Is Summer Really the Best Time to Move in the North Willamette Valley?

If you’ve ever casually said, “We’ll probably move next summer,” you’re in good company. Summer has a reputation as the “right” time to buy and sell. But is it actually the best time to move in places like Canby, Oregon City, Woodburn, Molalla, and Wilsonville?

Let’s keep it real (estate) and look at the pros and cons of each season here in the North Willamette Valley.

Why everyone thinks summer is king

There are real reasons summer is popular:

• Kids are out of school. For families, it can be easier to move without juggling drop‑offs and homework.

• Weather is cooperative. You’re less likely to be hauling boxes in sideways rain (though, this is Oregon—no guarantees).

• More listings hit the market. Some sellers wait to list until their yards look their best and the days are long.

For some people, those reasons matter a lot. If you know your schedule is brutal in spring or fall, summer may genuinely be your best window.

The downsides of summer moves

The flip side is: when everyone wants to move at the same time, it can get… intense.

• More buyer competition. In some price ranges, you may see more multiple‑offer situations.

• Higher stress on service providers. Movers, inspectors, and contractors tend to book out further and may charge more during peak times.

• Less negotiating power in some scenarios. Not always—but in “hot” pockets, summer can be more about “how do we compete?” than “what can we negotiate?”

Again, nothing wrong with summer—it just isn’t automatically the calmest or easiest season.

What fall and winter bring to the table

Here’s where it gets interesting in the North Willamette Valley: fall and early winter can be surprisingly good for the right buyers and sellers.

Potential perks:

• Less competition. Fewer buyers are actively shopping around the holidays, which can mean more room to breathe.

• Motivated parties. If someone is buying or selling in November or December, they usually have a real reason—not just “we thought it might be nice.”

• Real‑life test drives. Touring homes in classic Oregon weather (dark, rainy, chilly) tells you a lot about light, drainage, and how cozy that living room actually feels.

The trade‑off is that you won’t see perfectly manicured yards or endless daylight. But you will see how a house performs in the season we spend a lot of time in.

Spring: the under‑appreciated middle ground

Spring often combines some of the best parts of both worlds:

• Better weather than winter. But still early enough that not everyone is in full summer‑move mode.

• Fresh listings. Many sellers who missed winter will list in March–May.

• More flexibility. Schedules may be a bit calmer than late June–August.

For many buyers and sellers, a well‑planned spring move hits that sweet spot between “we’re not ready yet” and “oh no, it’s already back‑to‑school season.”

So… when is the best time to move?

Here’s the honest answer:

The best time to move is when:

• Your life is asking for a change (space, location, commute, lifestyle),

• Your finances are in a stable place, and

• You have a realistic plan for how to get from “here” to “there” without burning out.

Season is the supporting actor, not the star of the show.

Want help mapping out your ideal timing?

If you’re thinking about a move in 2026 but aren’t sure whether you should aim for winter, spring, or summer, let’s talk it through.

You can schedule a 30‑minute intro call or connect with me here, and we’ll build a plan around your life—not just the calendar.