With the shift to Standard Time on Sunday, November 2, 2025, real estate professionals across the U.S. are being advised to review and adjust their showing schedules, particularly for evening open houses. As most regions set clocks back one hour, the transition from Daylight Saving Time (DST) to Standard Time will affect how homes are presented, especially in the late afternoon and evening when proper lighting and curb appeal are crucial to attracting potential buyers.
The time change has broad implications for the residential real estate market. As daylight hours shorten, the early evening will come much sooner, and homes that might have shown well in the afternoon sunlight could appear less inviting as darkness falls earlier. Realtors are encouraged to take this shift into account by adjusting their showing schedules to capitalize on the earlier sunrises, particularly for morning viewings. This presents an opportunity to emphasize the benefits of natural light in the home and showcase a property’s features during the daylight hours.
See also: https://besthouses.com/ashburn-virginias-housing-market-shows-positive-trends/
In addition to adjusting show times, real estate agents are advised to update marketing imagery and property photos to reflect the change in lighting conditions. For homes with strong curb appeal, evening showings may require enhanced exterior lighting to ensure the property remains visible and welcoming. This can be an opportunity for sellers to make sure their exterior lights, porch lights, and any garden or landscape lighting are in good working order, creating an inviting first impression for evening viewers.
While specific national data for the November 2 shift was not available at press time, real estate industry commentary consistently recognizes the effect that daylight-saving time and seasonal lighting can have on residential marketing strategies. Realtors are reminded that the time change not only alters showing schedules but also provides an opportunity to adjust how properties are marketed and presented, making use of the available daylight or ensuring the home remains well-lit and appealing as the evening sets in.
For home sellers and agents, taking proactive steps to account for these changes can help maintain a competitive edge and ensure that properties continue to make a positive impression in the shortened daylight of the fall season.
