As a Realtor, I hear the question “When is the best time of year to buy a home” floating constantly around the realty industry, with all sorts of different answers. But looking more closely at recent seasonal patterns of supply and demand, I find that September might be the best month to purchase your new home.

This September is unique. And here are the reasons why:

All about supply …

Buyers have more options for homes this month than they have in the past ten. Most buyers have been holding off this year because they haven’t found that one place that meets all the needs on their personal checklists. This hasn’t been easy with the previously smaller supply of houses on the market. But according to realty.com, listings inventory has continuously grown from spring to summer, creeping into fall (inventory is up 21% from January).

And not so much about demand …

School is back in session, and demand has started to decline as families’ focus and attention are on other priorities. With less competition and more inventory, house prices decline creating a better buyer’s market. Seasonal patterns demonstrate that the best housing deals come in the dead of winter, so signing a contract now (before Thanksgiving holiday festivities ensue) could mean moving in late fall when the weather is its almost-Texas-best (and at the lowest prices for the year).

But don’t forget that mortgage bonus …

With the recent declining activities in the stock market, the current mortgage rate is at an excellent low—thirty-year fixed rates are under 4% but expected to climb back up by the end of the year. Taking advantage of the low rate while buying your new home is an ideal way to wrap up your summer.

September is your month to buy if you have any interest in more choices to find your dream home, better prices, less competition, and low rates.

Article Citation: Smoke, Jonathan. (September 1, 2015). “Is this September the perfect month to buy a home?” National Association of REALTORS®. Retrieved September 9, 2015 from: http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/why-september-is-the-best-month-to-buy-a-home/.
Picture Citation: http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/iStock_Autumn-Home-XSmall.jpg