The busiest time for selling and buying homes is behind us. However, for many sellers and shoppers, the cooler season is a time of opportunity!
While spring is usually considered the busiest season for buying homes in the San Jose real estate market, there are several good reasons to shop or sell this fall.
Top 5 Reasons to Sell or Buy Homes in Fall
More Choice
The housing market is transforming this fall, and it’s in the buyers’ favor.
- The USA has seen a 4.6-month supply of homes for sale. As of July 2025, this is the highest in years, according to the National Association of Realtors.
- The increase in inventory provides buyers with more options, more time to decide, and less pressure.
- Additionally, as others make their moves, it can spark confidence in hesitant buyers, encouraging them to take the leap.
More Time to Shop
During the fall, home buyers have more time to shop for luxury homes in San Jose.
- Homebuyers can take their time with fewer competing buyers. They can explore their options without feeling pressured or rushed. This allows for a more thoughtful and leisurely home search process.
- Moreover, appraisers, inspectors, title companies, and lenders are less backed up in the fall, which also speeds up the process.
- While the home-buying process is still fast-paced, the fall season brings some breathing room.
- With fewer buyers competing, sellers usually hold onto their homes slightly longer.
Homebuyers are More Serious
Since fall is the beginning of the holiday season and a primer for the winter weather, homebuyers are more serious about settling in. So, they are eager to lock in luxury homes for sale in San Jose.
Better Time to Lock in Budgets
Mortgage rates in the USA have hovered around 6-7% most of 2024. Rates are anticipated to hover below 7% going into fall, barring a few unfavorable economic news.
- Fannie Mae has projected an average rate of 6.5% and the Mortgage Bankers Association estimates 6.6%.
- Even the minute drops matter. Monthly payments are reduced due to lower interest rates, and buying power is increased as well.
- Lower rates are good news for buyers for obvious reasons, specifically for those who have their budgets locked in.
- As mortgage rates dip, buyers may save on payments, but it also brings in more problems. There might be more buyers in the market, potentially increasing competition and prices. This might reduce negotiating power as well.
Bidding Wars Can be Avoided
Bidding wars are greatly dreaded. In the past few years, they have been demoralizing and stressful, especially if you have lost out on a home you wanted to buy.
- Bidding wars might be hard to avoid in a strong seller’s market. However, if you’re in the buyers’ market, the chances of going up against several buyers targeting the same home are lower.
- Bidding wars are less likely when competing against fewer buyers. This can also help with negotiating power.
- Sellers who list in the summer usually lower prices, expecting a fall sale. So, if you want to strike a deal, the top real estate agents in San Jose, CA, like TENACITY Realtors, will look for homes that have been on the market for a while. These sellers might already have reduced prices to appeal to buyers. This way, a motivated seller who’s eager to negotiate can be found easily.
Fall Ambiance Improves Curb Appeal
This reason is more for the sellers than the buyers, but it helps both.
- The fall atmosphere can greatly enhance the curb appeal of your home.
- A home on the market needs a good exterior, and maintaining it helps to attract buyers. If staged properly, a home in the fall can feel warm and inviting.
- Fake foliage and pumpkins on the doorstep nudge at the season’s cozy feelings. Interior decor with orange and red adds more warmth, inviting buyers to enter and explore.
- If your home has a deciduous tree, like maple, oak, birch, beech, and cherry, in the backyard, it adds even more curb appeal.
Reading this article might make you believe fall is the better season to buy or sell a home. However, truthfully, there’s no right time. Fall can be an opportune time for buyers who
– Know what they want
– Can afford to buy at current interest rates and prices
– Prefers a little elbow room during negotiations
So, if that sounds like you, fall could be your season to tackle the real estate market! Figure out your budget and line up your finances to focus your search and act fast when you find a home you adore.