Although the overall best week to buy a home in the U.S. is Oct. 12-18, that timing varies some based on geography. The national “best week” applies to many metro areas like Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., but some may be earlier or later, according to Realtor.com. Of the 50 largest U.S. metros, 45 will experience their best time to buy within a month of the national average.
New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas will see more buyer-friendly conditions starting in September.
Florida markets including Miami and Tampa, however, can peak as late as December, Realtor.com data shows. In fact, Philadelphia and Milwaukee already had their “best weeks” from September 7-13.
Other early starts include Hartford, Conn., Memphis, Tenn., and Virginia Beach, Va. But for homebuyers looking in Charlotte, N.C., Louisville, Ken., Phoenix, Miami, or Tampa, November will likely be your best bet, according to Realtor.com data.
“Get your preapprovals done and understand out-of-state contracts if making a move,” Lichtenstein said. “Expect more competition so the more ready you are, the less likely you are okay to pull the trigger and not lose a house.”
