The Surprising Truth About Home Prices

Buying a home in today’s real estate market can feel like a never-ending battle. With low inventory, rising prices, and fierce competition, many buyers find themselves losing out on house after house. The process can be exhausting, leaving you feeling defeated after being outbid time and time again. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be that way. The key to unlocking success in the market is timing, and the best-kept secret in real estate is that fall and early winter are your secret weapons for finding the perfect home at a great price.

Why the Best Time to Buy a House Is the Opposite of What You Think

While everyone else is gearing up for the spring rush, the smartest buyers are quietly scoring the best deals in the fall and winter. According to a *nationwide report by ATTOM Data Solutions, home buyers in October enjoy the lowest premium over market value—just 3.3%. Compare that to the height of the spring market in May, where buyers are paying an average premium of 10.5%, and it becomes clear that you don’t have to follow the crowd to find a great home.

By buying in the off-season, you can work smarter, not harder. Fewer buyers in the market means less competition, which gives you more negotiating power. Sellers who haven’t sold their homes by fall are often more motivated to make a deal, leading to better pricing and more favorable terms.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Exhausting

Many buyers enter the spring market with high hopes, only to face constant disappointment as they lose out to higher offers or get caught in bidding wars. The stress of competing in such an intense market can make the process feel overwhelming. But buying a home shouldn’t leave you feeling defeated—it should be exciting!

If you’re tired of the grind, now is the time to think differently. Rather than waiting for spring, when every house feels like a race, consider moving forward in fall or winter, when the market cools and competition fades. You’ll have more room to negotiate, better chances of securing the home you want, and the peace of mind that comes with not having to compete with dozens of other buyers.

Fall and Winter: Your Secret Weapon for Real Estate Deals

Fall and early winter can give you the advantage you need to get a good deal without the headache. As Rick Sharga, executive vice president of market intelligence at ATTOM, says: “Seasonality has always had an impact on home prices, which tend to weaken in the fall and winter months when there’s less buying activity. Savvy homebuyers can take advantage of those lower prices and less competition from other buyers once the leaves start to turn.”

One key area where this timing really pays off? Maryland. Historically, Maryland has some of the best purchase prices in January, with buyers paying an average of 3.5% below market value. That’s a premium of -3.5%! For buyers in Maryland, January could be your golden opportunity to get a home below market value without the stress of competing in the spring rush.

The Benefits of Buying in Fall and Winter

• Less Competition: With fewer buyers in the market, you won’t face as many bidding wars.
• More Negotiating Power: Sellers who haven’t sold by fall are often more open to negotiation.
• Better Prices: October and November consistently offer the lowest premiums over market value. In Maryland, January is the sweet spot with purchase prices 3.5% below market value.
• A Smoother Process: Without the chaos of spring’s hyper-competitive market, you’ll likely find the buying process less stressful and more straightforward.

Don't Wait for Spring—Work Smarter With the Right Realtor

Why fight the exhausting spring market when you can secure a great deal now? By using fall and winter as your secret weapon, you can avoid the stress, save money, and enjoy a smoother home-buying experience. And with the right realtor guiding you, you’ll have the expertise and support you need every step of the way.

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Let’s find your dream home this fall—whether it's in Maryland or beyond! Reach out today to get started.