Rinse and Repeat — Fall Real Estate is Back
As summer comes to a close, the market has once again reminded us just how seasonal this time of year can be. The summer slowdown is remarkably consistent, year after year. Locally, July is often the quietest month in real estate. Once school is out, families tend to shift their focus away from house hunting and toward other priorities: travel, camps, activities, and sports. Parents are juggling all of this while still keeping up with their regular workload, which means real estate naturally takes a back seat until the fall season begins.
Of course, there are always exceptions...the right buyer for the right house can appear at any time. But in general, most buyers hit pause during the summer to enjoy family, friends, and the incredible weather we’re lucky to have here. That’s why I encourage sellers to hold off until fall, when purchasing energy reliably returns, unless there’s a strong reason or motivation to list in the summer months.
With the fall market just weeks away, it’s time to buckle up for motivated buyers and sellers eager to make a move before year’s end. This season is short—about sixty days—because once November arrives and the holidays are on the horizon, activity naturally slows. Some of that pause is due to weather, since homes don’t always show their best in colder months, but much of it is simply the shift into holiday mode. At that point, many sellers prefer to wait until early spring, when the market typically heats up again.
As you think about buying or selling in the coming months, here are a few factors shaping our local market:
- Uncertainty: I wish I didn’t have to keep repeating this, but uncertainty still lingers in the economy. Imagine how much stronger conditions would feel without it.
- Dot-com Days Vibe: While not identical, today feels reminiscent of the late ’90s. Back then, startups fueled by passion and vision were everywhere—just like today’s surge in AI-driven companies. The energy and optimism I’m seeing in the Valley right now is contagious, and it’s a big reason why people are moving back here.
- Rental Market – The rental market right now is a tale of two cities. Updated properties in desirable locations are leasing quickly and commanding top dollar, while older, dated rentals are often sitting vacant. Demand is high—there are far more tenants looking for quality homes than there are units available. That said, it doesn’t mean every landlord should rush into a full remodel. Major renovations can take years to pay back, so it’s important to weigh costs carefully before making that kind of investment. For many landlords, smaller strategic updates—fresh paint, new fixtures, updated landscaping—can go a long way without the long payback period of a major remodel.
- Equities Market: Stocks continue to perform well despite challenges like higher rates and tariffs. Since many buyers use stock sales for down payments, a strong equities market remains critical for real estate.
- Interest Rates – Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated a likely rate drop this September, which was a boost to investors. Whether we see a steady cadence of cuts is uncertain, with tariffs and politics still in play.
- Work From Home (WFH): Remember this pandemic buzzword? WFH is fading away as more companies are realizing creativity declined, and they are bringing employees back. That shift is reshaping housing demand—people are leaving fringe areas, traffic is back at pre-pandemic levels, rentals are hot, and buyers are again looking to live closer to work.
Ultimately, I believe we’re in an upswing with a strong future. The energy today reminds me of the late ’90s—full of passion, innovation, and momentum. This fall presents a prime opportunity for motivated buyers and sellers alike. There’s no single perfect moment to make a move—it’s always about weighing opportunity cost and aligning with your goals.
I’m always available to talk it through—reach out anytime.
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