T
he week of Oct. 12‑18 (and the weeks around it) is emerging as the most buyer‑friendly period of the year. A new realtor.com® study shows that during this time buyers can expect:

    * **Higher inventory** – Active listings hit a pandemic‑high, with up to 33 % more homes on the market than at the start of the year.

    * **Lower prices** – Prices are roughly 3.4 % below the seasonal peak, translating into potential savings of over $15 k on a median‑priced home ($439 k).

    * **More price cuts** – About 5.5 % of homes see reductions, and analysts predict even more discounts as the fall progresses.

    * **Less competition** – Demand has cooled, with competition about 31 % lower than during the summer peak, giving buyers time to negotiate.

    * **Longer selling times** – Homes stay on the market about two weeks longer than in peak season, allowing buyers to make informed decisions.

    * **New listings surge** – Mid‑October typically sees a 16 % bump in fresh listings, expanding choices further.

    Realtor.com®’s chief economist, Danielle Hale, notes that this shift amplifies the usual fall advantage for buyers, especially as mortgage rates ease and price growth slows. While the market isn’t yet a full “buyer’s market,” conditions are noticeably more balanced than in recent years.

    **Timing by metro**

    * New York & Philadelphia: early‑mid September.

    * Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas: Sept. 28‑Oct. 4.

    * Houston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C.: Oct. 12‑18.

    * Phoenix, Louisville, Charlotte: Nov. 2‑8.

    * Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa: Nov. 30‑Dec. 6.

    Check the study for your local “best time to buy” window.