If you know anything at all about real estate, you are probably familiar with the idea of a buyer’s market, or a seller’s market. These terms mean precisely what they sound like, and they indicate the kind of effect that the overall economy can have on real estate sales. However, the economy isn’t the only thing that affects home sales. The time of year is also a crucial factor. If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, you should know that, historically, some seasons yield more buyers than others.

Typically speaking, the real boom in home sales begins in mid- to late-spring, and goes well through the summer. These two seasons have long been regarded as the best times to sell, the times when you are most likely to get buyers. There are many different reasons for this. Part of it, of course, involves the weather. Getting out and looking at homes—and, subsequently, moving—both involve being outside a lot, or at least in the car. Naturally, more folks are interested in doing these things when conditions are favorable. Further, most buyers don’t want to have to deal with signing contracts or moving during the already-busy holiday season, so they position their home purchases well in advance.

But this is not to say that it’s impossible to sell a home in the late fall or during the winter months. You should know going into it that there will be fewer buyers—but what buyers there are will likely prove to be more serious. The folks who are out looking at homes in the cold weather and the snow are not mere home enthusiasts; they are truly interested in finding a place to buy! For this reason, it is crucially important—during the winter months, particularly—to make every showing count. Don’t become lax in your staging and in the upkeep of your house, and be smart and tasteful with any holiday decorations.

Of course, these rules are all generalizations. Plenty of people sell homes during the winter months, and plenty of homes hit the market during the spring or summer and remain unsold. You can maximize your chances of success simply be being aware of the different conventions of each time of year, and to plan accordingly. And of course, remember to consult with a realtor before making the decision to list your home!