The best time to buy a home in nearly a decade is here

The Black Friday of home shopping is approaching, but without the stampedes or Thanksgiving hangover.

From October 12–18, homebuying conditions will hit their annual sweet spot, according to Realtor.com. Buyers can expect:

• 32.6% more homes for sale than at the start of 2025
• 30.6% less competition than during peak summer months
• $15,000 in savings on the average house

And the cherry on top is that mortgage rates have sunk to nearly three-year lows, according to Freddie Mac. In other words, the stars, planets, moons, and even random passing asteroids will align to say, “Buy now or suffer FOMO forever.”

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

The investor edge

Real estate investors are especially well-positioned to cash in on this “royal flush” of homebuying luck. While everyday buyers tend to wait for summer open houses and sunny skies, investors will chase a deal even through a hurricane if it boosts their bottom line.

“By preparing financing in advance and using the slower market pace for thorough due diligence, investors can maximize returns while minimizing acquisition risks and improve margins," points out Realtor.com economist Hannah Jones.

Timing still matters, though. The “best week” varies by location: The earliest was in New York City, which already saw its peak September 14–20, while the latest will be in Florida, where Miami and Tampa’s sweet spot arrives November 30–December 6.

Find out the best time to buy in your market here. Looking to unload a property instead? Here’s the best time to sell.