Selling Your Home This Fall? You Haven’t Missed Your Window

Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling, you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Better to wait until next year or even next spring, right?

Not so fast. About one in three existing-home sales happen in the last four months of the year.

Nearly a Third of Existing-Home Sales Happen in the Last 4 Months of the Year

Data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows around a third of existing-home sales happen in the final four months of the year. And that share increased each year from 2023 through 2025, with current forecasts projecting another increase in 2026 (see graph below):

What the 2026 Home Sales Forecast Means for Fall Sellers

According to forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), NAR, and Wells Fargo, about 4.16 million existing-home sales are projected for 2026. Based on how many sales have happened so far, that means roughly 1.4 million existing-home sales are expected between now and December.

That’s an estimated 11,800 existing-home sales per day during the final four months of the year.

So, the market isn't frozen and you don’t need to put your plans on ice either. Yes, higher mortgage rates may be keeping some buyers on the sidelines. Waiting until spring may mean sitting out several months when home sales are still taking place and some buyers are looking to move before the new year.

How do you get in front of those buyers who are still out there looking right now? Pricing and presentation can play an important role in attracting buyers this season, and that's where working with a local real estate agent can help.

A local real estate agent can help you understand what buyers are looking for, review comparable sales and current competition, develop a pricing strategy for current market conditions, and position your home for prospective buyers. From preparing and marketing your home to reviewing offers and navigating the transaction, a local real estate agent can help guide you through the selling process.

Bottom Line: You May Still Have Time To Sell This Fall

Listing your home this fall doesn’t necessarily mean waiting until spring for buyer activity. Buyers are still making moves before the end of the year, although market conditions can vary by location, property, and price range.

If you’re thinking about selling a home in North County San Diego, start by checking your North County San Diego home value and reviewing the latest North County San Diego real estate market snapshot to get a better understanding of current home prices, inventory, and local market conditions.

If selling also means buying your next home, you can search homes for sale in North County San Diego and use the mortgage calculator to explore estimated monthly payments based on different home prices and financing scenarios.

When you’re ready to discuss your options, contact us for local real estate guidance and help determining whether selling your North County San Diego home this fall makes sense for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home This Fall

Is fall a good time to sell a home?

Fall can still be an active time for home sales. National housing data shows that roughly one-third of annual existing-home sales occur during the final four months of the year. However, the right time to sell depends on your goals, property, location, price range, and current local market conditions.

Do homes still sell between September and December?

Yes. National data shows that a significant share of existing-home sales takes place between September and December. In fact, the share of annual existing-home sales occurring during these four months increased each year from 2023 through 2025, and current forecasts project another increase in 2026.

Should I wait until spring to sell my home in North County San Diego?

Not necessarily. While spring is often associated with increased real estate activity, homeowners who are ready to move may still have selling opportunities during the fall. North County San Diego real estate conditions can vary by community, property type, price range, inventory, and buyer demand. Reviewing current local market data and comparable sales can help you evaluate whether selling this fall or waiting until spring better fits your real estate goals.

About Patricia Villanueva – North County San Diego Real Estate Agent

Patricia Villanueva is a North County San Diego real estate agent helping buyers and sellers navigate the local housing market, including Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Fallbrook.

Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or exploring homes for sale in North County San Diego, Patricia Villanueva can provide information on local home prices, inventory, comparable sales, and current market conditions to help you make informed real estate decisions.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent in North County San Diego, contact Patricia Villanueva to discuss your home buying or selling goals.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, financial, or lending advice. Housing market data, forecasts, home prices, inventory, and market conditions can change and may vary by location, property type, and price range. National housing trends may not reflect conditions in a specific local market. For information about your individual circumstances, consult the appropriate qualified professional.