Understanding the Twin Cities Housing Market: Key Cycles for Buyers

Navigating the Twin Cities metro housing market requires an understanding of both its seasonal and weekly cycles. By knowing when to expect market fluctuations, you can make more informed decisions and reduce stress throughout your home search.

The Weekly Cycle

Homes typically hit the market on Thursdays and Fridays, as buyers are preparing for the weekend. This means it’s important to get organized on between Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon to determine which properties you’ll visit over the weekend.

If multiple offers are received, how that is handled depends on the sellers and the listing agent. If they receive an offer well above asking and with few contingencies, they may choose an offer quickly, after just a day or two on market. In other scenarios, the seller may set a “highest and best” deadline and wait until the end of the weekend to review offers. 

When you find a listing that interests you, contact your agent to assess whether immediate action is needed or if there’s time to wait until offer deadlines, usually sometime late on Saturday or during the day on Sunday. 

The Yearly Cycle

The Twin Cities market follows a yearly inventory cycle, with the highest inventory levels typically occurring between March and mid-June. Conversely, inventory is lowest in January and December, with the market slowing down in July and August before picking back up after Labor Day.

For suburban homes, expect more listings to become available in late spring (April-June), aligned with the school calendar.

What This Means for You

If you’re starting your search in December, January, or August, be prepared for fewer options. By waiting until spring, you’ll have a broader selection of homes to choose from, but you’ll also find more competition from other buyers. Patience is key—timing can make a significant difference in your home-buying experience.

There are always exceptions, but understanding these trends will help you avoid frustration and manage expectations. Reach out for personalized advice based on your unique home search. I can help tailor your strategy to meet your goals and budget, ensuring a smoother and more confident buying process.

Let’s get started on finding the perfect home for you in the Twin Cities metro area.