Is October 12–18 Really the Best Week to Buy a Home in Fort Worth, Keller & Southlake?

Is October 12–18 Really the Best Week to Buy a Home in Fort Worth, Keller & Southlake?

Realtor.com identifies October 12–18, 2025, as the best week to buy in Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, and Alliance. Learn the 5 reasons why—with local insights from AllianceTexas expansion, seller concessions, and mortgage rate trends.

5 Reasons October 12–18 Is Optimal for Fort Worth Buyers

Inventory Peaks While Competition Drops

32.6% More Inventory
30.6% Less Competition
~$15,000 Potential Savings

Realtor.com projects 32.6% more inventory and 30.6% less competition during this week compared to average weeks, with potential savings of ~$15,000 versus summer highs.

Fort Worth Insight: Corporate relocations tied to AllianceTexas (70,000 daily workers, $10.2 billion annual economic impact in 2024) keep demand steady, but most serious buyers enter in spring/summer. October provides breathing room without sacrificing quality homes.

Sellers Are More Negotiable

Nationally, 5.5% of homes see price reductions in mid-October.

In Texas, 65.7% of May 2025 closed sales had reductions of $5,000 or more, with median cuts at $11,500.

Negotiation levers:

  • Seller-paid closing costs (3–5% of purchase price)
  • Repair credits or warranties
  • Rate buy-downs
  • Inclusion of appliances and fixtures

Weather Is Ideal for Inspections

Fort Worth October averages: 78°F highs, 57°F lows. This season is perfect for:

  • Roof inspections (no extreme heat warping shingles)
  • Foundation checks (post-summer shrinkage visible)
  • HVAC system testing
  • Evaluating pools, drainage, and landscaping

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing (With Possible Cuts Ahead)

As of Oct 2, 2025, Texas mortgage rates average 6.43% for 30-year fixed loans. This is down from 7%+ earlier in the year.

Markets are also pricing in a 90% chance of another Fed cut on Oct 29, giving buyers:

  • Lower monthly payments if locked in now
  • Opportunity to refinance in 2026 if rates drop further
  • Protection from potential spring 2026 hikes

Tax Benefits of Closing Before Year-End

Closing in October ensures you can deduct for 2025:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Property taxes paid at closing
  • Points on loans
  • Eligibility for certain first-time homebuyer programs (before 2026 revisions)

Action Plan: How to Win During October 12–18

Pre-Week Checklist (by Oct 7):

  • Get fully pre-approved
  • Have earnest money ready
  • Identify 3–5 communities
  • Connect with a local agent (Southlake, Keller, Alliance expertise critical)

During Oct 12–18:

  • Book showings within 24–48 hours of listing
  • Lead with strong offers (pre-approval, flexible close, minimal contingencies)
  • Negotiate beyond price (credits, buy-downs, warranties)
  • Target listings 30+ days on market for reductions

For Sellers: Should You List in October?

Advantages:

  • Buyers this week are highly motivated and qualified
  • Less competition from holiday-season sellers
  • Relocation buyers need to close before year-end

Risks of Waiting Until Spring 2026:

  • Tarrant County's property tax freeze (2025) may introduce pricing uncertainty
  • Rates could rebound if Fed policy shifts
  • Inventory surge in spring increases competition

Fort Worth's Unique Factors National Data Misses

AllianceTexas Expansion: Anchors long-term demand (Amazon, FedEx, Meta, Charles Schwab). Deals exist, but demand won't collapse.

Tarrant Appraisal District Freeze (2025): Creates uncertainty about long-term valuations, offering buyers leverage in negotiations.

Corporate Relocations: DFW remains a top relocation hub. October gives locals fewer out-of-state, cash-heavy competitors.

Final Thoughts: The Market Won't Wait Forever

The buyer-friendly window of fall 2025—higher inventory, lower competition, motivated sellers—may not return in spring 2026.

October 12–18 isn't "magic." It's a data-driven window where local trends (Alliance growth, tax freezes, seller concessions) combine with national market timing to create rare leverage.

Whether you're looking for a starter home in Alliance, a family property in Keller, or a luxury estate in Southlake, this is the moment to act.

Ready to Make Your Move?

The Fort Worth market is shifting toward buyers—but planning and local expertise are everything.

📞 Call (682) 788-9060

Kallie Spencer (Ritchey)
Broker/Owner of Ritchey Realty
Certified Real Estate Coach

Get data-driven strategies that save you money and position you ahead of spring competition.

📞 (682) 788-9060

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