Is Fall Finally Giving Rochester Homebuyers a Little Breathing Room?

October often brings a shift in the Rochester real estate market. Summer moves are largely behind us, the school year is underway, and the pace of new listings typically begins to change.

But does that actually make fall a better time to buy? The answer depends on what you're looking for.

In September, Monroe County had approximately 8% more active listings than a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. That's encouraging for buyers who've spent months competing over a limited selection of homes.

At the same time, mortgage rates remain a significant factor. Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed rate of 7.40% on October 8, compared with 6.30% a year earlier. That difference can have a meaningful impact on monthly payments.

Here's what I think is worth paying attention to as we head toward November:

• For buyers: A home that's been sitting on the market for a few weeks may deserve a closer look. Longer market time doesn't automatically mean there's something wrong with the property. It may simply mean the initial pricing missed the mark, creating an opportunity for a more thoughtful conversation.

• For sellers: Fall buyers may have fewer homes to choose from as new listing activity slows seasonally, but they're also paying close attention to value. Accurate pricing, strong photography, and a well-prepared home are still essential.

I wouldn't assume that every home will sell for less simply because it's November, and I wouldn't advise a seller to wait until spring without first looking at their specific neighborhood and price point.

The most useful question isn't necessarily whether fall is a good time to move. It's what the market looks like for the particular home you're buying or selling.

And in Rochester, that can vary quite a bit from one neighborhood to the next.

Erin Duffy Kruss | Rochester, NY Real Estate

Sources: Realtor.com, Monroe County Housing Market, September 2026; Freddie Mac, October 8, 2026