Best Week to Buy a Home in 2025 Is Oct. 12–18, Realtor.com Says

Oct. 12–18, 2025 is projected to be the year’s best week to buy a home, according to Realtor.com’s Best Time To Buy 2025 report. The window combines higher inventory with pricing that typically sits below peak seasonal highs and less frenzied competition, giving buyers who are ready to move a window to act before the fall rush.

The national market has cooled from the blistering pace of prior years. Inventory climbed above 1 million listings in late spring and remained elevated through the summer, though overall stock remains about 13% below pre-pandemic levels. “Homebuyers are likely to encounter a larger selection of homes for sale than in recent years,” said Hannah Jones, Realtor.com’s senior economic research analyst. “Prices usually fall below their seasonal highs, with reduced competition and a more manageable market pace.” The slower pace, along with relatively steady mortgage rates, has created breathing room for buyers while still leaving price appreciation in the mix due to underbuilding.

While prices and mortgage rates have remained relatively steady compared with 2024, the supply gap created by years of underbuilding—roughly 4 million homes—continues to press vacancies and prices higher. The year’s slower activity has allowed inventories to accumulate, offering buyers more options and a greater chance to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing terms.

Regional variation colors the national picture. The West and the South currently present more favorable conditions for buyers, while the Midwest and Northeast lean slightly toward sellers. For those looking to sell, higher inventory levels require strategic pricing and thoughtful presentation, as buyers gain flexibility and time on the market. These dynamics help explain why the Best Week can shift by metro while still aligning with the national pattern overall.

‘Best Week’ timing does vary by market. Of the 50 largest U.S. metros, 13 have a Best Week that’s slightly earlier than the national timeline, while 16 markets see a slightly later peak. For example, New York City and Philadelphia often reach their Best Week in early to mid-September, while Miami and Tampa may not see optimal buying conditions until early December. Many other markets, including Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., align closely with the national window. National trends suggest that the third week in October may offer up to 32.6% more active listings than at the start of the year, potentially translating to savings of more than $15,000 on a median-priced home of about $439,450. Buyers who prioritize choice should target listings that peak in early fall, while price-sensitive shoppers might wait slightly longer for seasonal dips.

With the Best Week just around the corner, potential buyers should familiarize themselves with local markets, identify priorities, and set up alerts so they’re notified the moment suitable homes hit the market. While the national market moves toward balance, success still hinges on planning ahead and understanding both seasonal trends and regional nuances, as buyers across much of the country may finally find an attractive combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power in mid-October.