If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Coeur d’Alene, you might be wondering if fall is the right time. The short answer? It could be one of the best times to shop, especially if you’re looking for motivated sellers and a chance to negotiate.
Most people think spring and summer are the only seasons to buy real estate. And yes, those months are busy. But fall has its own advantages that buyers don’t always think about. For starters, there’s usually still a decent amount of inventory on the market—homes that didn’t sell over the summer or were just listed by sellers hoping to close before winter.
And that’s the key: sellers are often more motivated this time of year. Maybe they’ve already bought their next home, or they want to avoid carrying the property through the winter. That urgency can work in your favor—think price reductions, seller-paid closing costs, or extra flexibility with terms.
Another bonus? There’s less competition. A lot of buyers put their search on pause once school starts or the weather cools down, which means fewer bidding wars and a slower pace overall. That gives you more time to really evaluate your options and make a smart decision without feeling rushed. Additionally, your Realtor can look for properties that have already expired or have gone off market early. There's nothing better than negotiating and off-market deal.
Sure, prices in Coeur d’Alene haven’t exactly dropped off a cliff—this is still a highly desirable place to live. But what we’re seeing is more room for negotiation. Homes that might’ve gone over asking in May are now sitting longer, and sellers are more willing to work with serious buyers. On top of that, fall is just a great time to assess a property. You’ll get a better sense of how the home feels as temperatures drop—how well it’s insulated, how efficient the heating system is, and what kind of maintenance might be coming up before winter hits.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s time to jump in… this could be your moment. Fall in Coeur d’Alene still offers beautiful days to house hunt, and you might just land the deal you’ve been waiting for before the snow starts to fly. With downward pressure on interest rates, next year could look very different.
-Desiree
Thinking about making a move this season? Let’s talk and see what opportunities are out there.
