The ‘Best Time to Buy’ May Be Near

Realtor.com, Santa Clara, Calif., released its 2026 “Best Time to Buy” report, noting that it’s coming up quickly: It deems Sept. 27-Oct. 3 as the most favorable for buyers.

The following few weeks are nearly as positive, the report stated.

During the Best Week to Buy, inventory tends to be elevated, prices dip below their seasonal peak, buyer competition slows and the overall pace becomes more manageable. It’s also a response to the start of the school year–housing activity typically heats up in the spring and peaks in the summer. Demand tapers off in the fall, as families with school-aged children may postpone plans to move.

Currently, inventory is at its highest levels since pre-pandemic. The typical seasonal trend would mean the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3 would have 13.3% more active listings than the average week and 31.9% more listings compared to the start of the year.

Historically, during the Best Week to Buy, demand is 30.1% below the peak and 14.4% lower than the average week. However, the market is still contending with higher mortgage rates brought on by inflation and international conflict.

So far in 2026, the market has moved at a slower pace than last year. The peak market pace of 51 days per home, notched in May, has Realtor.com predicting a median of 64 days during the Best Week to Buy.

Given softer home prices this year, buyers shopping during the Best Week to Buy could save almost $14,000 compared with this year’s peak nationally, or more.

The Best Week usually sees a number of price reductions–an average of 5.7% of homes see price reductions historically. And, the best week traditionally adds 20% more in fresh listings than the start of the year.