The cooler market conditions may translate to more-motivated sellers and a prime home-buying opportunity.
Spring and summer often take the title as the peak home-buying seasons, but savvy shoppers know fall can offer great opportunities. A new study confirms it: Mid-October will be the hottest time of year for buyers, according to realtor.com®’s “2025 Best Time to Buy Report.” Researchers are basing that prediction on seasonal patterns and data from 2018 through 2024, along with data collected so far in 2025. The week of Oct. 12, 2025, will offer prime advantages for house hunters, and the surrounding weeks will be almost as favorable.
Benefits of Buying a Home in Fall
Realtor.com® data details why fall might be the best to buy a home. Buyer-friendly conditions include more listings, lower prices, price cuts, and less competition.
Real estate experts add to that list of buyer benefits:
- “Buyers don’t have to move quite as quickly as they do in the peak of the spring and summer buying season,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®. “That can be especially good for first-time home buyers.”
- Many buyers sidelined earlier in the year may find this fall a chance to reenter the market, says Alexa Kebalo, a real estate pro with eXp Realty and 2025 president-elect at Connecticut REALTORS®. “After summer vacations, people are settled and thinking, ‘I’m ready to make a move.’”
Make the Most of Fall as the Best Time to Buy
Fall is a unique season in real estate. Even though you’ll likely find fewer buyers and less competition, the most desirable homes can still generate fierce competition. Preparation, timing, and market awareness can make or break your experience.
“Before you jump into the pool, take some baby steps,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate broker and agent with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, licensed in Florida.
Here are preliminary steps to take in early fall.
Work With a Knowledgeable Agent
An experienced agent is as important as ever. They can help you navigate seasonal trends, local inventory, and pricing shifts; recommend lenders and other pros; and alert you to new listings and price reductions. About 5.5% of homes typically see price cuts in mid-October — more than in peak seasons, according to Realtor.com®’s study.
You may see even more price drops this fall as inventories rise. “A price drop doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with the home,” says Ryan Melvin, a real estate pro with Huntington & Ellis, A Real Estate Agency, in Las Vegas. “Price adjustments often reflect normal market cycles.” Nevertheless, they can still offer negotiating opportunities on price, repairs, or concessions, he adds. That’s another area where your real estate agent can help.
Prepare Your Finances
Mortgage rates have subtly shifted this fall, which could be improving affordability. National listing prices historically dip between early October and mid-month, averaging about 3.4% below their seasonal peak, according to realtor.com®. That could mean savings of about $15,000 on a median-priced home this fall.
Meet with a lender to review your income, credit score, and debt to see what you can afford. Getting preapproved signals credibility to sellers and allows you to move quickly. That can be crucial even in mid-October, when desirable homes can still generate multiple offers.
Use the Fall Backdrop to Better Evaluate the Home
As lawns brown and flowers fade, you’ll be less likely to be distracted by landscaping and cosmetic touches. Look for clear gutters, properly maintained exterior systems, and any insulation or heating issues. “If there are leaves and grass clippings clogging the AC unit or pipe insulation is missing or chewed up, it could mean the home hasn’t been maintained,” says Lynn Butterfield, associate broker at Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, licensed in Arkansas and Utah.
Act Quickly on Homes That Match Your Priorities
While the fall may feel slower, move-in ready homes and those in high-demand neighborhoods can still sell quickly. The average home still receives 2.5 offers, according to the National Association of REALTORS® REALTORS® Confidence Index report.
Still, buyer demand is down about 31% from the frenzy of spring and summer, according to realtor.com®. That can leave room for more thoughtful decision-making.
You’ll likely have more homes to choose from, too. The week of Oct.12 alone is expected to bring 15% more active listings than the average week and 33% more than at the start of the year.
As those fresh listings come to market, preapproval and prepared finances will give you leverage. Setting priorities will narrow your choices so that you can avoid delays.
Leverage Your Negotiation Power This Fall
In the fall, sellers may be more willing to lower prices, cover repairs, or offer incentives like credits to buy down interest rates. “We’re seeing a lot more sellers willing to negotiate repairs [than in the past],” Kebalo says. That gives you more negotiating power. For example, you may want to ask for a home warranty in your offer, which adds protection if a major home system breaks after you move in, Butterfield says.
“The cards are tipped in your favor this fall,” Hale says. With a real estate agent by your side — along with paperwork, preapproval, and finances in order — you may be in a new home before the holidays.