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| The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) regularly shares local housing data, sales trends, expert insights and other real estate-related topics. |
Spring and summer may hold the reputation as prime home-buying seasons, but new data suggests fall might be the savvier choice. According to realtor.com’s newly released “2025 Best Time to Buy Report,” mid-October is projected to be the best time of year for buyers to snag deals, thanks to cooler competition, more inventory and price breaks that align with seasonal patterns observed between 2018 and 2025. In Santa Clara County, Oct. 19-25 is projected to be the best week to buy a home in 2025, according to the report’s data.
One of the biggest advantages of buying in the fall is the slower market pace.
“Buyers don’t have to move quite as quickly as they do in the peak of the spring and summer buying season,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. That extra breathing room can mean better decisions — and better deals.
Financially, the numbers make a compelling case. National listing prices tend to dip by about 3.4% between early October and mid-month, translating to roughly $15,000 in potential savings on a median-priced home. At the same time, buyers often see a bump in available inventory, giving them more options — and leverage.
Adding to that advantage, about 5.5% of homes typically see price reductions in mid-October, a higher share than during the busy summer months. “A price drop doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with the home,” according to the report. “Price adjustments often reflect normal market cycles.”
Buyer demand also softens this time of year — down roughly 31% compared with spring and summer levels — which can put purchasers in a stronger negotiating position. Sellers, eager to close before the holidays, may be more open to offering incentives such as credits to buy down interest rates or cover closing costs.
Still, autumn isn’t without its own competition. The most desirable, move-in-ready homes can attract multiple offers, with the average property still receiving about 2.5 bids.
Experts say preparation remains key: getting finances in order, securing mortgage preapproval and working closely with a local agent can help buyers act fast when the right listing appears.
Will October be Silicon Valley’s sweet spot?
While October is projected to be the best time to buy nationally, according to the report, that timing can vary by region. In some metro areas, the optimal window has already passed; in others, it may just be opening. According to the report’s seasonal data, Santa Clara County is approaching its “best week” to buy.
In our local market, however, housing trends often diverge from national patterns as well as from previous years’ activity. Local data collected at the end of summer suggests a steadier fall. According to MLSListings, inventory climbed sharply in several Peninsula markets at the end of summer — including Los Altos, which saw a 35% surge in listings in July and August as homeowners responded to renewed buyer demand.
Some agents said they anticipate a more balanced fall season following a shaky spring, particularly in the ultra-luxury segment, where confidence appears to be returning. High-priced or less ideally located properties that lingered earlier in the year are now finding buyers, signaling a healthier, more active market – and possibly more competition.
Will mid-October be the sweet spot for house hunters in Silicon Valley? We will have to wait and see.
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing 5,000 Realtors and affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Real Estate Editor Linda Taaffe contributed to this article.
