If you’re even thinking about selling your home in 2026, timing matters more right now than most homeowners realize.
Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen a serious surge of new sellers coming to market across the Twin Cities. That creates a small but powerful window where early Spring sellers are seeing stronger results — while homeowners who wait are stepping into heavier competition.
If your goal is to close by May 1st, this window is especially important.
Right now, the difference between selling in early Spring versus late Spring can mean less competition, stronger offers, and better negotiating leverage.
Why Early Spring Sellers Are Seeing Better Results
What I’m seeing play out in real time is clear.
Homeowners who list in February and March are consistently capturing:
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Stronger buyer urgency
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Cleaner, more confident offers
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Better negotiating leverage
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Less pressure to reduce price
By late May and June, inventory rises, buyers become pickier, and sellers start competing against each other — instead of letting buyers compete for them.
That shift alone can mean tens of thousands of dollars in real-world outcomes for homeowners.
The Advantage Most Homeowners Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late
When you sell first, you become a non-contingent buyer.
In simple terms, that means when you go to purchase your next home, your offer is stronger — because it’s not dependent on selling your current home first.
In competitive situations, this often decides:
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Who wins the home
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Who loses it
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Who has to overpay
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Who walks away disappointed
Being non-contingent isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a power position that gives you flexibility and leverage.
What I’m Seeing Behind the Scenes With Sellers Right Now
Here’s something most homeowners don’t see — but it’s shaping the market:
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been getting a steady stream of calls from sellers who are planning to list, but are starting the process early. These homeowners are preparing, refining timing, and positioning their homes to launch strong when they officially hit the market.
This early planning is happening across many types of homes, including:
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Historic and character homes
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Lake homes and waterfront properties
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Golf course communities
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Luxury and relocation-driven homes in both Minnesota and Arizona
While these homes are not yet listed, this early seller activity gives me valuable insight into market momentum, pricing expectations, and upcoming trends — helping my clients make smarter decisions before most homeowners even start the conversation.
That market intelligence alone can change what’s possible in your next move.
Bridging, Leverage & Writing Stronger Offers
I also work closely with top broker lenders who can quickly review options to help bridge timing between homes.
In many cases, a short overlap of ~45 days is all it takes to make a smooth move from Home A to Home B — without stress.
In some situations, there may even be programs that can make you non-contingent on the sale of your current home before you even sell — allowing you to write the strongest possible offer on your next home.
In competitive markets, that can be a game-changer.
Flexibility Without Losing Leverage
For homeowners who want maximum flexibility, I also have access to:
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High-quality short-term full-house rentals with large garages for on-site storage
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Premium condos (not apartments), including options near Ridgedale at The Luxe
This allows many families to:
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Sell first
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Put their equity in their pocket
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Shop from a position of strength
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Avoid storage hassles
Many even turn this into a short-term “stay-cation” — enjoying gyms, golf simulators, restaurants, and walkable amenities while they shop for their next home.
Local Presence. Personal Representation.
One of the biggest advantages my clients have is that I am physically positioned to serve them where they need it most.
I maintain offices and active presence in:
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Lake Minnetonka (Six Smith area)
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STMA (St. Michael–Albertville)
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Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona
Whether you’re moving locally, relocating seasonally, or planning a Minnesota-to-Arizona transition, I’m able to be right by your side personally — not just referring you out or handing you off.
That means better coordination, better timing, and stronger representation throughout the entire process.
The Bottom Line for Home Sellers
The homeowners who reach out to me in January and February are the ones who later say:
“I’m so glad we didn’t wait.”
Over the past two weeks, my phone has been ringing nonstop with homeowners locking in this early Spring window.
If there’s even a chance you’re considering a move in 2026, now is the time to start the conversation.
The sellers who act now are positioning themselves for maximum leverage.
The ones who wait will be competing, discounting, and chasing the market.
If you want to be ahead of the market instead of reacting to it, let’s connect and get you positioned before this window tightens.
š Call or text anytime: 763.843.2905
— Zane Petersen
