Best Time to Buy During the Summer

One of the questions I hear every year is, "When is the best time to buy during the summer?"

The answer depends on one thing:

What is your goal?

Are you looking for the widest selection? The best negotiating opportunity? Or do you simply want to avoid competing with dozens of other buyers? Each goal points to a slightly different time of year.

If Your Goal Is the Best Selection

If you want the largest inventory of homes to choose from, the sweet spot is typically the second week of June through the third week of July. By this point, many sellers have listed their homes, giving buyers the greatest number of available properties. More inventory means more options, whether you're looking for a mountain condo, a luxury home, or an investment property. The tradeoff? You're shopping alongside plenty of other buyers who are taking advantage of the same selection.

If Your Goal Is the Best Negotiating Opportunity

Many buyers assume there's one magical season when sellers become more negotiable. In reality, good negotiations can happen any time of year. Rather than focusing on the calendar, I recommend focusing on the individual property.

Look for homes that have:

• Been on the market longer than average.
  
  
• Experienced multiple price reductions.
  
  
• Fallen out of contract and returned to the market.
  
  

These situations often create opportunities for stronger negotiations on price, inspection items, closing costs, or other favorable terms. Sometimes the best deal isn't about buying in a particular month—it's about recognizing when a seller is motivated.

If Your Goal Is Less Buyer Competition

Surprisingly, summer isn't always the easiest time to avoid competition. If your priority is having fewer buyers competing for the same home, April and May are often excellent months. Inventory hasn't fully peaked yet, but buyer activity is generally lower than it becomes once schools let out and summer vacations begin.

Another overlooked opportunity? The week of Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. Many buyers pause their home search during the holidays, while motivated sellers still need to sell. Those circumstances can create some of the best opportunities of the year.

The Bottom Line

There isn't a single "best" time to buy a home. The best time depends on your priorities.

• Want the greatest selection? Shop from the second week of June through the third week of July.
  
  
• Want the strongest negotiating position? Focus on homes with extended market time or multiple price reductions.
  
  
• Want to face less competition? Consider buying in April, May, or even during the holiday season.
  
  

Every market—and every property—is different. The key is understanding your goals first and then building a strategy around them.

If you're thinking about buying in Summit County, I'd be happy to help you identify the right timing based on your specific objectives rather than simply following the calendar.

*Pictured above is our listing at 1795 Golden Eagle in Silverthorne. Contact me for a private showing.