If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the Austin metro area, beware of mid-April.

A new study from Austin-based Realtor.com shows that in 2025, the best time to list a home for sale in the Austin area is the week of April 13. This translates into stepped-up competition among homebuyers during that time frame.

Why is the week of April 13 such a popular time to put a home on the market in the Austin area? Brandy Wuensch, president of the Austin Board of Realtors and Unlock MLS, offers three reasons:

• Springtime offers a pleasant climate for open houses, leading to more potential buyers touring homes.
• Buyers often prefer to move in the spring so they can settle into a new home before the start of the school year in the fall.
• Homes listed during this week historically generate more buying activity, and can sell more quickly and at higher prices compared with earlier in the year. According to Realtor.com, the list price of a typical Austin-area home during the week of April 13 is $47,000, or 9.6 percent, above what the list price would have been at the beginning of the year.

“This period tends to hit the sweet spot — buyer demand is high, inventory is still manageable, and sellers are well-positioned to benefit from heightened competition,” says Wuensch, founder and broker-owner of Cedar Park-based City View Realty Group.

For homebuyers, especially first-timers, that heightened competition could be an obstacle in the hunt for a home.

Wuensch says homebuyers should be ready to quickly pounce on a desired home during the week of April 13. She recommends that buyers obtain mortgage pre-approval ahead of that period to demonstrate they’re serious about making a purchase.

“With homes likely to receive multiple offers, be prepared to make swift and competitive bids,” says Wuensch.

Also, determine in advance your must-haves and nice-to-haves before wading into the crowded pool of buyers, she advises.

“Staying informed about market activity and working closely with a professional agent can give you an edge, offering timely insights and access to new listings as they hit the market,” Wuensch adds.