When you’re ready to buy a home, it can be tempting to negotiate on the first home you fall in love with—but that might not be the best decision. Buying a home should be done at the right time of year so you get the best possible price. So, when is the best time to buy a home? If you’re looking to land a great deal on your new home, you’ll want to pay attention to the seasons.

What’s the Best Season to Buy a Home?

The best time of year to sell a house is in the spring. During the spring months, buyers are supercharged with tax refunds (and maybe we are all just happy it’s warm again), making the market active and competitive. In spring, buyers are more likely to pay top dollar for their purchases, making the chances of securing a great price in the seller’s favor.

During the spring and summer months, sellers are looking for top-dollar for their homes. So if you’re looking to get a good deal on your new home purchase, hold off on buying a home until the fall or winter.

What Time of Year Should I Buy a House?

According to experts, if you’re in no rush to buy a home, wait until the fall or winter months. After the spring and summer home-buying rush, sellers who still own a home will look at lowering the price and new listings tend to start at a lower price. Bottom line: With less competition, you’ll be more likely to secure a great deal.

The most important reason why you should buy during the fall months is that you’re the center of attention. If you wait and talk to a real estate agent about buying a house in October, you become their main priority. This is also true with mortgage lenders and other professionals.

What Else Should I Know?

When buying a home, you need to understand that it is going to be different from person to person. Buying a house is a big financial step and can lead to huge gains or painful losses. Be sure to do your research on all the steps of the purchase, and don’t be forced into a sale. If you are planning to buy a house this fall, contact a real estate agent in your area or go online and look at Zillow.com or Trulia.com to see what is on the market. These sites provide in-depth information about schools, estimated mortgage rates and recent price drops.