According to TheStreet, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services led by Warren Buffett expects Q3 2025 to be the best time to buy a home this year.
From fluctuating mortgage rates to a slower-than-expected spring surge, 2025 hasn’t followed the script. In fact, the national housing market has cooled slightly, with a 5.9% dip in home sales signaling a more thoughtful pace.
More notably, inventory has begun to rebound. April saw over 959,000 active listings, marking the highest level of available homes since late 2019. This is a key indicator that balance is returning, and with it, more room for buyers to negotiate and make informed choices.
The Shift from Seller to Buyer
For years, sellers held the advantage — tight inventory, fierce competition, and lightning-fast offers left buyers with limited options. But the tide is turning. Homes are sitting longer, price reductions are becoming more common, and sellers are adjusting to a new reality.
In March alone, nearly one in four homes on Zillow had a price cut, a trend that may continue into late summer and fall as expectations recalibrate. This softening, combined with increased inventory, points to an environment where buyers may finally regain leverage.
Why Q3 Stands Out
The third quarter — spanning July through September — has all the makings of a strategic buying window. Market activity may be quieter, but the fundamentals are aligning in a way that supports smart, well-timed decisions.
As Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices notes, sellers tend to respond to shifts in momentum by adjusting prices. This natural progression, paired with motivated sellers aiming to close before year’s end, could create meaningful opportunities for buyers who are ready and well-positioned.
Mortgage Rates: The Wild Card
While mortgage rates remain somewhat unpredictable, recent patterns suggest growing stability. Rates may not be at historic lows, but today’s buyers are making peace with the “new normal” — and building their buying power accordingly.
It’s worth remembering that price and location often carry more long-term weight than rates. Locking in a home at a favorable price, with the potential to refinance later, remains a sound strategy for many.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to enter the market — or re-enter as an upsizer, investor, or second-home seeker — the coming months could be ideal. Fall offers a slower pace, more inventory to explore, and sellers who are often more open to negotiation.
In high-demand markets like Palm Beach County, where lifestyle, location, and long-term value intersect, being ready to act when the right opportunity appears is key.
Source: thestreet.com
