The La Plata County real estate market is as diverse as the landscape - from in-town homes and rural properties to ski condos and everything in between. While there is no right answer to “when is the best time to sell my home?”, understanding the seasonal patterns and market dynamics can help you make the most strategic decision.
Spring Selling Season
Spring is typically the busiest time for real estate in La Plata County and the surrounding areas. Depending on the winter, we usually begin to see new listings pop up in late March, with inventory steadily increasing through April and May. While this does create a large inventory, meaning possible competition, there are also generally more buyers during this time to equally increase demand. With Durango being a tourism town, listing your home during our peak season can reach a wider audience, full of potential buyers.
Weather
Since Southwest Colorado experiences all four seasons, including a cold and snowy winter, many people prefer not to move in the winter; this applies to both buyers and sellers and is one reason activity slows during fall and winter. Additionally, sellers - especially those in rural areas with dirt roads or long driveways - often prefer not to show their homes/property in the winter due to the added challenge of keeping them “show ready” However, the weather is not always a deal-breaker, and we still see a fair number of successful sales during these months.
Off-Season
If you choose to list your home in the off-season (October - March), there may be fewer active buyers, but the Durango market remains strong, and we typically have buyers looking for the perfect property all year round. With fewer listings during this period, your home may actually stand out more. While overall market activity slows, the niche market of north county properties tends to pick up, due to the proximity to Purgatory Ski Resort. In La Plata County, the difference between “busy” and “slow” seasons doesn’t always lead to drastic shifts between buyer and seller markets, as those dynamics depend on more than just inventory levels.
Equity, Mortgages, and High Demand
As average and median prices continue to rise, you may find yourself in a strong equity position that makes selling appealing. Some sectors, such as in-town Durango homes and townhomes, remain in consistently high demand. If mortgage rates drop, more buyers will enter the market - creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers to benefit. These broader economic factors are generally outside our local control, which is why it’s helpful to stay in touch with your RealtorⓇ to keep up with trends that can affect your timing.
Personal Matters
Ultimately, the best time to sell your home truly depends on your personal circumstances - whether you’re relocating for a job, upsizing, downsizing, or navigating an unexpected life change. We understand that timing isn’t always perfect, and real estate needs don’t always follow the seasons. Fortunately, as full-time brokers, we’re available to help no matter the season!
Hiring a professional RealtorⓇ can help guide you through the selling process and determine the best timing, pricing, and marketing strategy to help get your listing seen, no matter the time of year. Please don’t hesitate to contact The Durango Team for a personalized market analysis and more information on listing your Durango or Southwest Colorado property.
