Should I Buy Now or Wait Until Spring?

As fall approaches, many hopeful homebuyers start planning their goals for the upcoming year. It’s tempting to follow the crowd and wait for the spring market, but there are key advantages to moving sooner rather than later. While the herd mentality drives most homebuyers to wait until spring, that predictability doesn’t always work in a buyer’s favor.

Why Fall is the Right Time to Buy

This fall presents a unique opportunity for homebuyers. After a slower-than-expected summer, with many homes lingering longer on the market, buyers now have the upper hand. Interest rates have declined, bringing increased purchasing power for buyers, while homes that have been sitting unsold for longer periods present great negotiation opportunities. Simply put, this creates a short-term "buyer’s market," where you can secure better deals than you might in a more competitive season.

In contrast, the spring market is notorious for attracting a surge of buyers, pushing up home prices and forcing buyers to act quickly and aggressively. By buying now, in the fall, you can avoid the frenzy and find a home at a potentially lower price with more favorable terms.

Addressing the Inventory Myth

A common reason buyers wait for spring is the idea that inventory will be more plentiful. It’s true that spring often sees more listings as homeowners prepare to sell after the winter. But the trade-off is increased competition, which can lead to bidding wars and higher offers. In the fall, while inventory may be somewhat lower, the slower market means you’re more likely to find sellers who are eager to close before the end of the year—giving you more room to negotiate.

Don’t Wait for the Rush

Once 2025 approaches, and especially after the election, we expect a surge of buyers re-entering the market, driving up demand and prices. Spring will almost certainly bring more competition, which forces buyers into a tougher market where stronger, higher offers are needed to win a deal. By purchasing in the fall, you can avoid the competition and secure a home without the pressure of competing against multiple buyers.

The Bottom Line

The fall real estate market offers strategic advantages for buyers: better negotiating power, reduced competition, and the ability to lock in favorable interest rates before the spring rush. If you find a home that meets your needs this fall, don’t wait until the crowded spring market. Now is the perfect time to act.

Posted by Alison Crim on
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