August: The Best Month No One’s Talking About

One of the most common questions I get this time of year is, “Should we wait to sell or buy until fall?” And while the simple answer is, “Homes sell 12 months a year,” there are nuances to unpack.

Market data shows prices and supply-demand absorption rates remain mostly stable, meaning real estate isn’t as seasonal as many assume. However, after years of watching different markets, I’ve noticed a unique window of opportunity that happens twice a year—one of which is happening right now.

August: The misunderstood month for business around the world.

Sure, it’s hot, the kids are heading back to school, and most people are still living in that late-summer haze of beach days and weekend barbecues. It’s also the month that Europe, Canada, and most parts of the developed world check out. OOO replies are everywhere, so it might seem foolish to think about real estate.

I’d argue buyers and sellers have a sneaky-good opportunity sitting right in front of them.

Let me explain...

Buyers: A Rare Window Opens in August

If you’re a buyer, this is the part you’ll want to remember: most of your competition is on vacation right now.

Literally.

They’re traveling, distracted, or pressing pause until after Labor Day. And while they wait for “fall inventory,” great homes are quietly popping up—or were overpriced in June/July and are now positioned correctly but overlooked—with longer days on market, motivated sellers, and, in many cases… price cuts and concessions.

Add to that another advantage: lots of buyers are waiting on rate cuts. So between the time of year and all the whispers about rates, you’re actually savvy to be out there right now—getting ahead of all of it.

Translation: If a property fits your goals, August might be your best chance to make a move without the bidding war chaos we’ll likely see other times of the year.

Sellers: The Fall Wave Hasn’t Hit Yet

Most sellers think the smart play is to wait until fall. But what happens in September? Everyone else has the same idea—and the number of new homes hitting the market spikes.

But in August? You’re mostly competing with the stale, price-cut-riddled inventory that didn’t sell in June or July (respectfully). And we all know: in real estate, a new listing gets all the attention. When you’re one of just a few homes to hit the market that month, you’ve got yourself a lot of attention—and, well… an advantage.

Believe me, serious buyers (or the ones who took their agent’s advice from above) are still out there!

The Bottom Line

If you’re a buyer, August is one of the two best months on the calendar to buy with far less competition. Unless you enjoy bidding wars or low inventory, this is your month to win.

If you’re a seller, zig while everyone else zags. Become the new listing in a sea of stale, uninspiring inventory—and you might just be glad (and sold) before that September surge hits.

So, when’s the best time to buy or sell? My answer isn’t “wait for fall.”

It’s August.

As your trusted real estate professional, I couldn’t let this opportunity pass without making it clear: August is the hidden gem of the real estate calendar.

If you’re considering a move, this might be your best window.

Let’s talk if that’s you.