While spring and summer dominate the headlines as prime home-buying seasons, fall is quietly emerging as a strategic window for buyers. According to Realtor.com data analyzed by HouseLogic, mid-October—especially the week of October 12–18—is forecasted as the “sweet spot,” featuring more listings, lower prices, and fewer bidding wars. (Tracey, 2025)

What Makes Fall Favorable

HouseLogic highlights that fall’s appeal lies in a combination of softened demand and persistent supply. Realtor.com’s 2025 analysis suggests that listings swell in mid-October while buyer competition falls, creating more balanced negotiating power. Seasonal price drops—often averaging about 3.4 percent below summer peaks—further enhance affordability. In such conditions, sellers may be more open to concessions, such as covering repair costs or offering interest rate buydowns.

Buyers in fall also benefit from a more deliberate pace. With fewer frenzied bidding situations, there’s time to inspect details better—like gutter upkeep or insulation—and to assess long-term maintenance issues that might be hidden by lush summer landscaping. 

Timing VS. Readiness

While the data suggest fall can tilt the scales in favor of buyers, it’s not a guarantee of “bargains everywhere.” Local market dynamics—school calendars, regional supply trends, mortgage rate shifts—can override national patterns. A “sweet week” in October nationally might be a still-heated period locally in your market.

What matters more than calendar timing is buyer preparedness. Preapproval, clear priorities, and realistic budgets give you agility when favorable homes appear. Fall may lower the noise, but the best deals go to those who are ready.

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Source:
Tracey, M. (2025, October 3). Why Fall Might Be the Best Time to Buy a Home. HouseLogic. Retrieved from https://www.houselogic.com/buy/house-hunting/why-fall-may-be-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home/
© 2025 National Association of REALTORS®.