Hot take: Peak homebuying season is overrated.
Summer may seem like the logical time to shop for a home — especially for families with kids in school — but waiting until fall often pays off. With fewer buyers competing, you gain more negotiating power.
And this year, the timing is even better: housing inventory is higher than it’s been since May 2020. If your summer house hunt didn’t work out, don’t worry — fall 2025 could be the best buying season in years. Here’s why.
Competition Has Cooled
Not long ago, buying a home felt nearly impossible. In 2021 and 2022, listings were scarce, and bidding wars drove prices higher. Sellers had the upper hand.
Today, the market looks very different. According to Realtor.com’s senior economist Joel Berner, we’re now in a “buyer-friendly balanced market.” Sellers who still expect 2022-level prices are learning they may need to reduce listing prices or negotiate.
With the right buyer’s agent, you may be able to:
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Negotiate a lower purchase price
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Ask for repairs or upgrades
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Adjust closing terms to fit your schedule
While you might not get everything on your wishlist, the playing field is far more balanced than in past years.
More Families Are Finally Moving
After years of waiting for mortgage rates to drop, many households are accepting today’s 6–7% range and moving forward. Life changes — like new jobs, upsizing, or downsizing — don’t always wait for ideal market conditions.
The National Association of Realtors reports that housing supply reached 4.6 months in July 2025, the highest since before the pandemic. Translation: buyers now have more options and less pressure to rush.
There’s also a psychological factor. When buyers see friends or family successfully purchase a home, it often sparks confidence in their own decisions. As Sotheby’s International Realty agent Alexa Weber explains, once momentum builds, buyers feel reassured to act.
Here’s the catch: once mortgage rates eventually dip, even more buyers will flood back into the market — raising competition again. Acting now may give you a serious edge.
Prices Are Beginning to Level Off
Affordability remains a challenge. Since early 2020, home prices have jumped more than 55%, while wages have grown just 26%. In July 2025, the median home price hit $422,400 — and values have been rising for 25 straight months.
But here’s the good news: price growth is flattening. In July, the year-over-year increase was just 0.2%, with many local markets already experiencing price drops. Fall is also prime season for sellers to cut prices on homes that have lingered on the market. Add in potential savings on moving costs, and buyers have more room to breathe.
Mortgage Rates Could Dip
The wild card is mortgage rates. Forecasts suggest slight decreases by the end of 2025, with Fannie Mae predicting 6.5%and the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasting 6.6%.
Even a small drop can make a big difference — lowering monthly payments or boosting your purchasing power. And remember: if rates fall further in the future, refinancing is always an option.
The takeaway? Don’t try to time the market perfectly. If you find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle now, that’s your green light.
The Bottom Line
Fall 2025 is shaping up to be the most buyer-friendly market since the pandemic. With higher inventory, calmer competition, and slowing price growth, it could be the smartest time to make your move.
At CreditVana, we know your credit health is the key to unlocking the best mortgage. That’s why we offer free credit scores, tailored tools, and personalized insights to help you strengthen your financial profile before buying.
👉 Check your free credit score with CreditVana today — and step confidently into the fall housing market.
