If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time to buy in Boston, I’ll be honest with you: Fall 2025 is giving buyers a real advantage we haven’t seen in a while. Here’s the truth-our market is shifting. Sellers are no longer in the driver’s seat the way they were a year or two ago, and that opens up opportunities for buyers who are ready to move. Let’s talk about what’s happening right now and why this season could be your window to finally land the home you’ve been dreaming of.
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More Homes to Choose From
For the past few years, one of the biggest challenges in Boston real estate has been lack of inventory. It felt like there were only a handful of homes available at any given time, and if you didn’t move in the first 24 hours, you were out of luck.
That’s not the case anymore. This fall, we’re seeing:
- Inventory up nearly 25% compared to last year
- Over 7,000 homes currently listed in the Boston area
- Sellers cutting prices on more than a quarter of those listings
In plain English: you have options. You don’t need to settle for a condo that’s too small or a single-family that needs $100K in updates. There’s more selection across neighborhoods and price ranges, which gives you the breathing room to make a smart choice.
Less Competition in the Fall
Here’s a little seasonal secret: Boston’s real estate market runs hottest in the spring and summer. By the time fall rolls around, a lot of buyers have already made their move-or pressed pause until after the holidays.
That works in your favor.
Instead of facing off against 10 or 15 other offers, you might be competing against one or two… or none at all. I’m seeing more listings sit on the market for a few weeks instead of selling in a weekend. When that happens, sellers start to get nervous, which means they’re more open to negotiating. This is where buyers finally get to catch their breath. You don’t have to make a panicked decision in 15 minutes. You can tour a home, think it over, and come in with a fair offer. That kind of breathing room is rare in Boston.
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Prices Are Steady, Rates Are Predictable
Now, I know what you’re probably wondering: “Are prices coming down?”
Here’s the reality: we’re not seeing a crash. Boston’s still Boston-demand here is strong. But prices have leveled off. The median sale price is hovering around $826,000, which is basically flat compared to last year. That means you’re not chasing a moving target anymore. Mortgage rates are holding steady around 6%. While that’s higher than the ultra-low rates of 2020, the stability is a good thing. You can plan, budget, and shop without worrying that rates will jump overnight. So no, homes aren’t “cheap”-but they are finally stable. And in real estate, stability is often the green light buyers are waiting for.
Why Fall 2025 Is a Unique Window
Let me break it down the way I’d explain it to a client sitting across the table from me:
- There’s more inventory than we’ve had in years → You have real choices.
- Competition has cooled → You’re less likely to get outbid.
- Prices are steady → You’re not buying at the peak.
- Sellers are motivated → Many want to close before the holidays.
That combination doesn’t come around often. It’s why I’m telling buyers who’ve been waiting for “the right time” that this is it.
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How to Take Advantage of the Market This Fall
If you’re serious about buying, here’s what I recommend:
✔ Get pre-approved now – Sellers still want to see that you’re ready to go. A pre-approval in hand makes your offer stand out.
✔ Watch “days on market” like a hawk – If a property has been sitting for 30 days or more, that’s your chance to negotiate. Sellers don’t like carrying a home through the winter.
✔ Don’t be afraid to ask – This fall, you can negotiate on price, closing costs, even repairs. I’ve seen buyers get concessions lately that were unheard of two years ago.
✔ Focus on neighborhoods with balance – Suffolk County (Boston proper) is steady, Norfolk is balanced, and places like Plymouth are still hot. Knowing the micro-trends helps you stretch your dollar further.
✔ Move before the holidays – Sellers don’t want their home sitting into 2026. That sense of urgency is your bargaining chip.
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Why Waiting Might Cost You
I get it-some buyers are still thinking, “Maybe I’ll wait another year and see if prices come down.” But here’s what I’d caution:
- Prices in Boston aren’t dropping-they’re holding. The “discounts” are really in the form of price reductions from overly ambitious sellers, not market-wide declines.
- Inventory is high now, but if it starts to get absorbed this fall, we could be looking at tighter supply again next year.
- Even a small bump in interest rates could wipe out any savings from waiting.
The market right now is what I’d call balanced-buyers finally have leverage without the risk of massive swings. That’s not a scenario we see often in this city.
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Final Thoughts
Boston in the fall is already something special. Strolling down tree-lined streets in Back Bay, crisp air along the Charles, the smell of woodsmoke in Jamaica Plain-this city just shines in autumn.
But beyond the charm, this fall also brings something rare: a moment where buyers actually have the advantage.
- More homes on the market
- Less competition
- Stable prices and rates
- Sellers who are motivated to deal
If you’ve been waiting for your opening, this is it. Don’t let it slip by.
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Real Estate Advisor
857-424-0141
Email: [email protected]
Website: paolojrealestate.com
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Real estate markets can change quickly, and conditions may vary by neighborhood. Buyers are encouraged to consult with a licensed real estate professional and mortgage advisor before making any purchase decisions.
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