The Best Week to Buy a Home in 2025 Is Coming—and You Could Save Over $15,000

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to buy a home, Realtor.com has some good news. According to its 2025 Best Time to Buy Report, one week in October offers a rare combination of favorable market conditions, making it the year’s prime window for home shoppers.

During this week, buyers can expect more options, lower prices, and less competition: a trifecta of home-buying gold. For those ready to start the search, read on to learn about significant savings and less stress.

More Homes, More Choices

One of the biggest advantages of shopping during the week of October 12–18 is the inventory. Active listings are projected to be up to 32.6% higher than at the start of the year, offering buyers a wider selection of homes. This increase in listings means more chances to find the right home for your budget and lifestyle.

Many markets also see fresh listings continuing to appear, even as the fall season progresses. Across the nation’s 50 largest metro areas, buyers can typically find about 15% more new listings than earlier in the year. This steady stream of options ensures there’s still variety for mid-October house hunters.

Less Competition

Another reason mid-October is ideal is lower buyer activity. Realtor.com projects competition to be 30.6% lower than the peak season, giving buyers breathing room to make decisions without the pressure of bidding wars. Homes are also staying on the market about two weeks longer compared to summer, providing additional negotiating power.

In markets aligned with the national timing, buyers can expect even larger benefits. For example, in metros like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Houston, active listings are 20–30% higher than earlier in the year, while competition drops by 30–40%. These trends allow buyers to approach negotiations from a position of strength.

Potential Savings Are Real

Lower prices are a key incentive for October buyers. On a national level, listing prices during this week are estimated to be 3.4% below seasonal peaks, translating to average savings of more than $15,000 on a median-priced home. Some markets offer even larger discounts, with certain metro areas seeing prices 6–10% below peak levels.

Price reductions are also common during this period. Historically, about 5.5% of homes experience cuts, giving buyers an added chance to secure a deal. Between more inventory, fewer competing offers, and potential price savings, mid-October provides a rare buyer-friendly environment.

Negotiation Tips When Competition Is Lower

With inventory higher than it has been in years, competition easing, and potential savings reaching into the tens of thousands, the week of October 12–18 offers a rare opportunity in a historically tight market.

Buyers can use this calmer environment to their advantage, whether that means negotiating for repairs, requesting seller-paid closing costs, or asking for a more flexible closing timeline. Even making a slightly lower offer may be more viable when sellers know there are fewer competing bids. For homebuyers ready to act, mid-October may be the best time to make a move in 2025.

Regional Timing Matters

While October 12–18 is ideal nationally, local markets may vary. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas often see buyer-friendly conditions a few weeks earlier, while Florida metros such as Miami and Tampa peak as late as December.

Most large metros, however, align closely with the national best week. For instance, buyers in San Francisco, San Diego, Raleigh, and Washington, D.C., can expect higher inventory, less competition, and lower prices during mid-October.

Checking local trends is essential for timing your offer in the most advantageous window.