T
he best time for homebuyers has arrived. According to Realtor.com's latest report, September 29 to October 5 offers a unique combination of market conditions that favor buyers in the US.

    During this seven-day window, buyers can expect more active listings (37% higher than at the start of the year), lower median home prices ($14,000 less compared to summer peak buyers), and significantly reduced competition from other buyers (29.5% fewer). This phenomenon is not limited to 2024; Realtor.com found it to be a historically consistent trend.

    The school schedule plays a significant role in this market dynamic. As families move during the summer break, they drive up market activity and competition in spring. By September 29, schools have started back, and many families have stopped searching for homes. Additionally, warm weather makes it easier to conduct home showings and inspections.

    While this period is ideal nationally, some metro areas have slightly different prime times. In New York and Newark, the best time to buy is from September 15 to 21, with active listings 9.1% higher than average, median prices down 3.5%, and 27.5% fewer views per property. In Seattle, it's October 20 to 26, when there are 55.2% fewer views per property, active listings 34.7% higher than average, and median prices down 8.4%. Across all metro areas with ideal buying weeks, the prime time falls within a relatively short period in the fall, ranging from September 8 to November 16.