Absolute best time to buy real estate
Boston Condos for Sale
Absolute best time to buy real estate
Want to buy a Boston Seaport condo for sale this year, but not sure if the timing’s, right? Seasonally, it may actually be a better time to buy than you expect.
Seaport Condos – Boston Luxury Condos for Sale | Ford Realty Inc
Yes, mortgage rates have been ticking up lately – and that’s creating some real challenges with affordability. No one’s arguing that. But there are also predictable trends that happen this time every year that can put some wind back in your sails.
According to research coming out of Realtor.com, nationally, the week of September 27 – October 3 will be the best time to buy this year for this very reason:
“The week of September 27–October 3 brings together the market conditions buyers value most—elevated inventory, less competition and prices that have eased from their seasonal high—giving prepared buyers a way to offset high rates with savings on price and room to negotiate with confidence.”
But that’s the national best week. Depending on where you live, your local sweet spot may come a little earlier or later (see map below):

It all depends on local trends and how inventory and buyer demand ebbs and flows seasonally where you want to live. But no matter when your market hits its peak, here are some of the perks you can expect this time of year.
More Choices, Better Prices, and Less Competition
For starters, there are more homes to choose from. In fact, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the number of homes for sale recently reached its highest level in more than 10 years:
“NAR’s data does show a strong uptick in for-sale inventory at the end of the summer, reaching the highest level in more than 10 years.”
That means you may have a better shot at finding something you love and can afford without making as many compromises. And that’s not the only advantage.
Realtor.com says buyers during this window could see home prices about $14,000 lower than the summer peak, along with 30% less competition from other buyers. Plus, homes tend to stay on the market almost 2 weeks longer (13 days), giving you a little more breathing room to make a decision.
More choices.
Better pricing.
Less competition.
That combination could be enough to ease some of the pressure higher mortgage rates are putting on your budget.
The Window Doesn’t Close After This One Week
But you certainly don’t have to buy during that very specific window. This isn’t a one-week-only opportunity. History tells us conditions should be tipped in your favor for the entire month of October:

In fact, Realtor.com says 42 of the 50 largest metros see their best week to buy fall sometime during October. So, don’t feel like you have to rush to hit one specific date. Use the time now to get things lined up, then jump in when the timing is right for you. As Guaranteed Rate explains:
“The best time to buy a home depends on your needs. Certain seasons can give you an advantage when starting your homebuying journey.”
Boston Condos for Sale and the Bottom Line
If you want to buy a Boston Seaport condo this year, there’s still a way to make it happen, even with today’s rates. This fall gives you the chance to get some of the best seasonal perks the market has to offer.
Seaport Condos – Boston Luxury Condos for Sale | Ford Realty Inc
Peace be With You
Ford Realty Menu of Option for Sellers and Buyers for Massachusetts homes for Sale
Buyers receive 60% rebate from our portion of the broker fee
As a home seller, it sounds like you have a solid grasp of the current 2026 landscape. Times are changing and we plan to keep up with it. We now provide 1% listing fee for Boston and North Shore areas. Here is a concise breakdown of how those Ford Realty tiers typically function based on the service levels you’ve identified:
1. Basic “Entry Only” – $500.00
- Visibility: Your home is listed on the local MLS, which syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, and local brokerage sites.
- Your Role: You are the primary point of contact. You handle photography, scheduling all showings, vetting buyers, and all contract negotiations.
- Best for: Experienced sellers or those comfortable managing real estate paperwork and logistics independently.
2. Flat Fee (Assisted) – Starting at $1,500.00
- The Upgrade: The broker takes professional photos and handles the listing setup.
- Added Support: You gain professional guidance for the initial setup, ensuring the listing looks polished to attract higher-quality leads.
- Broker Role: 60-day listing, one open house per month, schedule day and evening showings. The negative is that the full fee is due after 60 days even if the house/condo doesn’t sell or go under agreement.
3. Full-Service – 1% Commission
- The Full Package: Professional photography and floor plans are included.
- Active Management: The broker hosts one open house per month and handles day/evening showings.
- Logistics: They are physically present for the BFD smoke detector inspection and the home inspection, taking significant stress off your plate.
Key Financial Reminders
- Buyer’s Side: Regardless of your flat fee, remember to factor in the 2%–3% commission for the buyer’s agent to keep your home competitive.
- Tax/Closing: Budget for the MA transfer tax ($4.56 per $1,000) and ensure all Condo fees are cleared to avoid delays at closing.
BUYERS REBATE
Want help figuring out when those advantages typically show up in your market?
Have a quick conversation with a lender and a local agent about how your market works and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.
Absolute best time to buy real estate
The financial benefits of buying a downtown Boston condo versus renting a Beacon Hill apartment are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner. Which makes now the ‘Absolute best time to buy real estate
According to the latest research from the National Association of Realtors:
“Homeownership is a key pathway to building wealth and narrowing the racial income and wealth inequality gap. Housing wealth (equity) accumulation takes time and is built up by price appreciation and paying off the mortgage.”
An increase in equity builds the wealth of the individual that owns it. This wealth can be passed down to future generations. The Federal Reserve in an addendum to their Survey of Consumer Finances explains:
“There are numerous ways families can transmit wealth and resources across generations. Families can directly transfer their wealth to the next generation in the form of a bequest. They can also provide the next generation with inter vivos transfers (gifts), for example, providing down payment support to enable a home purchase or a substantial wedding gift.”
The Federal Reserve also explains another way wealth (including the additional net worth generated by an increase in home equity) can benefit future generations:
“In addition to direct transfers or gifts, families can make investments in their children that indirectly increase their wealth. For example, families can invest in their children’s educational success by paying for college or private schools, which can in turn increase their children’s ability to accumulate wealth.”
Here’s a look at how equity can build your wealth over time when you own a home.
Equity over the Last 30 Years
The NAR research reveals that the average gain for homeowners over the last five years was $139,134 and over the last 10 years was $218,505. Looking even further back in time, the article says:
“Homeowners who purchased a typical single-family existing-home 30 years ago at the median sales price of $103,333 with a 10% down payment loan and who sold the property at the median sales price of $357,700 in 2021 Q2 accumulated housing wealth of $349,258.”
Homeownership builds household wealth which also enables households to more easily move to the home of their dreams. As Mark Fleming, the Chief Economist at First American explains:
“As homeowners gain equity in their homes, they are more likely to consider using that equity to purchase a larger or more attractive home – the wealth effect of rising equity.”
If you missed out on the equity gains over the last 30 years, don’t fret. Experts are still calling for substantial growth in equity over the next five years.
Looking Forward at the Equity To Come
The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey, a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists, expects home values (and therefore equity) to increase as follows:
- 2021: 11.74%
- 2022: 5.82%
- 2023: 3.94%
- 2024: 3.56%
- 2025: 3.55%

real estate wealth
The survey estimates a 31.8% cumulative appreciation over the next five years. Using their annual projections, the graph below shows the equity build-up a purchaser could earn, using a $350,000 home as an example: That’s a potential increase in household wealth of $111,285 over five years.
Boston Condos and the Bottom Line
Owning a Boston condominium is one of the best ways to grow your wealth over time. House wealth can impact generations. In many cases, the largest single investment a household has is their home. As that investment appreciates in value, the financial options also increase.
![]()
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Boston Condos for sale Sale and Rent
‘Absolute best time to buy real estate’
Are you looking to buy a Boston condo for sale? If so, we’ve got good news for you.
While there’s no denying the downtown Boston condo for sale market is having a great year, many of the headlines are focused on the perks for sellers. But what about buyers today? As a buyer, you’re likely braving bidding wars and weighing low mortgage rates versus price appreciation as you search for your dream home. If you find yourself a bit discouraged, hear this: there are clear signs buyers may have more opportunities this fall.
According to realtor.com, the sweet spot for buyers is just around the corner. In a recent study, experts analyzed housing market trends by looking at data from the past several years. When applied to the current market, experts determined the ideal week to buy a home this year. The research says:
“Nationally, the best time to buy in 2021 is the week of October 3-9. This week historically has shown the best balance of market conditions that favor buyers.”
So, what’s that mean for you? If you’re looking to buy a home, there’s a golden window of opportunity coming. Here’s what you can expect from that week.
Increased Housing Supply
The number of homes available for sale should increase. According to realtor.com, you can expect to see more new listings come to market the week of October 3. The findings estimate we’ll see roughly 17.6% more homes available than we saw at the start of the year.
This means you’ll have more options to choose from which should be a welcome relief in a market with a tight housing supply.
Fewer Real Estate Bidding Wars
With more homes available, you should also see a slight decline in the number of bidding wars. Having more options means buyers may not be competing as intensely for the homes on the market because there are more choices to go around.
This means when you write an offer, you may have less competition and a better chance of being the top bid. Just remember, it’s still important to come in with a strong offer.
Adjusted Homes Prices
As we move into the end of the year, the findings from realtor.com note this week may also be one of the peak weeks for price reductions in 2021. Historically the data shows an average of 7.0% of homes has a price reduction that week. Why? When housing supply ticks up, sellers need to look for other ways to make their house stand out.
This means, while home prices are still appreciating overall, you may see some homes with price adjustments from eager sellers. The process of closing a house takes time. To close before the end of the year, sellers may be more motivated this October.
Boston Condos and the Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a home, don’t lose steam now. Data shows early October may give you the long-awaited opportunity to find the home of your dreams. Let’s connect so you have a trusted ally and advisor to help keep you motivated so you can find the perfect home for you.
Boston Condos for sale Sale and Rent
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click Here to view: Google Ford Realty Inc Reviews
Click to View Google Review
If you’re on the fence on whether to purchase a Boston condo, the video below will put your mind at ease.
This is a great time to buy a house. In fact, I’ve been in this real estate business for thirty-five years—this is the absolute best time that I’ve ever seen to purchase a home.
Prices have finally stabilized in most of the country, so there’s not the fear anymore that the buyer would have that “hey, I’m going to buy this home and the price is going to drop…”
Boston Condos for sale Sale and Rent