What Sellers Need to Know Heading into Winter 2026

As the end of the year draws near, many Westchester homeowners are asking the question: Is this still a good time to sell? Yes, the 2025-2026 winter market remains exceptionally strong for sellers, due to low inventory and sustained buyer demand.

The average sale price for single-family homes is hovering around $1.3 million, with the median price close to $930,000, according to the latest William Pitt / Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty data. But those county-wide numbers don’t tell the full story, particularly in the higher-end markets. In towns like Rye, the median price jumps to $2.7 million, with Scarsdale, Larchmont, and Harrison not far behind at $2.5 million, $1.9 million, and $1.8 million, respectively.

These communities continue to outperform the broader Westchester averages. Homes are selling briskly—often within just a few weeks—and many continue to close at or above asking. Inventory hasn’t meaningfully improved and I’m continuing to see a steady stream of motivated buyers.

So, while winter has traditionally signaled a slowdown, today’s Westchester market simply doesn’t follow those old patterns. Low supply and strong demand continue to shape this moment, making it an excellent time to consider selling.

But even with a market this strong, the first question I always pose to my clients isn’t “Should I sell?” It’s “What am I trying to achieve?”

Start With Your Why

Before you think about pricing or listing dates, take a step back and look at your broader picture. Maybe you’ve outgrown your home and need more space, or maybe your house now feels too big. Sometimes a parent is moving in. Sometimes you’re ready to simplify your lifestyle and cut down on maintenance. Sometimes you’ve built a great amount of equity and it feels like the right financial moment to move on.

These motivations are what truly determine whether it’s time to sell. And because selling often marks a transition from one chapter of life into another, it can feel emotional, overwhelming, or both. Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s biggest stressors, and I see why: it’s rarely “just” a move. It’s sorting through decades of memories, reorganizing routines, and making decisions that affect multiple family members at once.

That’s why having someone calm, experienced, and steady by your side matters. I tell all my clients the same thing: I manage the chaos so you don’t have to.

What’s Really Happening in the Westchester Market

The story of late 2025 is one of continued strength for sellers. Even as mortgage rates remain a challenge for some buyers, competition hasn’t slowed. People are still moving up from the city; families are still trading spaces for more room, more stability, and more community; and many buyers are coming prepared—with cash, aggressive terms, and a deep understanding that acting quickly is essential in this market. These trends align with what we’re seeing across William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s listings countywide.

There is nuance, however. While single-family homes are performing extraordinarily well, the condo and co-op markets are more mixed. Their pricing has been flatter, and in some areas days-on-market have stretched slightly. That doesn’t mean those homes won’t sell—it simply means strategy matters more. Still, the underlying dynamic of this market is unchanged: too many buyers chasing too few homes.

And that brings us to a question nearly every seller is asking right now: If I sell, where will I go?

Where Your Life Takes You Next

A strong sale doesn’t help much if you don’t have a plan for your next step. Some of my clients are buying larger homes in the same school district. Others are downsizing into townhomes or condos. Some are renting for a year to reset. Others are relocating entirely—often to Florida, where I’ve seen a notable increase in interest from New Yorkers this year.

Interestingly, it’s not just retirees seeking sun and lower taxes. I’ve been seeing younger couples making the leap, drawn by lifestyle, weather, or the pull of a community that friends and family have already created. Those moves can be full-time or seasonal; some people want to escape winter entirely, while others prefer to keep one foot in the Northeast.

Wherever you’re headed, the key is understanding whether the market you’re entering is as competitive as the one you’re leaving. Selling is the easy part right now. The challenge is crafting a smooth landing on the other side.

So, Should You Sell Your Home Now?

If selling helps you achieve a clear goal, the current conditions are extremely favorable. You’ll likely see strong showing activity, competitive offers, and a faster-than-average process. The most successful clients are those who start with clarity: clarity about their motivation, clarity about their timing, and clarity about the life they want to build next.

What I don’t recommend is selling simply because the market is hot. Markets shift. Life phases don’t shift as easily. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in this business, it’s that the best real estate decisions are made with intention, not urgency.

A Few Thoughts as You Consider Your Options

If you’re thinking about selling this winter, here’s what I’d keep in mind:

• Homes still shine in the colder months because the buyer pool remains active and inventory remains low.
• Preparation and pricing matter, but you don’t need to wait until spring to attract serious buyers.
• Whatever your next move is—buying, renting, relocating—I can guide you through the steps so that everything feels deliberate, grounded, and manageable.

Westchester remains a resilient, high-demand market. If the timing aligns with your life, this is an excellent moment to move forward.

If you’re curious about what your home could sell for right now, or you simply want to talk through whether a move makes sense, contact me.

FAQs About Selling Your Home in Westchester Winter 2025-2026

Is winter a good time to sell in Westchester?
Yes. Inventory remains low and motivated buyers are active throughout the colder months.

Are home prices still strong in winter 2025-2026?
According to William Pitt / Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty data, the average single-family home price is around $1.3M, with many homes selling at or above asking.

Do I need to wait until spring to get the best offer?
No. Today’s market fundamentals are driven by demand, not seasonality, so strong results are possible year-round.

 

Contact Fiona at 914-417-5147 or fiona.dogan@juliabfee.com.