Peak homebuying season often gets all the attention, but the frenzy of summer isn't always the best time to make a move. While families with children may prefer relocating when school is out, buyers who wait until fall often discover unexpected advantages. Cooler competition, growing inventory, and more negotiable sellers can make autumn one of the most favorable times of year to buy a house.
In 2021 and 2022, the market was brutal for buyers. Limited listings and homeowners clinging to their low-rate mortgages fueled bidding wars that drove prices skyward. Sellers had the upper hand, and buyers were left with few options. That dynamic has begun to shift. Sellers are now facing the reality that it isn't 2022 anymore, and many have had to reduce asking prices or negotiate more openly. While buyers don't hold all the power, they are entering what some economists call a "balanced" market, where leverage is beginning to tilt in their favor. With the guidance of a skilled agent, today's buyers may find opportunities to negotiate better prices, request repairs, or enjoy greater flexibility with closing terms.
Part of this new landscape stems from a rebound in housing supply. The number of homes on the market has climbed to its highest level since May 2020. In July 2025, the National Association of Realtors reported 4.6 months' supply of homes available, signaling that buyers finally have more choices. This easing of inventory gridlock has had ripple effects. People are more willing to move, and once buyers see friends or family finding homes, they often gain the confidence to take the plunge themselves. Real estate agents describe this as a bandwagon effect, where momentum builds as more deals close and more listings appear.
Price trends also add to fall's appeal. While homes remain expensive — the median sales price in July stood at $422,400, up nearly 56 percent since 2020 — the pace of growth has cooled considerably. In July, home prices inched up only 0.2 percent year over year, and in many local markets prices are already falling. Buyers who shop in the fall can also benefit from seasonal price reductions as sellers cut asking prices on properties that sat unsold during the summer rush. Even moving costs can be lower in autumn compared with peak summer months.
The wild card for buyers is mortgage rates. Forecasts suggest modest declines by late 2025, with Fannie Mae projecting average rates near 6.5 percent and the Mortgage Bankers Association predicting 6.6 percent. While these figures remain high compared to the ultra-low rates of the past decade, even a fraction of a percentage point can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments. Experts caution, however, that buyers shouldn't try to time the market too precisely. If a home fits both your needs and your budget, that may be the best signal to act. Future rate drops could provide an opportunity to refinance, but waiting too long may mean facing renewed competition if rates fall and more buyers return.
Taken together, these factors create one of the most buyer-friendly markets since before the pandemic. With more homes for sale, slower price growth, and the potential for slightly lower borrowing costs ahead, fall presents a unique window for buyers ready to make a move. For those who sat out the summer, patience may prove to have been a smart strategy.
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