Should I Sell My House in Winter in Bismarck, North Dakota?

By Rebecca Sabot, Real Estate Agent
© 2025 Rebecca Sabot. All rights reserved.

Winter in Bismarck isn’t exactly “open-house weather.” It’s more like “where did my eyelashes go?” weather.

But here’s the truth: selling your house in winter can absolutely work in Bismarck (and Mandan)—and for the right seller, it can even be a smart move.

I’m Rebecca Sabot, Real Estate Agent, and as a full-time realtor, I help homeowners decide when to list based on real goals, real market conditions, and real-life North Dakota winter logistics—not just the “spring is best” cliché.

Let’s break it down.

The winter selling reality in Bismarck–Mandan

Nationally, real estate activity tends to be slower in winter. The National Association of Realtors notes homes generally take longer to sell in winter months (December through February) compared to peak season—example: national median days on market is lower in June than in winter. National Association of REALTORS®

But “slower” doesn’t mean “bad.”

In fact, winter listings often benefit from:

• Less competition (fewer homes listed)

• More motivated buyers (relocations, job changes, deadlines)

• Cleaner pricing signals (serious buyers don’t waste time)

Realtor.com has also pointed out that winter buyers tend to be serious and that late-year listings can still perform well. Realtor

Pros of selling in winter in Bismarck (and Mandan)

1) Fewer competing listings = more attention on your home

When inventory is lower, your home doesn’t get buried under 30 similar options. That matters in neighborhoods where buyers might be watching closely.

2) Winter buyers are usually not “just browsing”

People touring homes when it’s 8° outside are typically:

• relocating for work (common in ND)

• needing a different home situation (family, divorce, downsizing)

• trying to lock something in before spring competition heats up

3) You can get ahead of the spring rush

Listing in winter can mean you’re under contract before the spring swarm arrives (and before your weekends get eaten alive by showings).

4) Your home can feel extra cozy and inviting

In Bismarck/Mandan, “warm, well-maintained, and move-in ready” is a vibe buyers pay for—especially when they can feel the furnace doing its job.

Cons of winter selling in Bismarck (and how to beat them)

1) Weather can cancel showings (or at least kill momentum)

Heavy snow and icy roads are real. Bismarck averages substantial snowfall annually (NOAA climate normals compiled by Current Results). Current Results

How we solve it:

• proactive snow removal plan (walks, driveway, steps)

• salt/sand down before every showing

• flexible showing windows + quick reschedules

• strong online presentation so buyers “pre-qualify” the home before touring

2) Photos can be tougher

Winter exteriors can look flat or gray, and short daylight makes photography tricky.

How we solve it:

• schedule photos on the brightest day available

• add twilight shots when possible

• prioritize clean, bright interiors

• make sure entry, driveway, and front elevation look sharp (snow is fine—messy snow is not)

3) Some buyers pause during holidays

Late November through December can be choppy.

How we solve it:

• choose a smarter launch window (often early January is a sweet spot)

• price correctly from day one (winter buyers don’t “test the market”)

• market hard online where winter buyers are actually shopping

Who should seriously consider selling in winter?

Selling in winter often makes sense if you:

• need to move soon (job change, relocation, life shift)

• want to avoid spring competition

• have a home that shows well (clean, updated, staged)

• are in a price point with steady buyer demand in Bismarck/Mandan

• don’t want months of prep—winter can be more “rip the Band-Aid off”

Who should probably wait until spring?

You might be better off waiting if:

• your home needs major exterior work best done in warm weather

• curb appeal is a big driver and your home can’t show well in winter

• you’re aiming for top-dollar and you have time to prep properly

• you’d rather list when buyer volume is highest (typically spring) National Association of REALTORS®

Winter selling strategy for Bismarck & Mandan

If you decide to list in winter, here’s what I recommend (and help coordinate):

Make the first 10 seconds count

• entry cleared and safe

• warm lighting on (yes, even daytime—winter light is rude)

• boot tray by the door (buyers love not feeling awkward)

Prove the home is “solid”

Winter buyers notice comfort and maintenance fast:

• furnace serviced

• humidifier running (dry air makes homes feel harsher)

• windows sealed and draft-free

• replace filters, tune fireplace, clean vents

Set a pricing strategy that matches winter behavior

Winter buyers are motivated, but they’re not usually into “let’s see what happens.” Pricing should align with current competition and recent sold comps—clean and defensible.

Plan for showings like a pro

My favorite winter tool is the “showing readiness checklist”:

• thermostat set comfortably

• driveway/walk shoveled

• exterior lights on

• mats down

• towels handy for melted snow at entry

Small things = fewer objections.

The bottom line: should you sell in winter in Bismarck?

If you’re ready to move and your home is in good showing condition, yes—winter can be a smart time to sell in Bismarck and Mandan. The buyer pool may be smaller, but it’s often more serious, and lower competition can work in your favor. Realtor

If your home needs work, or you’re chasing absolute peak demand and you have the time to prep, spring might serve you better.

Either way, you shouldn’t guess.

If you want, I can put together a local pricing and timing plan based on your neighborhood, your home’s condition, current inventory, and what buyers are actually doing right now.

By Rebecca Sabot, Real Estate Agent
© 2025 Rebecca Sabot. All rights reserved.