6 Reasons to Buy a Home this Fall!

Fall may offer a hidden sweet spot for home buyers! A new study finds mid-October could bring more listings, lower prices, and less competition. Here’s what you need to know to help your clients make their move!

Inventory levels typically peak in early fall

• Inventory levels typically peak in early fall, but this year the number of homes for-sale has reached the highest point since the pandemic. Active listings climbed above 1 million in late spring—a milestone not seen in years, according to realtor.com®. During the week of Oct. 12-18, buyers could see up to 33% more active listings than at the start of the year.

Prices are typically lower

• About 5.5% of homes tend to see price reductions during that week, according to realtor.com®’s research. And economists say recent trends suggest even more discounted listings could emerge this fall.

Listing prices typically run about 3.4% below the seasonal peak

• Listing prices during the week of Oct. 12-18 typically run about 3.4% below the seasonal peak. That could translate into potential savings of more than $15,000 on a median-priced home of $439,450, realtor.com®’s data shows.

Competition is lower than during the peak season

• Buyer demand has cooled in 2025 as affordability challenges and elevated mortgage rates weigh on the market. If this October follows typical patterns, however, competition could be about 31% lower than during the peak season, easing pressure on buyers to make rushed offers.

Fall has a slower pace of sales

• Homes are taking longer to sell—another sign buyers have more time to make decisions. The U.S. median time on the market surpassed pre-pandemic norms this summer. In October, homes typically spend about two weeks longer on the market compared with the peak season.

There's more newly listed homes

• Besides higher overall inventory, mid-October also tends to bring a wave of new listings. About 16% more homes typically debut this time of year, giving buyers additional opportunities to find a match.