Google Searches for Homes Hit Two-Year High. Here’s What It Means for Sellers.

Cynthia Fiorenza • September 27, 2025

I always tell my clients you can’t time the market. That’s because trying to buy at the exact perfect moment is a recipe for frustration.

But national data shows that the week of October 12–18, 2025, is expected to be the single best week of the year for homebuyers.

The reason is simple: this one week balances everything buyers want: more homes on the market, less competition from other shoppers, and real savings on price.

Let’s take a look.


Why Mid-October Matters

The fall season usually brings a shift in the housing market, but this year’s mid-October window looks especially promising for buyers. After a slower summer, inventory has been building, buyers have pulled back, and homes are taking longer to sell.

That combination makes the week of October 12–18 a sweet spot for anyone ready to make a move. Here’s what the Realtor.com data shows.


More Homes to Choose From

This week usually brings the biggest selection of homes for sale compared to other times of the year. And that means a wider range of choices for buyers.

In Saratoga Springs, NY, there are currently ≈ 395 active listings (per Realtor.com), which is above average compared to the tight inventory we often see in summer peak months.


Lower Home Prices

Homes are typically priced lower in mid-October compared to the summer peak. Nationally, buyers save about $15,000 on a median-priced home.

Here in Saratoga Springs, we’ve been seeing some price reductions and negotiation leverage — for example, 35.4 % of homes recently sold under list price (per Zillow) while 52.9 % sold over list, indicating a mixed but negotiable market. The median sale price lately is about $715,000 (vs. higher listing prices).


Less Buyer Competition

With fewer buyers shopping in the fall, you’re less likely to get caught up in a bidding war. This means you can tour homes and actually have time to discuss and decide on what’s right for you.


Homes Taking Longer to Sell

Homes are taking longer to sell, which gives you extra breathing room to weigh your options.

Right now, homes in Saratoga Springs are currently spending about 48 days on the market (median days) before going under contract. Other sources show ~ 50 days average in August 2025.


What This Means for Buyers

The truth is, the real win goes beyond numbers.

It’s about peace of mind.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Having more time and less competition means you can compare your options without rushing, negotiate on price or repairs, and focus on finding the right home for your situation.

If you are planning to buy this fall, data shows conditions may be in your favor. But timing only works if you’re ready. That means:


  • Getting pre-approved so you know your budget.
  • Watching the market closely (I can help set you up with alerts).
  • Being ready to act when the right property hits.


And remember: your strategy should depend on your goals. Every season offers new opportunities for buyers who are prepared.

By cynthiafiorenza77 August 25, 2025
If you’ve been wondering whether buyers are still out there, here’s your answer: yes. And they’re looking more online than they have in two years. Even before last week’s big mortgage rate news (ICYMI, rates dipped to 6.55% on August 7), online searches for “homes for sale” were climbing fast in July. That means plenty of people were already getting serious about finding their next home. The kicker? After that dip, mortgage applications jumped. And now, rates just dropped again. On August 13, they hit a new low of 2025, decreasing to 6.53%, according to Mortgage News Daily. Translation: buyer motivation isn’t just alive… it’s picking up speed. Google Search Trends Google Trends tracks the popularity of specific search phrases over time. And two big ones, “homes for sale” and “houses for sale,” both hit a two-year high in July, back when mortgage rates were still in the high 6s. That’s huge, because online search activity is often the first sign that demand is building. Before buyers tour homes or call an agent, they start by quietly browsing online. Mortgage Applications Are on the Rise Fast forward to August, and we saw mortgage rates drop, and buyers immediately started taking advantage. According to the MBA’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, purchase applications were up 1% from the week before and 17% higher than the same week last year . This increase came right after the rate drop, which tells us one thing: when financing gets even slightly more affordable, buyers notice and they move quickly. Why This Matters for Sellers More buyers in the market means more potential interest in your home. That can lead to: More showings – A bigger buyer pool increases the chances your home gets noticed. Better competition – Even a few motivated buyers can create a bidding environment. While the market isn’t moving at the lightning pace we saw during the pandemic, you don’t need a dozen offers to get a great result. You just need the right buyer. And right now, that buyer could already be searching. How to Take Advantage of the Momentum If you’re thinking about selling, here are a few steps to help you make the most of this uptick in buyer interest: Get a market analysis. Find out what your home could sell for in today’s market. Make small updates. Simple fixes can help your home show its best without a huge investment. Plan your marketing. Professional photos, staging, and a strong online presence will help you stand out, especially when more buyers are searching online. If you want your home to be part of the action, now’s the time to start the conversation. Motivated buyers are out there, and they’re ready to act when the right home comes along.  Curious what your home could sell for right now? Let’s connect and talk about your options — no pressure, just real insights. 📩 Contact Me Here