5 Things You Need to Know About the 2025 Spring Housing Market

by Megan Luker VA Beach Realtor

Spring Surge: Higher returns for sellers start in March, peak in late May

The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much.

So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with her own neighbor about buying a home—advice that every buyer and seller needs to hear.

Here’s what you actually need to know about the 2025 spring market, based on data from Zillow and expert insights from Hale herself.

1. Timing the Market? That’s a Risky Game

Zillow’s latest research says that homes listed in late May sell for $5,600 more on average. That stat makes headlines every year, but here’s what most people miss:

In 2022, March was the best month to sell.
In 2023, it was June.
In 2025? No one knows for sure, because mortgage rates, local demand, and inventory play a bigger role than the calendar.

Danielle Hale backed this up when giving advice to her neighbor:

“There are always reasons to be uncertain in the housing market. My advice…is to keep your eyes open and when you see the home that is a good fit to go for it.”

Trying to outsmart the housing market is like trying to predict the stock market—it rarely works.

2. Serious Buyers Are Always Looking

A common myth is that most buyers don’t start house hunting until late spring. In reality, serious buyers are already looking.

Mortgage rate volatility means that buyers are jumping in and out of the market all year long. They’re not waiting for May—they’re waiting for an opportunity.

The takeaway? If you’re selling, don’t assume waiting for May will bring better buyers. The right buyer could be searching for your home right now.

3. Mortgage Rates Matter More Than the Season

This is the real wild card. If rates drop, buyers flood the market—no matter the time of year. If rates rise, demand cools off—even in a so-called “hot” market.

That’s why Hale told her neighbor to stop worrying about short-term fluctuations and instead focus on long-term plans. If you plan to stay in a home for at least five years, trying to time the market perfectly isn’t worth the stress.

For sellers, this means one thing: If buyers see an opportunity, they’ll jump—regardless of whether it’s May, March, or July. The question isn’t when you list; it’s how competitive you make your home.

4. Local Insights Matter Most

One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is trusting national headlines instead of understanding their local market.

Zillow found that the best time to sell varies widely by city. In San Diego and Austin, the peak selling period starts as early as March. In Phoenix, sellers don’t hit peak pricing until November, and in Orlando, the “seasonal bump” is small—just 0.9%.

Meanwhile, inventory is rising in some areas and staying tight in others. The Northeast is still short on homes. The South and West have more new construction, which means more options for buyers.

Danielle Hale summed it up perfectly:

“You want to look at national numbers to understand the broader context, but what really matters is what’s happening in your market.”

So what's happening in Virginia Beach? Here are some key housing market stats for March:

Inventory:
- According to data from REIN MLS, active residential listings for March have shown an increase year-over-year. This indicates that there are more homes available for buyers compared to the same time last year. This is a positive for people looking to buy, as it adds more options. For the most up to date information it is always best to check reinmls.com.
Median Sale Price:
- The median sale price of homes sold in March has also shown a tendency to have year over year increases. This means that the midpoint price of homes sold in the area has generally been trending upward. This trend is important for both buyers and sellers to be aware of.
Days on Market:
- Median days on market (DOM) for March can fluctuate. Based on information available there has been movement in the DOM. To get the most precise up to date information regarding this metric, it is best to consult with a local real estate professional.
- It is important to understand that the days on market metric is effected by many factors, including but not limited to, interest rates, and the time of year.

Key Takeaways:

The Virginia Beach housing market is seeing shifts in inventory and pricing.
For the most detailed and current data, it's always best to consult with a local real estate professional or check resources like REIN MLS and reputable real estate websites.

5. The Right Listing Strategy Can Make or Break Your Sale Price

A lot of sellers focus on when to list. But how you list is just as important—maybe more.

Zillow’s research found that:

Homes listed on the MLS sell for 1.5% more than off-market listings.
Homes with high-quality photos, 3D tours, and interactive floor plans sell for 2% more.
Homes with in-demand features—like remodeled interiors, outdoor TVs, or bluestone patios—can command thousands more in offers.

That’s why sellers who maximize exposure and highlight the right features will get top dollar—no matter the month.