Why October Could Be Your Best Window to Buy a Home

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, October may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Realtor.com’s 2025 Best Time to Buy Report identifies the week of October 12–18 as the most favorable for homebuyers this year (Jonathan Delozier, Realtor.com, September 17, 2025).

According to the report, buyers during this window could see:

• 32.6% more active listings compared to the start of the year

• Home prices averaging $15,000 below summer peaks

• 30.6% less competition from other buyers

Chief economist Danielle Hale explains, “After years of constrained conditions, the 2025 housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in a long time: options. In a year that’s been the most buyer-friendly in nearly a decade, it’s the best window of opportunity for homebuyers all year.”

Why October Favors Buyers

Several key factors are creating this seasonal advantage:

• Inventory levels are up. Active listings passed the 1 million mark earlier this year, the highest since before the pandemic.

• Buyer activity has slowed. High mortgage rates and affordability concerns have sidelined some buyers, meaning less competition for those still searching.

• Homes are spending more time on the market. This gives buyers more negotiating room and better chances to secure price reductions.

• Seasonal listing surge. New listings typically rise in mid-fall, giving buyers a broader pool of homes to choose from.

What About Florida?

The report also notes that timing can vary by region. While many U.S. metros line up with the mid-October window, Florida markets like Miami and Tampa may not see peak buyer conditions until December. That said, Central Florida buyers should still expect to benefit from the nationwide trend of increased options and reduced competition.

What This Means for You

If you’ve been debating whether to start your home search, this fall is worth serious consideration. Prices are off their summer highs, sellers are becoming more negotiable, and competition is cooling. Even if mortgage rates remain elevated, these shifts provide buyers with leverage not seen in years.

If you’re thinking about making a move in Orlando, Clermont, Mount Dora, Winter Park, or across Lake and Orange Counties, now is the time to get your plan together. Let’s talk about your goals so you’re ready to take advantage of this buyer-friendly season.

Source: Jonathan Delozier, “Best time to buy a house? Mid-October 2025 favors buyers,” Realtor.com, September 17, 2025.