage with Confidence

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September 17, 2021
At some time or another, most homeowner asks themselves, “Should I sell my house now?” Whether you are noticing increasing property values, need to relocate for a job, or just want a change of scenery, read on to see when is the best time to put your home on the market for maximum profit and the least stress.
Best and Worst Time to Sell a House
The best time and worst time will be different for every homeowner. That’s because not only do they have to consider market conditions, but there are also life situations to consider. Let’s dig in a little to shine some light on what to consider when deciding to sell or not.
Best Time of Year to Sell a House
All across the nation, traditionally, the best time to list and sell your home is in spring and summer. But it depends on the location, climate, and market. For example, in the warmer states like California, Hawaii, and Arizona, the market is good most of the year. Other states that get snow in the winter mostly follow listing and selling in the spring and summer. That is, unless it’s a ski resort town.
Florida sees a boom in home sales in the winter when buyers want to relocate to a warmer climate. If you live near the beach, consider listing your home in the summer. Whenever the tourist season hits is a great time to put your property on the market. That’s especially true if you have a vacation home.
When there’s a shortage of inventory, no matter what season — it can be to your advantage to sell. You might get a better price, and you’ll have less competition.
Worst Time of Year To Sell House
Bad weather is a considerable deterrent to selling your home. That includes not only freezing temperatures but also sweltering heat. Unless a buyer is highly motivated, they won’t want to be uncomfortable viewing homes for sale. Plus, your landscape may not look its best in extreme weather. That’s why springtime is so popular because flowers are blooming, and lawns look lush and green.
September can be a slow month because families are trying to get their kids into school. If they were going to move, it would have been before school started. In many locations, sale prices dip in the winter. That’s especially true if a homeowner had their house listed over the summer and it didn’t sell.
The best way to know when to list your home for sale is to talk to a trusted realtor. If you don’t have one in mind, talk to several real estate agents. Ask them specific questions. For example, find out the average number of days homes are on the market. Also, ask them if it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market.
When is the best time to sell a house for you?
Selling your home or even a rental property can be very time-consuming. Not only do you need to get it looking good and ready to list, but you also have to be willing to keep everything pristine. That means keeping things picked up, pets relocated if necessary, and you have to be ready to leave for showings at a moment’s notice.
Considering all of that, don’t forget to keep in mind how listing and selling your home would work into your current lifestyle or situation. If you’re getting ready to have a child, have significant health issues, or just feel stressed overall — you might consider holding off.
But, sometimes, it’s not possible to hold off selling even if you already have your hands full with everyday life already. That’s when you need to call in the troops and get some help. If you don’t have family or friends you can lean on, get assistance from a realtor. Often, they know of people who can help you pack, declutter, and stage your home.
Interest Rates & Housing Market
Whether or not it’s the best time to sell has a lot to do with mortgage interest rates. What happens when interest is low or goes down? More borrowers can qualify for a mortgage.
And on the flip side, when rates go up — fewer borrowers are eligible, so there aren’t as many home shoppers. When rates are high, rather than a fixed-30 year loan, borrowers might get a better deal with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). But of course, interest rates don’t affect cash buyers except that it puts them in a better bargaining position.
Both buying and selling a home can be time-consuming. It’s best to plan, know the market, and make your move as soon as you can.
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Disclosures
*Prime Rate is 6.750% as of December 12, 2025. The APR for this Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on prime plus a margin and can change monthly. Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term, with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin, and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.
- Annual Fee: Notwithstanding the foregoing, an annual fee of $99 will be assessed on each account anniversary.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are variable rate loans and the interest rate is subject to increase after consummation of the loan on monthly basis. Closing costs range between $500 and $8,500 for credit lines of $500,000. Contact a representative for additional details.
Appraisals: PenFed will attempt to establish value via an independent method. If that method is unsuccessful, or the value is not sufficient for the amount requested, an appraisal will be required regardless of CLTV. An appraisal is always required in the following circumstances:
For all loans with a loan amount greater than $400,000.
If an appraisal is required, it must be ordered by PenFed. You will be contacted for authorization and payment prior to ordering. Appraisal fees average $550 to $850 (some run higher).
- Closing Cost Credit: PenFed will pay most closing costs associated with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which includes credit report, flood certification, settlement/closing, property ownership and encumbrances search, recording, property search, and quick close. Member is responsible for any city, county, and/or state taxes if the subject property is located in FL, LA, MD, MN, NY, TN, or VA. If an appraisal is required, the member, who is responsible for the fee whether or not the loan closes, will pay the cost.
Interest may be tax deductible, consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges.
Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Draw Period. During your Draw Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.
Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.
Property Insurance: Property insurance is required.
Multiple PenFed Loans: Multiple PenFed Equity loans and HELOCs are available as long as the member and collateral qualify (except Texas). For Equity loans and HELOCs the total indebtedness cannot exceed $500,000 for all PenFed Equity and HELOCs combined.
PenFed does not lend on:
- Mobile homes
- Co-ops or time-shares
- Properties that are currently listed on the market for sale
- Commercial property or property used for commercial purposes, even if a residence is part of the property
- Undeveloped property (land only)
- Properties with more than 4 units
Properties that are currently under major construction/renovations: Property must be fully livable, with no safety issues. (Examples: no missing rails from stairs/decks, no open walls with wires showing, missing kitchen appliances/counters, missing bath fixtures or unfinished pool).
- Additional limitations may apply
Home Equity Line of Credit:
- This Account has a Draw Period of 10 years, followed by a repayment period of 20 years.
- If only minimum payments are made during the draw period, the loan balance will not decrease.
- In Texas, the maximum CLTV available is 80% on owner occupied properties. Additional restrictions apply in Texas, so please ask a representative for details.
- In all other states, the maximum CLTV is 85% on owner occupied properties and second homes. Additional restrictions or requirements may apply based on application characteristics.
- Property type of Condo has a maximum CLTV of 80%.
- The maximum CLTV available is dependent on credit qualification.
- Rates vary depending on owner occupancy and CLTV and other loan criteria.
Minimum Loan Amount Requirements in all States:
- For an owner occupied property or second home the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $500,000 with a CLTV of 85% or less of the fair market value.
Other terms and conditions apply; call 844-918-4307 to speak with a representative for details. All rates and offers are subject to change without notice. To receive advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed.