Best Time To Buy: A Real Window Before the Holidays

If you have been wondering about the best time to buy in North County this year, the calendar may be working in your favor more than you think. Seasonally, this is often a much better window for buyers than people expect, even with where mortgage rates currently sit. Yes, mortgage rates have been ticking up lately, and that is creating some real challenges with affordability. No one is arguing that. But there are also predictable trends that happen this time every year that can put some wind back in your sails.

According to research from Realtor.com, nationally, the week of September 27 through October 3 marks the best time to buy this year. That stretch tends to combine higher inventory, less competition, and prices that have already eased from their summer peak, giving prepared buyers real room to negotiate even with rates where they are.

But that is the national best week. Depending on where you live, your local sweet spot may land a little earlier or later. It all depends on how inventory and buyer demand ebb and flow seasonally where you want to live, especially if you have also been watching rates closely before making a move. No matter when your market hits its peak, here are a few of the perks that tend to show up around the best time to buy each year.

More Choices, Better Prices, and Less Competition

For starters, there are more homes to choose from. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows for-sale inventory climbed sharply at the end of summer to its highest level in more than a decade.

That means you may have a better shot at finding something you love and can afford without making as many compromises during this best time to buy window. And that is not the only advantage. Realtor.com’s research also points to buyers during this window seeing home prices roughly $14,000 lower than the summer peak, along with about 30% less competition from other buyers. Homes are also staying on the market almost two weeks longer, 13 days on average, giving you a little more breathing room to make a decision.

• More choices.
• Better pricing.
• Less competition.

That combination could be enough to ease some of the pressure higher rates and rising insurance costs are putting on your budget.

The Best Time To Buy Window Doesn’t Close After One Week

You certainly do not have to buy during that one specific week to catch the best time to buy this year. This is not a one-week-only opportunity. History tells us conditions should be tipped in your favor for the entire month of October. In fact, Realtor.com found that 42 of the 50 largest metros see their own best time to buy fall sometime during October.

So do not feel like you have to rush to hit one specific date. Use the time now to get things lined up, even if student loan debt has had you holding off, then move when the timing is right for you. As Guaranteed Rate points out, the right time to buy ultimately depends on your own needs, though certain seasons do tend to give buyers a real head start.

Bottom Line

If you want to buy a house this year, there is still a way to make it happen, even with today’s rates. This fall gives North County buyers a real shot at some of the best seasonal perks the market has to offer around the best time to buy. If you want to find out whether this window lines up with your own timeline, let’s connect and map out what the best time to buy actually looks like for your move.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.