You've probably been told to list your home early in the year. That way, by the time June rolls around, you'll be ready to seal the deal when home sales peak in the late spring/early summer. But, what exactly does it mean to list your home "early in the year?"

Does it mean January or February? According to an analysis of supply, demand, and sellers' outcomes in "Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate," the authors found and revealed the magic window to list a home; the answer: list your house sometime between mid-March and mid-April.

What the Weather Has to Do With the Magic Window

Zillow took it a step further to uncover the exact weeks that a homeowner should list their home in different parts of the U.S. It turns out that the best times to list follow weather patterns. For example, in warmer climates, such as Miami or Los Angeles, the magic window starts in early March.

In colder parts of the country where there are harsh winters like Buffalo, New York, it's better to wait until mid to late April.

Why is the magic window so magic? It's called a "magic window" in the real estate industry because during that time, homes sell faster and for more money. It's that simple.

According to the data, homes that are sold between mid-March and mid-April sell around 15 percent faster and 2 percent more than homes sold during other times of the year.

Zillow says that that's a national premium worth over $4,000, but it's more in some parts. If you're in a hot market like San Francisco, that could mean another $22,000 in proceeds – not bad!

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