Could a Real Estate Sales Shift Be Ahead This Fall?

The summer housing market may have felt a little flat, but signs are pointing to fresh momentum as we head into fall. National reports suggest we could be entering a “second spring market,” with improving mortgage rates and more inventory giving buyers and sellers new opportunities.

Over the past few weeks, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have dipped below 6.5%, down from nearly 7% earlier this year. That shift has already sparked activity, with mortgage applications for home purchases rising 18% compared to this time last year. Buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines may now be ready to jump in.

At the same time, housing inventory is beginning to open up. Nationally, listings in August were up about 12% compared to a year ago, and homes are taking longer to sell—31 days on average, versus 26 last year. For buyers, this means more choices and a little less competition. For sellers, it’s a reminder that pricing and presentation matter more than ever in today’s market.

Industry experts are calling this fall a “prime time” for buyers. In fact, research from Realtor.com identifies the week of October 12–18 as the best window of the year for house hunting, when buyers may find more listings, better prices, and improved negotiating power. After years of bidding wars and waived contingencies, inspections and repair requests are back on the table.

Despite these shifts, home values remain strong. The national median existing-home price in August was $422,600, up 2% from last year. Homeowners have also seen tremendous equity growth over the past five years, with the average owner gaining nearly $141,000 in housing wealth since 2019. That equity has allowed many sellers to trade up—or even purchase their next home with cash.

Here in Florida, we expect to see these national trends play out locally. Buyers who struggled to find the right property this summer may discover more options this fall, while sellers can take advantage of sustained home prices and motivated buyers eager to lock in lower mortgage rates.

If you’ve been thinking about making a move, this fall could be your window of opportunity. Whether you’re ready to buy your first home or considering selling to capture today’s equity, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

For more information about what to expect for the fall real estate market take a look at this article from the National Association of Realtors.