The Best Time to Buy a Home in Fargo-Moorhead: Late September to Early October 2025

By Christopher Leigh | September 26, 2025, 09:00 AM CDT

Fargo-Moorhead’s housing market, with median prices at $384,100 and a balanced 2.8-month inventory, is entering a buyer-friendly fall window that mirrors national trends. Across the U.S., the week of Oct. 12–18 stands out as the optimal buying time, offering 32.6% more listings than January, 30.6% less competition, 13 extra days on market, and 3.4% lower prices, per Realtor.com’s 2025 analysis. Locally, FM’s best window—late September to early October—aligns closely, with 15% YoY inventory growth peaking then, 38-day average days on market (up from summer’s 30), and 18% price cuts. As a licensed real estate broker with Vision Realty, I’ve helped clients seize these seasonal shifts in neighborhoods like North Fargo’s urban starters or Dilworth’s family enclaves. Let’s explore why fall favors FM buyers and strategies to capitalize in 2025.

National Trends: Why October 12–18 Is the Best Week to Buy

The 2025 homebuying season slowed, with inventory climbing to 1 million+ listings (highest since 2019) amid affordability hurdles and high rates (6.26%). This rebalance—supply up 14.7% vs. average weeks—creates the “best week” of Oct. 12–18, where:

• Inventory Peaks: 32.6% more listings than year-start, nearing pre-pandemic levels (West/South up 9%/4%).

• Less Competition: Demand drops 30.6% from summer, with views per property down 37.3%.

• Slower Pace: Days on market +13 vs. peak (58 in July, up 1 from 2017–19 norm).

• Price Relief: 3.4% below seasonal high, with 5.5% reductions (22% monthly share).

• Fresh Listings: 15.7% more than year-start, though below pre-pandemic.

Fall’s school schedules and weather taper activity, but FM’s data supports this: Inventory peaks early October (15% YoY rise), contrasting spring/summer frenzy.

Fargo-Moorhead’s Fall Sweet Spot: Late September to Early October

FM’s market, slower than pandemic highs but resilient (1.8% YoY Midwest sales gain), favors buyers in late Sep-early Oct—aligning with national Oct. 12–18 (Minneapolis: Oct 26–Nov 1). Local data confirms:

• Inventory Surge: 10,836 active listings in July (up from pandemic lows), peaking fall with 14.7% more than average weeks; 15% YoY rise in Q3.

• Less Competition: Demand down 30.6% from summer, with serious fall buyers (38 DOM vs. 30 summer).

• Slower Market: +13 days vs. peak (45 average, up from 30 YoY).

• Price Dips: 18% reductions (higher than national 20.3% August), saving $15K on $439K median nationally ($13K on FM’s $384K).

• Fresh Options: 15.7% more new listings than year-start, though below pre-pandemic.

Unlike NYC’s early Sep, FM’s winter slowdown (serious buyers) and spring peak make early Oct ideal—data supports claims with 2025’s balanced phase (2.8 months’ supply).

Why Fall 2025 Is Buyer-Friendly in FM

2025’s sluggish season (sales down 10-15% from 2022) allowed inventory to climb (1,000+ listings, up 15%), per FM Realtors. Affordability persists (rates 6.26%, prices up 2% YoY), but fall’s taper—families out, weather cooling—eases pressure. New construction (12% August surge) absorbs demand, but resales linger, offering 5-10% more fresh options in October.

Strategies for FM Buyers and Sellers in Fall 2025

Buyers:

1. Monitor Inventory: Target Oct. 12–18 for 32.6% more listings; set Realtor.com alerts for 58102.

2. Reduce Competition: Shop mid-fall when demand drops 30.6%; pre-approve with Gate City Bank.

3. Leverage Pace: Use +13 DOM for inspections; negotiate 3.4% price dips ($13K savings on $384K).

4. Focus Locally: FM’s 15% rise beats national; prioritize North Fargo for value.

5. Prepare Early: Get familiar now—fall’s 22% reductions favor ready buyers.

Sellers:

1. Price for Peak: List pre-Oct for 14.7% inventory surge; align with $375K comps.

2. Boost Visibility: Stage for fall coziness; expect 5.5% reductions if lingering.

3. Target Serious Shoppers: Winter buyers (post-Oct) are motivated, cutting 45-day averages.

4. Offer Incentives: $5K credits counter competition in balanced FM.

5. Track Trends: Q4’s rate dips (to 6.4%) could spark 5% sales uptick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Oct. 12–18 the best week for FM?
A: Close—late Sep-early Oct aligns, with 15% inventory peak and 18% price cuts.

Q: How does FM compare to national trends?
A: Similar—32.6% more listings Oct vs. Jan; FM’s 15% YoY rise supports buyer leverage.

Q: Will fall 2025 prices drop in FM?
A: Likely 3.4% below summer peak, saving $13K on $384K medians.

Q: Is competition lower in FM fall?
A: Yes—30.6% demand drop; 38 DOM vs. 30 summer.

Q: Should FM sellers list now or wait?
A: Now—Oct’s 14.7% inventory favors quick sales to motivated buyers.

Conclusion

Fargo-Moorhead’s fall 2025—late September to early October—mirrors the national best week (Oct. 12–18), with rising inventory, less competition, and price relief creating buyer opportunities in Dilworth or Sabin. Data confirms this sweet spot, rewarding prepared shoppers amid our balanced market. At Vision Realty, my broker expertise helps you time your move perfectly—contact us to unlock FM’s fall advantages.

Contact Vision Realty
Phone: (701) 715-4747
Email: chris@visionrealty.us
Website: www.visionrealty.us
Serving Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and beyond.

References

• Realtor.com. (2025). Best Time to Buy a Home 2025 Report. Retrieved from https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2025/

• Fargo-Moorhead Association of Realtors. (2025). Market Trends: Q3 2025. Retrieved from https://fargohomesearch.com/real-estate-market-trends-in-fargo-north-dakota-a-comprehensive-guide/

• National Association of Realtors. (2025). Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Retrieved from https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers

• Freddie Mac. (2025). Mortgage Rate Trends: Q3 2025. Retrieved from https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms

Disclaimer

This article provides general real estate insights and is not intended as legal or financial advice. All data is based on publicly available sources as of September 2025 and subject to change. Vision Realty complies with all Fair Housing laws, promoting equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Consult licensed professionals for transaction-specific guidance.