You've been waiing for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected...

While everyone's paying attention to mortgage rates, only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor.

Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that's why I say:

"We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October."

And that's exctly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this seasonmay be wirth a closer look - even with rates where they are.

1. There Are More Homes To Choose From

One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that.

Based on seasonal trends, the data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November hthat during any other season of the year (see graph below):

Why does this happen? Homes that hi the market in spring and summer don;t all close right away. Some sit. New listings keep coming. And inventory builds as the year goes on.

By fall, you're looking at the largest pool of available homes all year. Tha makes it easier to find one that works for your needs and your budget. Any if anything, this should be more true this year. Rates that are higher for longer tend to help inventory grow even more.

More choices can mean fewer compromises. You're mor likely to find the right home, not just the one that happens to be available.

2. Asking Prices Start To Drop

Having more choice is great. But if every home is still priced too high, that only gets you so far. Theat's where fall's second advantage kicks in: asking prices start their seasonal decline.

HousingWire data shows this trend over time (see graph below):

It work like this. Spring and early summer are when sellers feel the most confident because that's when demand is typically strongest. SO, many homeowners price their homes higher during those pperiods because of the uptick in demand.

But every year, like clockwork, tht dynamic starts to change by fall. Buyer activiy slows down as the weather cools off. So, sellers have to price a bit lower to try to draw buyers in. And that's good for your bottom line.

3. More Sellers Are Willing To Negotiate

But fall doesn't just bring more choices and lower asking prices. It aso bring more sellers who are increasingly motivated to get a deal done.

You can see it in the data. Most years, fall is when price cuts peak (see graph below).

While it's not a big difference from summer, this fall you'll have more negotiating power than you'd have if you wait until the first half of 2027. Here's why.

If a home is on the market in the fall, many sellers are eager to get it sold before that holidays. And since there are usually fewer buyers active in the fall, that often leads to another opportunity to snag a better deal. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

"Less competition can lead to better deals. While homes are not selling as fast as during the summer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate."

Even a small seller compromise here can make a meaningful difference for you.

As an exmple, a 5% price drop on a $500,000 home is $25,000. That could mean you end up borrowing less, keeping more money in savings, having room in the budget for upgrades after you move in, or simply making the monthly payment feel more manageable.

Bottom Line

Of coarse, every market moves a little defferently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you've been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Have a quick conversation with us about what's happening in the San Diego market.That way you can find out whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

When’s the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor’s house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

For a lot of homeowners, it’s been years. And if you’ve been thinking about moving, but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number.

Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think

Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today’s market is more balanced, homeowners are building wealth every day just by owning their homes. That’s how equity works. As home values rise, and as you make your monthly payments, your equity grows. And it adds up fast.

According to Cotality, the typical homeowner with a mortgage now has $310,500 in equity. That’s not a small number. It’s six figures.

And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the typical homeowner has there (see map below):

Even though every local market is different, the question you should be asking right now is the same: How much equity have you built up?

Because if you don’t know that number, you’re missing out.

This Could Be the Missing Piece in Your Move

Most people assume that because prices are higher and rates aren’t at 3% anymore, moving just isn’t realistic right now, especially if they already have an ultra-low rate. And that’s understandable – those are real factors.

But they’re not the only factors.

When you have that much equity in your house, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re not scraping together a down payment or hoping the numbers work. You’re walking into your next move with more of an advantage than you think. And that changes the math. 

What Your Equity Can Do for You

Maybe you’ve outgrown your current house or you’re ready to downsize… The equity you’ve built could help bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be next.

Yes, your next house may cost more than your last one did. But your equity could cover a big chunk of that difference. Depending on how much you’ve built, it could help you:

• Lower your monthly payment on your next home. The bigger your down payment on your next place, the less you have to borrow. And with today’s rates, borrowing less can make a big difference in what you pay every month. 
• Buy your next house with all cash. This surprises a lot of people, but some homeowners have built enough equity to buy their next home outright, in cash. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than one-quarter (26%) of repeat buyers paid all cash for their home in July. 
• Transform the home you already have. Love your neighborhood but not your floor plan? You don’t have to move. Your equity could help fund renovations that make your home fit your life today while potentially adding value for tomorrow.

Your equity doesn’t erase the challenges of the current market. But it does mean you’re walking into your next move with a lot more power and flexibility than you think.

That’s why the value of your home isn’t something you should have to wonder about. 

If you’re even thinking about a move – or if you’re just curious what your options might be – the smartest thing you can do is get a Professional Equity Assessment. It’ll give you a real, market-based evaluation of what your house is really worth right now and how much equity you’re working with.

Because once you see the number, maybe it’s not about whether you can afford to move – it’s about what kind of move makes sense for you.

Bottom Line

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, it’s time to change that. 

DM The DHC Group and Hennin Foreman for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

Could September finally bring some relief?

There are several important economic developments coming in September that could influence mortgage rates. An inflation report is scheduled for September 11, unemployment numbers will be released earlier in the month, and the Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet September 15–16.

Any one of these developments could affect the direction of mortgage rates—and potentially create a short window of opportunity for buyers or homeowners looking to refinance.

That's especially important in a market like San Diego, where even a relatively small change in mortgage rates can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments and purchasing power.

Mortgage rates improved by more than a percentage point during 2025, but much of that improvement was reversed in 2026. In recent months, purchase and refinance rates have remained frustratingly stubborn.

So, could September be different?

There's no way to know for certain. Mortgage rates can change daily based on economic and financial market conditions. But there are three things worth watching closely as September approaches.

Three things to consider now

Trying to predict exactly where mortgage rates will be a month from now is nearly impossible. Rates are influenced by a long list of economic and global factors, including some that can change with little warning.

That doesn't mean buyers and homeowners should simply sit back and wait. Instead, it makes sense to understand the major factors that could influence rates in September. If conditions improve, there could be a temporary opportunity to secure a more favorable mortgage rate.

Here are three things to watch.

Geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts

 Mortgage rates don't move solely because of decisions made by the Federal Reserve. Global events can have a significant impact, too.

On March 2, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 5.75%—nearly a full percentage point below what many buyers were being offered more recently. The increase wasn't simply the result of a Federal Reserve decision. Geopolitical tensions, overseas conflicts and the war with Iran contributed to higher oil prices and renewed inflation concerns.

That matters because changes in oil prices and inflation can influence the broader financial markets that ultimately affect mortgage rates. If geopolitical tensions ease in September, it's possible that some of the pressure on rates could ease as well.

That doesn't necessarily mean mortgage rates will suddenly fall dramatically. Any improvement could be small or short-lived. But for a San Diego buyer trying to make the numbers work, even a modest improvement could matter.

The takeaway: Pay attention to the news, but don't try to time the market perfectly. If rates improve and the numbers work for you, being prepared to act could be more important than waiting for the absolute lowest rate.

Further reductions in the inflation rate

Inflation will be another major piece of the September puzzle.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release its August inflation report on September 11. If inflation continues to move lower, as it did in the July report, it could increase expectations that the Federal Reserve may cut rates later in the month.

But there's an important distinction here:

Mortgage rates don't have to wait for the Fed.

Mortgage lenders can adjust their rates based on market conditions and expectations. So, if the September inflation report comes in better than expected, mortgage rates could respond before the Federal Reserve actually makes a move.

For San Diego buyers, that means preparation matters.

If you're hoping to purchase a home this fall, now is the time to make sure your finances are as strong as possible. Improving your credit score, reducing debt where possible and getting your financing in order can help put you in a better position if a more attractive rate becomes available.

You don't want to discover that a better rate appeared and then realize you're not ready to take advantage of it.

The Federal Reserve meeting later in the month

The Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet September 15 and 16.

By then, officials will have new inflation and unemployment data to consider, along with whatever is happening with geopolitical tensions around the world.

An actual rate cut at this meeting may currently seem unlikely, but that doesn't mean the meeting is irrelevant to mortgage rates. What Federal Reserve officials say can matter almost as much as what they actually do. If their comments suggest that future rate cuts are becoming more likely, financial markets could respond—and mortgage rates could move lower as a result.

Of course, the opposite is also possible.

That's why it can be risky to make a home-buying decision based entirely on what you think the Fed will do next. For buyers who are already under contract or actively shopping, a mortgage rate lock can provide some protection against rates moving higher. Depending on the loan and lender, there may also be an opportunity to unlock and re-lock at a lower rate if rates improve later.

In other words, you don't necessarily have to choose between locking today and missing out on a future improvement or waiting and risking higher rates. Talk with your lender about what options are available for your specific loan.

The bottom line

Could mortgage rates improve this September?

Absolutely. But there are no guarantees.

After remaining relatively high and stubbornly stuck for much of the summer, several factors could influence where rates go next. Geopolitical tensions, inflation, unemployment data and Federal Reserve policy will all be worth watching. And don't overlook the 10-year Treasury yield, which is another important influence on mortgage rates.

For San Diego homebuyers, the bigger lesson may be this:

Don't build your entire strategy around predicting the next rate move.

Instead, focus on what you can control. Strengthen your credit. Understand your financing options. Know what monthly payment works for your budget. And if you're considering buying, be prepared to move if the right home and the right numbers come together. Mortgage rates will eventually change again. The goal isn't necessarily to predict exactly when. It's to be ready when the opportunity arrives.

If you’re waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there’s a number working behind the scenes that’s actually good for you right now. It’s called the spread, and once you understand it, you may see today’s rates in a whole new light.

The Pattern That’s Held for 50+ Years

For starters, mortgage rates don’t move on their own. They tend to follow the 10-year treasury yield, a number tied to how investors feel about the economy.

It’s not an exact science, since plenty of other factors can move it day to day, but broadly speaking, when the economy looks strong, that yield tends to climb over time. When the outlook gets shaky, it tends to ease. For over 50 years, the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates have moved almost in lockstep (see graph below):

The gap between them is called the “spread.” On average, that gap runs about 1.76 percentage points. And that spread impacts your mortgage rate. A wider spread tends to push mortgage rates higher than the treasury yield alone would suggest, while a narrower spread keeps rates closer to the treasury yield.

One of the Big Reasons Rates Likely Won’t Drop Dramatically Anytime Soon

If you’re hoping mortgage rates will drop a lot, here’s the reality – they probably won’t, at least not anytime soon. One of the big reasons why comes down to that spread between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates.

A few years ago, that gap got a lot wider as uncertainty in the economy pushed it as high as 3.19 points in 2023.

Now here’s the part worth noting – that gap has been narrowing lately. It’s down to about 2.01, just above the long-term average of 1.76 (see graph below):

When the gap is wide, there’s more room for rates to fall. But when it’s relatively normal, like it is now, there’s less wiggle room for rates to fall.

Why Mortgage Rates Aren’t Higher Right Now

Today’s mortgage rate is basically the treasury yield plus the spread. So, when either one moves, your rate moves with it. Here are 3 different rates, all built off today’s 10-year treasury yield of 4.68% to show you just how much the spread matters for your bottom line (see graph below):

If the spread were still stretched out like it was in 2023, rates would be pushing close to 8% right now. That’s because the spread was over a full point wider than it is today.

But now, thanks to the spread narrowing recently, today’s rate sits around 6.69%. That’s the middle scenario in that visual. That’s a big difference in your monthly payment compared what we could see if the spread was as big as it was 2023. An Analyst at HousingWire, says:

“Of course, mortgage spreads being better in 2026 is the housing hero story of the year . . .”

Now compare that middle bar to the 3rd one. If the spread were sitting at its exact long-term average, rates would be around 6.5%. That’s only about a quarter of a point away from where rates actually are today. That means most of the improvement in mortgage rates we should realistically expect from a shrinking spread has already happened.

In other words, the same narrowing spread that’s the reason rates aren’t close to 8% today is also a big reason why they’re not likely to fall a lot further.

Bottom Line

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out and we’re happy to help.

After more than a year of headlines talking about how home prices are going to crash, the latest data shows that price growth may be starting to pick back up again. And depending on whether you’re buying or selling, that shift means something different for you.

The Numbers May Be Starting To Turn

For the past couple of years, home price growth has been moderating – cooling from around 7% in mid-2024, according to Redfin (see graph below). But look at the right side of that graph. The pace of that growth appears to have hit its low point and started to turn.

While a couple months of data doesn’t necessarily mean this will be a lasting trend, there are some other signs that this could continue.

For example, fewer markets are seeing prices decline. According to ResiClub and Zillow, about 36% of the 300 largest housing markets had falling prices as of the middle of last year. Since the start of this year, that share has been shrinking. Now? Only 23% are experiencing those mild dips (see graph below):

When fewer markets see prices falling, that means more markets are seeing prices rise again.

And forecasts suggest this shift has room to run. On average, experts project home prices will rise about 2.3% nationally this year. And for that to happen, price growth would have to pick up a bit in the second half of 2026.

But Remember, Real Estate Is Local

While it looks like national prices may be starting to pick back up a tiny bit, that doesn’t mean that’s what’s happening in your neighborhood.

National home prices are really just an average of hundreds of local markets. Some are climbing faster. Others are still cooling. But one reason the national average may be looking up is because a growing number of metros may actually be net positive for prices this year.

Not long ago, the major metros were split about 50/50 – half seeing prices rise and half seeing them fall. Now, that balance looks like it’s starting to tip in a more positive direction. Just last month, more than half of the major metros saw prices go up, according to Redfin (see graph below):

As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, explains:

“. . . local markets continue to tell very different stories. Annual home price growth has changed little since the start of the year, but some markets, especially those supported by strong job and income growth in the West and more affordable Midwest markets, have seen notable acceleration in price gains.”

What This Means for You

Home price headlines can be confusing because they don’t always tell the full picture. Lean on an agent to understand what’s happening in your local market and what the early signs say for where prices may go from here.

That’s the best way to stay one step ahead of the market.

If you’re buying: slower price growth has worked in your favor. You’ve had more room to negotiate and a budget you could plan around. If price growth is picking up in your area, buying now may mean paying less than you would later this year.

If you own a home: you’ve been gaining equity all along, even while growth moderated. If growth keeps picking up, those gains could speed up, too. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), projects the typical homeowner will gain roughly $16,000 in housing wealth this year. And if you’re thinking about selling, this shift is a good early sign for you. Just remember, the market is still pretty balanced and buyer-friendly in a lot of areas right now.

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it’s showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect so you can see exactly what prices are doing in our local market and what that means for your plans.

Bottom Line

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it's showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you're buying or selling, connect with me below so you can see exactly what prices are doing in your local market and what that means for your plans.

In this guide, we’ll share practical ways to enhance your home’s exterior, along with expert tips for making every detail count – from the driveway to the front door. Whether you’re preparing to list or just refreshing the exterior of your home in San Diego, these curb appeal ideas can help your property stand out and feel more welcoming.

Curb appeal starts before buyers reach your front door

First impressions begin long before someone steps onto your porch. As buyers pull up to your property, they start noticing everything from the condition of your driveway to the visibility of your house numbers, making the journey to your front door just as important as the entry itself.

“To give a great first impression, make sure you’ve got an attractive and well-lit number sign and mailbox, your gate – if you have one – fits the style of the home and any number pad is clean, the driveway has fresh gravel or paving, and parking areas have attractive landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting.”

Refresh your landscaping for an instant lift

A well-maintained yard can instantly make a home feel more inviting, while an overgrown or neglected exterior can distract buyers before they ever step inside. Simple seasonal updates, along with a thorough cleaning, can help your property look cared for and make it easier for buyers to picture themselves calling it home.

“A home’s exterior tells a story before the front door even opens.” “Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within the first few moments of arriving, so details matter.”

When refreshing your landscaping and exterior, consider these simple updates:

1. Add fresh mulchGive flower beds a clean, finished appearance while helping define your landscaping.

2. Plant seasonal greeneryAdd flowers, plants, or other greenery that complement your home’s style and climate.

3. Pressure wash exterior surfacesClean walkways, driveways, patios, and siding to remove built-up dirt and grime.

4. Clean your windowsSparkling windows can make your home look brighter and more well-maintained from the outside.

5. Update exterior lightingReplace outdated fixtures or add lighting to highlight landscaping and improve visibility.

Prioritize maintenance before cosmetic updates

Before adding decorative touches, make sure your home’s exterior is clean, tidy, and in good condition. Buyers are more likely to notice peeling paint, broken fixtures, or an overgrown yard than they are to appreciate a new doormat, so addressing visible maintenance issues first can make your cosmetic upgrades feel even more impactful.

Start with these exterior maintenance tasks:

6. Tidy up the yardMow the lawn, trim overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and clear away fallen leaves and branches.

7. Repair visible damageFix broken fences, loose railings, cracked walkways, and other exterior issues that could signal neglect.

8. Touch up peeling paintRefresh areas where paint is chipped or worn, particularly around the front door, trim, and shutters.

9. Clean gutters and downspoutsRemove debris and make sure they’re free of visible buildup.

10. Replace burned-out bulbs. Check exterior lighting around the entryway, driveway, and walkways to ensure everything is bright and welcoming.

Give your front entry a quick makeover 

Your front door is often the focal point of your home’s exterior, so giving this area a little extra attention can make a noticeable difference. You don’t need to invest in a major renovation to create a welcoming entrysimple updates can make the space feel cleaner, more polished, and inviting to buyers.

“Just a few small changes to your home’s exterior can make a huge impact on buyers’ first impression.” “Start by applying a fresh coat of paint to the door, sweeping away any dirt or debris from your walkway, and laying down a new welcome mat. Keep your landscaping tidy and clear away any clutter such as tools, hoses, or kids’ toys. For even better curb appeal, add a few potted plants around your doorway and make sure your house numbers are clearly visible so buyers can easily find your home.”

Give your front entry a quick refresh with these simple updates:

11. Paint the front dooA fresh coat of paint can instantly make the entrance look cleaner and more updated.

12. Clean the walkwaySweep away dirt, leaves, and debris so the path to your front door feels well-maintained.

13. Add a new welcome matChoose one that complements your home’s style and creates a warm first impression.

14. Clear away clutterStore tools, hoses, toys, and other everyday items that can distract from the entry.

15. Add potted plantsPlace a few planters near the door to bring color and personality to the entrance.

16. Make house numbers easy to findEnsure your numbers are clean, visible, and easy to read from the street.

Invest in small upgrades with a big return 

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home’s exterior look more polished. A few strategic, low-cost improvements can refresh your home’s appearance, show buyers that the property has been well cared for, and create a strong first impression before they step inside.

“A home’s exterior is its most powerful marketing tool – buyers form an opinion within seconds of pulling up.” “Swapping outdated light fixtures, updating house numbers, and adding a new doormat are low-cost, high-impact details that communicate pride of ownership. When the outside is polished and inviting, buyers walk through the front door already sold.”

Elevate curb appeal with luxury-level details

Luxury buyers often pay close attention to the details that communicate a home’s quality and value, making curb appeal especially important in the high-end market.

“Invest in professional landscaping that fits the buyer profile in your particular market. That could mean a manicured look or something slightly more rustic but, in every case, an overgrown or messy yard signals neglect to a buyer, irrespective of what they find inside.” “Exterior lighting, which is often overlooked, can elevate the feel of a property. Layered uplighting on trees and architectural wash lighting on a façade can create a dramatic, resort-like presence at dusk.”

For a more elevated look, consider these luxury curb appeal upgrades:

17. Invest in professional landscapingChoose a design that complements your home’s architecture and reflects what appeals to buyers in your local market.

18. Layer exterior lightingUse uplighting to highlight trees and architectural lighting to showcase the home’s façade, creating a dramatic look after sunset.

19. Carry high-end finishes indoorsConsider updating hardware and fixtures with refined materials and finishes that complement the home’s overall design.

20. Stage the home strategicallyFor luxury properties, professional staging or interior design can help buyers envision the lifestyle the home offers and reinforce the property’s value.

If you’d like have a detailed conversation about increasing the curb appeal of your San Diego home...even if you’re not thinking about selling right now... DM “curb appeal” below and we’ll reach out to schedule a time to chat.

If you’ve been thinking about selling, you’ve probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there’s a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one.

Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t selling as fast as they were. And every week seems to bring another headline about buyers sitting on the sidelines. But here’s what you haven’t heard.

Despite everything going on, buyer demand has been remarkably resilient.

In fact, more sellers are getting to put up the “pending sale” sign now than during the last two years. What’s even more surprising is that they’re doing it at a time of year when activity usually starts to slow down.

And if you’re thinking about selling, that’s a trend worth paying attention to.

Buyers Are More Active Than You Think

One of the best ways to measure buyer demand is by looking at pending home sales. Those are homes that have gone under contract but haven’t closed yet. Think of them as a real-time pulse check on the market and whether buyers are still buying.

HousingWire Data shows more homes are going under contract than at the same time the past 2 years (see graph below):

While it may come as a surprise, the numbers speak for themselves. It doesn’t mean buyers are everywhere, but it does mean they’re still active right now. And even if this ebbs and flows a bit in the weeks ahead, right now we’re still ahead of where we’ve been lately. That’s encouraging news if you’re thinking about selling because it tells us something important…

People haven’t stopped buying homes. Serious buyers are still making moves.

And a lot of these people are buying because they decided they can’t keep waiting. Whether it’s a growing family, a new job, retirement, or simply wanting a different home, life keeps moving… even when mortgage rates stay higher than we’d like. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal.”

So, if you’ve been worried no one’s buying, this data should give you some confidence. Today’s buyers aren’t just casually browsing open houses on a Sunday afternoon, they’ve spent months waiting for rates to improve and now they realize they can’t wait anymore.

That means they have a purpose and a timeline. And that’s exactly the kind of motivated buyer you want to work with.

What This Means for Your Sale

Does that mean every house will sell instantly? No.

Today’s market is more balanced than it was a few years ago.  So, you can’t just price your house however you want or skip preparing it for the market.

Now buyers have choices, and they’re willing to wait for the right home at the right price. But sellers who understand today’s market (and price and position their homes right) are still finding success. Because the idea that “no one’s buying right now” just isn’t supported by the data.

The buyers are there.

The opportunity is there.

The key is having the right strategy to capture it.

Bottom Line

This year's housing market may be moving slower than many of us hoped. But, buyer demand is more resilient than the headlines suggest.

If you're wondering whether there are enough buyers for your house, send me a message. I can show you what's happening in your local market and build a strategy that helps you take advantage of the momentum that's already here.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” 

While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. 

Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading.

Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage

One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself:

• You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget.
• You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it.
• Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks.

Historically, Summer helps with that.

Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices.

According to Realtor.com, any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

With more newly listed homes, there’s a better chance of finding one you like where the numbers actually work.

Because all it really takes is one home to completely change your search. And if you’ve got more popping onto the market to choose from, maybe one of those is exactly what you need. 

But keep in mind, this seasonal window isn’t open forever. Fresh inventory tends to slow down once Summer ends.

Many homeowners who planned to sell this year have already listed by then. Families who wanted to move before school starts have often already gotten it done, or at least, set it into motion. So, new listing activity usually cools as we head into Fall and Winter.

Of course, every year is different. But if finding the right home at the right price has been your biggest challenge, waiting until later in the year may not necessarily give you more options. In fact, recent history suggests it may do just the opposite.

Sellers: Homes Usually Sell for More in the Summer

If you’re thinking of selling, you may be considering holding off because you’ve seen headlines about lower asking prices, price cuts, and softer conditions in some markets. But those headlines don’t tell the whole story or convey just how much it varies by area.

Here’s what you really need to know. Even though the market’s becoming more balanced and some pockets are experiencing price declines, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to sell. 

Seasonality can still work in your favor no matter where you are. And this Summer could still give you the chance to sell for a good price.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sold during a Summer month usually sell for about 4% more than homes sold during the typical month from September-December:

Why? Summer buyers are usually operating on a set timeframe. They’re trying to move before the next school year or when they have more PTO and warmer weather to tour houses. That urgency can translate into better offers.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should price your house 4% higher this Summer. That would actually be a mistake in today’s market.

It just means if you’re looking to get as much for your house as you reasonably can, a Summer move could be a smarter play than waiting until later this year. 

Because based on typical seasonality, you may get more for your house than you would if you waited until the Fall or Winter (when there are typically fewer buyers active).

And if you’re considering a move anyway, that’s worth factoring in.

Bottom Line

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, talk to me about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

Leave a comment or question below. Let’s see if the answer starts a conversation…