Real estate has its rhythms, and this fall, the data is pointing to something special: the week of October 12–18, 2025, is forecast to be the very best week of the year to buy a home.

If you’re a buyer, now is the time to get your ducks in a row—think preapprovals, priorities, and preferred neighborhoods—so you’re ready when opportunity strikes. If you’re a seller, don’t pack it in just because the holidays are around the corner. The buyers who shop in late fall and winter are some of the most serious ones out there.

Let’s dig into the data, why it matters, and what both buyers and sellers should do next.

The Data Behind the October Sweet Spot

According to Realtor.com’s annual Best Time to Buy report, October 12–18 is projected to be 2025’s peak buying window. Here’s why that week stands out:

• More inventory: Active listings historically jump by about 32% compared to the start of the year.

• Lower prices: Homes are typically 3–4% below seasonal highs, which could mean saving $15,000 or more on a median-priced home.

• Less competition: Views per listing drop roughly 30% compared to summer’s frenzy, giving buyers more breathing room.

• Better negotiating power: Homes tend to sit longer on the market in October, giving buyers leverage for inspection credits, concessions, or simply time to think before writing an offer.

Quartz and other outlets confirm that mid-October consistently delivers the most favorable balance of inventory, price, and competition nationwide. While every local market is different, the trend is remarkably consistent across metro areas.

Where Mortgage Rates Stand Right Now

Timing matters, but so do mortgage rates—and the good news is, they’ve eased a bit.

As of September 28, 2025:

• 30-year fixed mortgage rates are averaging between 6.3–6.4% (depending on the source: Freddie Mac, Bankrate, Mortgage News Daily, NerdWallet).

• While that’s not a massive drop, it’s lower than some peaks earlier this year and gives buyers a bit more breathing room.

For buyers, that means getting preapproved now could put you in a great position to lock in a rate if they climb again—or potentially refinance later if they fall further.

Buyers: Why You Should Be Ready Now

If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this is it. Here’s your game plan:

1. Get preapproved this week.

   • Preapproval isn’t just paperwork—it’s power. It shows sellers you’re serious and helps you know your true budget.

   • Ask smart questions when shopping lenders:

     • What’s the rate vs. APR?

     • What lender credits are available?

     • What are the options for points (paying upfront to lower the rate)?

     • Do you offer rate locks or “float-down” options if rates drop before closing?

   • Don’t be afraid to compare lenders—sometimes even a quarter-point lower rate can save you hundreds per month.

2. Explore rate buy-down options.

   • Talk with your agent about negotiating a seller-paid rate buy-down. In today’s market, some sellers are willing to contribute funds that lower your interest rate for the first 1–3 years—or even permanently—making the home more affordable.

   • This can be a win-win: sellers attract more buyers, and you enjoy lower monthly payments.

3. Define your priorities.

   • Know what’s a must-have versus a nice-to-have before emotions kick in.

4. Start scouting now.

   • Watch your favorite neighborhoods so you can recognize a great deal when it hits.

5. Be patient, but prepared.

   • The combination of more inventory and less competition means you don’t have to rush—but when the right home appears, you’ll want to act decisively.

Sellers: Why You Shouldn’t Step Back

Thinking of pulling your home off the market for the holidays? Here’s why you may want to stay the course:

• Less competition = more attention. If other sellers bow out, your home could stand out even more.

• Serious buyers remain. Holiday-season buyers aren’t “just looking.” They’re moving for a job, family, or major life change.

• Rates have softened slightly. This helps buyers qualify for more, making your home more attainable.

• Every home sells eventually. Some take a weekend, some take months, but patience + the right positioning always pays off.

The Big Picture

Real estate isn’t about panic or perfection—it’s about timing, preparation, and patience.

For buyers, mid-October is a rare chance to shop with more inventory, lower prices, and less competition. For sellers, it’s a reminder that the market doesn’t stop for the holidays—serious buyers keep shopping, and your home could be exactly what they’re waiting for.

At the end of the day, there’s a buyer for every house. Sometimes it happens overnight, sometimes it takes months. But with the right strategy and a bit of optimism, your perfect match is out there.

Ready to play the October advantage? Let’s line up your strategy now so you’re in the best spot when the market tilts in your favor