You might be thinking now that summer is over, it's better to wait until next spring or even summer to buy. To put things simply, that's just inaccurate. October and beyond are actually great times for home buyers. Let's break it down with a few reasons:
- Less competition: Many buyers pull out of the market as the weather cools and the school year progresses. If you don't mind the colder climate and don't necessarily want to to wait, this works in your favor.
- More room to browse / more inventory: Sellers who held off during the peak seasons tend to list later in the year, increasing options for those in the market to purchase. You'll have more of a selection than you think.
- Greater negotiating power: Sellers who remain on the market late in the year may be more motivated (wanting a sale before years end or needing to move). Buyers can have a lot more power in these types of situations.
Those are all smart strategic reasons. But if you’re in the Denver/Boulder region, the advantages don’t just stop when October ends. In fact, November and December can be just as appealing, depending on your priorities.
Buying a home in November or December can be a smart move, but it comes with a few seasonal realities to plan around. Shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather can make scheduling showings more challenging, especially if snow or ice limits access to certain properties. Listing activity also tends to slow down in late December, meaning fewer new homes may hit the market. Cold weather can conceal potential inspection issues like frozen pipes, drainage problems, or frost heaves, and the holidays often bring added delays as lenders, appraisers, and title companies work with limited availability. Build in a little extra time for inspections, repairs, and closing processes, as winter transactions can take longer. When possible, negotiate for incentives such as seller concessions, rate buydowns, or included appliances to maximize your value. Above all, stay flexible with your timeline, being adaptable to holiday schedules and winter weather can make all the difference in a smooth late year home purchase.
As a summary, if you’re planning to buy during the slower months, position yourself for success by getting your financing pre approved early and work closely with your real estate agent who knows how to identify motivated sellers and underpriced listings. With fewer buyers in the mix, the right strategy can land you a great home at a great value. While spring and summer are the most common times to buy, fall and early winter are the unsung heroes in the real estate world of Denver and Boulder. Whether you start your search in now, or you want to start in November and December, this time of year offers quieter markets, motivated sellers, and unique opportunities to find your perfect home.
