​While summer is typically the busiest season in real estate, fall brings its own unique advantages. As temperatures and mortgage rates cool, opportunities begin to heat up. Fall often means more inventory, less competition, and potential savings for buyers ready to make a move.
​Summer vs. Fall Market
No doubt about it, summer is a hot season in more ways than one, but especially in real estate. Families are moving, there’s increased inventory, and competition can be fierce. With so many active buyers, bidding wars become the norm, and finding the right home at the right price can be challenging.
​In contrast, the fall market naturally slows. The inventory dips slightly, causing buyers to pull back until spring. With fewer shoppers, buyers who are serious about buying a house this season will have more time to explore and more options to consider. Additionally, it gives buyers a little more control when it comes time to place an offer on a house.
Per Redfin, there were 104,706 homes available for sale in California as of September 2025, a decrease from the summer. Additionally, 30.6% of homes experienced a price drop during the same period, an increase over the summer months. This shift could be indicative of sellers struggling to attract buyers, and with a growing number of homes with price drops, it signals that the market is cooling off and shifting toward buyers’ favor.
​More Options, Less Pressure
As competition eases in the fall, buyers gain valuable breathing room. Fewer bidding wars mean listings tend to stay active longer, allowing serious buyers to make a thoughtful decision rather than a pressured one.
​For those buyers who are seriously looking for a new home, regardless of the timing, fall is a great time to search at a comfortable pace. There’s more time to compare and negotiate rather than feeling the pressure of a bidding war or the fear that the home will be bought within days of launch. Even with slightly lower inventory than summer, there’s an opportunity to find homes that were previously overpriced and are now adjusting to meet market demand.
Motivated Sellers Mean Better Deals
​Another benefit of house shopping in the fall is the likelihood of motivated sellers. Many homeowners want to close before the holidays or year-end, creating opportunities for more flexible negotiations.
​This urgency for sellers often translates to price reductions, closing cost assistance, repair credits, or even temporary mortgage rate buy-downs, especially for those homes that have been on the market since spring. In September 2025, Redfin reported that California homes averaged 47 median days on the market, up from earlier months. This indicates that buyers have more time and control since homes are spending longer on the market.
Pricing & Market Trends in Fall
​The seasonal shift from summer to fall often leads to softening prices as sellers look to wrap up sales before winter, especially if they’ve been on the market for some time. For buyers, that can mean more favorable pricing and a better negotiating position. In the last two years, there has also been a history of mortgage rates decreasing around the fall season, according to Freddie Mac, which adds another incentive for those ready to buy.
A few of our own listings that recently experienced price improvements include 9214 Nightingale Drive, listed by Aaron Kirman; 1504 N. Kenter Avenue, listed by Aaron Kirman and Cindy Ambuehl; and 1707 San Vicente Boulevard, listed by Aaron Kirman and Brooke Elliott Laurinkus.
The Practical Side of Fall Home Shopping
​With a smaller pool of buyers, scheduling tours becomes easier and more flexible. There are fewer people to compete with, and there’s usually no rush, giving the buyer a more thoughtful tour and less timely pressure to make a decision.
Fall also provides an opportunity to evaluate homes in cooler weather, allowing buyers to see how well the home retains heat and how curb appeal holds up as greenery fades.
Strategic Timing for Buyers
Purchasing a home in the fall means moving in before the holidays and settling in just in time to enjoy the season. It also positions new homeowners ahead of potential market changes that are likely to occur in the spring.
Final Thoughts
Fall isn’t just about cozy weather; it can be one of the smartest times to buy a home. With less competition, motivated sellers, and a more balanced pace, buyers can find meaningful opportunities if they’re ready to act.
​If you’re considering making a move this fall, let’s talk strategy and find the perfect property while the market works in your favor. Contact us today to start the search for your next home.