Every year, there’s chatter about when is the “perfect” time to buy or sell a home. While people tend to flock to the spring and summer markets, I’m here to tell you that the best time to make your move in 2024 is right around the corner.
According to a national analysis, the week of September 29th through October 5th is historically the sweet spot for buyers to find the best market conditions. It’s the week when there’s a perfect blend of available homes, negotiable prices, and reduced competition.
You might be thinking, Wait, that’s just a national average, right? Does that apply here in Dallas-Fort Worth? And the answer is a resounding yes—especially in North Texas. I’ve been saying this for over a decade now, and I stand by it: Fall is my favorite time to buy and sell a home.
If you’ve been waiting for a signal, let me be very clear: this is it.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Buy and Sell
I’ve been in the real estate game for more than 20 years, and every single time my wife and I have bought or sold a home for our family, we’ve done it in the fall. We typically aim for mid to late fall or even early winter—think October and November.
Why? The market tends to cool down just as the weather does, but the real opportunities heat up. Sellers who didn’t find a buyer in the busy summer months are now ready to negotiate, while serious buyers are still in the game, making fall the best time for both sides to win.
Here’s why fall is a strategic time for both buyers and sellers:
Less Competition: By the time September rolls around, the crowds of summer buyers have thinned out. For buyers, that means fewer bidding wars and more chances to negotiate a great price or get favorable terms. For sellers, it means you’re dealing with serious buyers—people who need to move and are ready to close before the holidays.
More Leverage for Buyers: Historically, home prices soften a bit in the fall. Sellers who missed out during the summer months are often more willing to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs. This gives buyers a chance to secure the home they want without feeling pressured to make an over-the-asking-price offer like we saw during the height of the pandemic.
Eager Sellers, Quality Homes: By fall, sellers are often thinking about closing before the holidays or year-end for tax purposes. This urgency can play to a buyer’s advantage. But here’s the kicker: tons of great homes are still available. Homes that have been well-maintained but didn’t sell over the summer are ripe for the picking—and at a better price.
Timing the Market: If you’re thinking about buying and selling simultaneously, here’s the best-kept secret: Fall is your time to shine. When buying, you get to negotiate with sellers who are likely more flexible because they’ve missed the summer rush. And when you’re selling, you still have access to eager buyers who are motivated to close before the end of the year.
Is There Still Time to Make Your Move?
Yes, there is absolutely still time for you to jump into the market and make a smart move. We’re heading into the window that the National Association of Realtors has pinpointed as the best time of the year for buyers to secure a home. And as we get closer to the holiday season, this opportunity window is going to close fast.
In fact, by getting a home under contract in late September or early October, you could be closing by late October or early November. And what does that mean? You’ll be moving into your new home just as the weather turns cooler, before the holiday chaos, and while other buyers are still figuring out their next steps.
The Fall Market Formula for Success
Here’s what I want you to take away: If you’re considering buying or selling, now is the time to talk. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll wait until next spring.” Sure, spring has its perks, but fall offers a rare balance of lower prices, eager sellers, and fewer competitors.
And, as I’ve been saying for years, the fall market works. My wife and I have always made our personal real estate moves during this time of year. There’s a reason for that—it just makes sense.
The National Association of Realtors is confirming what we’ve known for a long time: Late September through early October is a prime window for buyers. And whether you’re buying, selling, or both, this season offers you some of the best opportunities to make your real estate dreams a reality.
Ready to Make Your Move?
There’s no better time than now to secure your home at a great price, negotiate favorable terms, and close before the holiday rush. If you’re ready to take the next step—or even if you’re just exploring your options—we’d love to sit down for a free strategy session with you.
Let’s discuss how you can take advantage of this sweet spot in the market and make this fall your most successful real estate season yet.
Don’t wait—opportunities like this don’t last long. The clock is ticking, and you’re just a few weeks away from the best market conditions of the year.
Let’s make it happen.
