There’s Less Competition
Since most people still consider the Fall to be off-season in real estate and there are still plenty of homes for sale, there’s generally less competition for homes in the Fall as opposed to the Summer. Another positive side effect of there being less competition is that negotiating becomes easier for the buyer. If you’re considering a home purchase in the fall, start by making a lowball offer followed by more aggressive negotiation- you’ll be able to pull it off with a higher degree of success than in the Spring or Summer.
Sellers are Tired
It’s quite common for sellers that list their homes during the Spring and Summer to price them at a level beyond what most buyers are willing to pay. This often results in their inability to sell the home in a timely fashion, and if you’re doing it right, the home-selling process can get tiring after awhile. After months of inaction, Fall sellers will generally be more ready to make a deal at a price that works for you.
Sellers are Serious
Many people need to sell in the Fall due to their own personal timing beyond getting kids ready for school or settling in before the holidays. Perhaps they were having a home built and it’s now ready, or they’ve gotten a new job. Sellers with houses on the market in the Fall tend to be more serious, which will make it easier for you to maneuver for a lower offer.
Tax Breaks
While you can’t escape paying income tax, you can make a dent in what you owe when you become a homeowner. Property tax and mortgage interest are tax-deductible expenses, both of which you can take for your year’s worth of income before the end of December. Purchasing a home in the fall can dramatically affect the amount you owe the government at year’s end.
The Fall is Safer
Like with real estate, burglars have peak seasons- and Fall isn’t one of them! July and August are the prime months for burglaries to take place, so by purchasing a home in the Fall, you’ll be able to set up your home security system and taking other necessary precautions before the Summer. Be sure to check Trulia’s local maps with the crime filter before you buy, too.
Source: Money