Why Fall Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in Arizona

By Rebecca Durfey

Rebecca Durfey brings over 20 years of experience in real estate transactions within Maricopa County. Despite managing multiple clients simultaneously, her primary focus is to provide a personalized experience that makes you feel like her sole priority. Rebecca and her team are dedicated to efficiently achieving the desired outcomes for each client they serve.

Every year around this time, I remind my clients that the fourth quarter is one of the best times to be a homebuyer. There’s even a national statistic that says the week of October 12 to 18 is the best week to buy a home. Whether that applies everywhere or not, it’s certainly true here in Arizona.

What makes this season such a good time to buy isn’t just about interest rates or prices – It’s about motivation. Many sellers have had their homes on the market for months and want to close before the end of the year. Buyers, too, want to settle in before the holidays. When both sides are motivated, it creates the perfect environment for making a deal that benefits everyone.

Why do buyers have more power right now? We’re currently in a buyer’s market, which means there are more homes available than there are buyers. However, this doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling or that demand is weak. It simply means buyers have more options and leverage. More inventory gives you more choices and more room to negotiate. You can ask for closing cost assistance, inspection repairs, or a better price. Sellers are competing for your attention, and that competition works in your favor.

Interest rates are currently sitting around 6.4% to 6.5% for most qualified buyers. That’s better than what we’ve seen in recent months. Even so, many buyers are waiting, thinking that rates will drop further. The problem is, they often misunderstand how rates work. The Federal Reserve’s rate cuts don’t directly lower mortgage rates, and waiting for that connection can lead to missed opportunities.

Why waiting can cost you. When rates move up and down, it’s easy to think it’s better to wait for the perfect moment. But by waiting too long, you risk losing the home you love. Even if rates drop slightly, the number of buyers increases quickly, and that competition reduces your ability to negotiate. You might save a few dollars each month on your mortgage, but you could end up paying more for the home itself or losing your leverage entirely.

Right now, you can take your time, shop with less pressure, and find a home that meets your needs. You can also lock in today’s rates and refinance later if they drop. That way, you get the home you love and the flexibility to improve your rate in the future.

Buying in the fourth quarter doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right timing and guidance, you can find a great home, negotiate strong terms, and enjoy more flexibility before the market gets busy again. If you’re ready to buy and need help taking the next step, you can call or text me at 623-297-4536 or send an email to rebeccadurfey@kw.com. I’ll walk you through your options and help you take advantage of this buyer-friendly season.