Is fall a good time to buy a house? Spring and summer may be the peak home purchase seasons, but that doesn’t mean buying later in the year doesn’t have its perks. From tax benefits to negotiating power, here are six reasons to buy a house in the fall.
Is fall a good time to buy a house? Six reasons we say “yes”
- Fewer competing offers
- More motivated sellers
- More flexible mover availability
- Changing weather
- Potential tax breaks
- Save on home goods
1. Fewer competing offers
The warm months are the busiest time of year for buying a home. Especially in a seller’s market, this means you’ll be bidding against more offers. In the fall, you’ll have less competition. Plus, your real estate agent will likely have fewer obligations to other clients when summer is over. That means more time to devote to your home search.
Pro Tip: If you do find yourself in a bidding war, our bidding breakdown can help you win.
2. More motivated sellers
By fall, peak selling season is over. With fewer offers on the table, sellers are usually more motivated to accept yours to get the listing off the market before the holidays. This situation gives you an edge to negotiate a better price.
3. More flexible availability for movers and other involved parties
Post-summer is the slow season for moving companies, too, so you may be able to get settled into your new home with more flexibility and lower costs. Your lender will also likely have fewer loans on their plate in the fall. That means you may be able to get through the mortgage process and close on your home faster than you would in busier seasons.
4. Changing weather
Fall is also a good time to buy a house because the weather is less predictable. This gives you the opportunity to see potential homes in less-than-ideal conditions. Not only can this help you negotiate terms with the seller, but you’ll also have a clearer picture of what you can expect from the home year-round.
5. Potential tax breaks
While you can’t avoid paying taxes, becoming a homeowner can qualify you for more deductions.* Even if you close on your home as late as December 31, you could be able to deduct:
- Mortgage interest (applies to the interest paid on the first $750,000 of your home loan)
- Discount points (pre-paid interest on your mortgage)
- Property taxes (exact amount depends on where you live)
Depending on your unique circumstances, more deductions may also be available.
6. Save on home goods
If you’re like most people, you probably got rid of a lot of belongings before your move. Now, it’s time to replace them and make your new house a home. Fall can be a great time to buy a house because it’s followed by seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year warehouse clearances. Once you’re moved in, you can find decor, furniture, appliances, and more for lower prices than you might in the spring or summer. It’s no secret that buying a home can cost quite a bit upfront, so any opportunity to save can make a big difference in your finances as you head into the new year.
So, is fall a good time to buy a house?
There are a lot of reasons to buy a house in the fall, but there’s no such thing as perfect timing. A cold-weather home purchase typically means fewer available listings, the risk of weather hazards on move-in day, and less time to get settled before the holidays hit. And if you have kids, moving during the school year can be a difficult transition. The right time to buy a house is different for everyone, so don’t feel pressured to make it happen on anyone’s timeline but yours. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help.
*This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before making the decision to buy or refinance a home.
A fall home purchase means less competition, more motivated sellers, and potential deals on home goods for your new space.
