Thinking of Buying? October Might Be the Perfect Time

If you’ve been holding back, this is your moment to act. October is expected to bring the most favorable buying conditions of 2025.

Realtor.com notes that by mid-October, buyers in many markets could finally see the rare mix of more homes to choose from, fairer prices, and stronger leverage at the negotiation table — something the market hasn’t offered in years.

Buying this month could mean you’ll benefit from:

• More listings hitting the market
• Less buyer competition
• Extra time to explore your options
• Better overall pricing
• Sellers who may be more flexible

Keep in mind that every housing market moves on its own schedule. In most of the nation’s large metros, the prime time to buy hits in October — but your local peak could come a little earlier or later.

Realtor.com notes that “although October 12–18 is considered the nation’s ‘Best Week,’ the ideal timing can shift depending on the dynamics of each local market.”

Best Week to Buy in Major Metro Areas

• Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX: September 28 – October 4
• Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: October 26 – November 1
• Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: October 12 – 18
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: September 28 – October 4
• Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: October 12 – 18
• Jacksonville, FL: October 26 – November 1
• Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV: October 5 – 11
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: October 12 – 18
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL: November 30 – December 6
• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: September 14 – 20
• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: October 26 – November 1
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: September 7 – 13
• Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: November 2 – 8
• Richmond, VA: October 26 – November 1
• San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX: October 12 – 18
• San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA: October 12 – 18
• San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: October 12 – 18
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: October 19 – 25
• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: October 19 – 25
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: November 30 – December 6
• Tucson, AZ: October 12 – 18
• Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC: September 21 – 27
• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: October 12 – 18

What Leading Economists Are Saying

Realtor.com isn’t alone in calling this a smart time to buy. Here’s how other experts frame it:

• Lawrence Yun (NAR):

“Buyers today have the best chance in over five years to secure the right home and negotiate better terms. Active listings are the highest since May 2020.”

• Daryl Fairweather (Redfin):

“If you’re financially ready, now is a smart moment to buy — mortgage rates are trending lower and inventory is up, which tips negotiations toward buyers.”

• NerdWallet:

“This fall could be the strongest buying opportunity we’ve seen in half a decade.”

Getting Ready for This Prime Window

If you want to move fast when your market’s best buying moment hits, start preparing now. Connect with a local real estate agent — they can explain when conditions peak in your area, why it matters for you, and what steps to take so you’re ready to act.

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about buying, getting prepared ahead of this October window is a smart move. Taking a little time now to plan your approach can put you in the best position when conditions peak.

Want help shaping your strategy and understanding what’s happening locally? Connect with a trusted real estate agent for a quick conversation so you’ll have the insight and game plan you need to move confidently when the opportunity arrives.