October is here, and with it comes a shift in our local real estate market. As the leaves change, so do buyer and seller behaviors. In the DMV, the fall season often means motivated buyers are still searching while sellers want to lock in contracts before the holidays.
Current Market Snapshot
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Interest Rates: Hovering near their lowest levels of the past 12 months, giving buyers renewed confidence.
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Inventory: Slightly higher than midsummer across Northern Virginia, DC, and Montgomery County — which means more options and less competition.
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Pricing: Overall stable, with sellers more open to negotiation, especially on homes that lingered through summer.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this fall offers a real window of opportunity. Lower rates improve affordability, and increased inventory means you may finally find “the one.”
Tips for buyers this October:
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Ask about closing cost credits or rate buydowns.
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Look at homes that have been on the market 21+ days — sellers are often more flexible.
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Get pre-approved and document-ready to move quickly when you find the right home.
What This Means for Sellers
Serious buyers are still out there, especially those who want to close before the year ends. The key is standing out in a more selective market.
Tips for sellers this October:
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Refresh your listing photos with a touch of fall curb appeal (pumpkins, planters, porch lighting).
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Be strategic with pricing — even small adjustments can bring in more buyers.
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Offer flexible terms (like settlement dates) to appeal to motivated buyers.
Final Takeaway
The fall market may be shorter, but it’s full of opportunity for both buyers and sellers. Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving around your own dining table or decorating for the holidays without the stress of moving boxes in January. A new home now means starting the new year settled and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to purchase before December 31 or planning to list, now is the time to create a strategy tailored to your goals.
📩 Let’s chat about your next move — and how to take advantage of October’s market trends in the DMV.
