🍂 Why September is the Second Best Time of the Year in Real Estate
When most people think about the “best” time to buy or sell a home, spring instantly comes to mind. The longer days, fresh landscaping, and the energy of a new season bring out both buyers and sellers in full force. But while spring often takes the gold medal in real estate timing, there’s a clear silver medalist that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: September.
Yes—September is often the second-best time of year in real estate, and for buyers and sellers who are strategic, it can be a golden opportunity.
1️⃣ Buyers Are Re-Energized After Summer
Summer tends to be filled with travel, family time, and a slower pace. Many buyers put their home search on hold while enjoying those months. But when September hits, focus returns.
Parents are back to school routines.
Professionals are back from vacations.
Many buyers want to get into a new home before the holidays.
That renewed motivation means serious buyers re-enter the market in September, often with financing already in place and decisions ready to be made.
2️⃣ Sellers Are Motivated to Move
Homes that hit the market in September often come from sellers who aren’t just “testing the waters.” Instead, they’re looking to:
Finalize a move before winter weather sets in.
Relocate for work.
Be settled into a new home before the holiday season.
This often translates into more productive negotiations, as sellers are motivated to find the right buyer and move forward with their plans.
3️⃣ Fall Curb Appeal is Underrated
Spring has flowers, but September has something just as appealing: warm, welcoming curb appeal.
Golden leaves and crisp air create a cozy vibe.
Homes with clean landscaping and fall décor feel inviting.
Buyers love the sense of “home” that the fall season naturally brings.
A well-maintained yard and seasonal staging can make a listing shine even brighter in September.
4️⃣ Less Competition, More Opportunity
Spring may have more listings, but it also brings more competition. Buyers in September benefit from:
Solid inventory that’s still available from summer.
Fewer competing offers compared to peak season.
More breathing room to view properties thoughtfully.
Sellers also benefit from standing out in a less crowded market, where well-prepared homes capture more attention.
5️⃣ Strategic Positioning for the New Year
September is perfectly timed for both short- and long-term advantages.
Buyers who purchase now can lock in before potential interest rate changes over the winter.
Sellers who list in September can secure deals before the holiday slowdown, avoiding the quiet stretch that often happens in December.
It’s the sweet spot: active buyers, motivated sellers, and favorable conditions that set you up for success heading into the new year.
✨ Bottom Line
Spring might always be the “gold medalist” for real estate activity, but September consistently proves to be the clear silver medal winner. It offers the best mix of motivated buyers and sellers, strong curb appeal, and less competition—all of which create opportunities for those ready to move.
📲 Thinking about buying or selling this fall? Let’s connect and build a strategy that helps you take full advantage of this season’s opportunities.