2025 Homebuying Insights: Why Fall—Especially October 12–18—Is the Golden Window

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy a home, mark your calendar: the week of October 12–18, 2025, is expected to be the best time of the year to purchase.

Here’s why this week stands out:

More Choice, Less Rush: Inventory is higher than it’s been in years. That means more homes to pick from and less pressure to make lightning-fast decisions.

Smoother Negotiations: With fewer buyers competing, sellers are more open to reasonable offers, price reductions, and flexible terms. You can afford to be picky!

Potential Savings: On average, shopping during this week could save you over $15,000 compared to buying in peak summer. Plus, nearly 1 in 5 homes see price drops as sellers look to close before the year ends.

Better Market Balance: Unlike previous years, the market is now more favorable for buyers, with homes staying on the market longer and fewer bidding wars.

According to Realtor.com, buyers during this week may find:

  • More listings on the market, giving you more choices.

  • Slightly lower prices compared to the busy spring and summer season.

  • Less competition from other buyers, which means you’re less likely to get caught in a bidding war.

  • Better negotiating opportunities, since homes may have been sitting longer and sellers are more motivated.

What does this mean for you?

Whether you want a wide selection of homes or bigger savings, fall gives you stronger buying power. Prices may drop further as the holidays approach, but waiting could mean fewer choices. Use mortgage calculators to plan confidently—they’ll help you see how upcoming rate changes affect your budget.

Pro Tips:

  • Start browsing homes early to get familiar with your local market.

  • Set price alerts so you’re the first to know when a matching property pops up.

  • Consider your priorities: If you value options, search earlier; if you’re all about price, a little patience may pay off.

In simple terms: it’s a sweet spot where supply, demand, and pricing line up in buyers’ favor.

That doesn’t mean you can’t buy earlier or later in the year — but if you’re serious about making a move, October could give you the edge you need.

Want local expertise or help finding your “best week to buy”? Reach out to our team at myrickestatesteam.com - we’re here to guide you through every step, from browsing to closing!

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Santa Cruz County Real Estate Market Update – August 2025