When people think of buying or selling a home, spring is often the season that comes to mind. Warmer weather, blooming gardens, and longer days can create a natural rush of activity in the housing market. But if you’re considering a move, waiting until spring isn’t always the smartest strategy. Late September through November can offer unique benefits that both buyers and sellers shouldn’t overlook.

Less Competition Means More Opportunity

Spring is famous for crowded open houses and bidding wars. By contrast, the fall market typically brings fewer competing buyers and sellers, which can work in your favour. Buyers may find that homes linger on the market a bit longer, giving them room to negotiate. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit from more serious buyers; those who are shopping in autumn are often looking to move in before the holiday season.

Motivated Sellers

Many homeowners who list in the fall are doing so because they need to. Whether it’s for a job relocation, downsizing, or preparing for next year, this can mean faster negotiations and better deals for buyers. Sellers who price strategically can still attract strong offers, especially from buyers eager to settle before the holiday season.

Quicker Transactions

With fewer listings and less market congestion, fall transactions often move more smoothly and quickly. Lenders, inspectors, and movers usually have more availability, reducing the stress of tight deadlines. For sellers, that can mean closing before the holidays and starting the new year with a clean slate.

Seasonal Curb Appeal Still Works in Your Favour

Spring may have flowers, but fall can offer its own charm. Golden leaves, cozy décor, and crisp air create a warm, inviting atmosphere for showings. A well-staged home with autumn accents can stand out and make buyers feel at home the moment they walk in.

Planning Ahead for the New Year

For buyers, purchasing in the fall allows you to settle in before the new year, giving you time to decorate, host holidays, and start fresh in January. Sellers can also use this timing to their advantage, freeing them to focus on new opportunities without the pressure of peak-season chaos.

While spring may be the traditional “hot” season, fall can offer unique advantages that can lead to better deals, smoother transactions, and less stress. If you’re ready to move, don’t assume you have to wait for the right moment. The right time to buy or sell is when it fits your life. Right now, that might mean making your move before the first snowflake falls.

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones and one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. While most buyers focus on the down payment and the monthly mortgage, the reality is that owning a home comes with a whole new set of expenses that aren’t always obvious upfront. These hidden costs can sneak into your budget and add up quickly if you’re not prepared. Here are five common ones every homeowner should keep in mind before their purchase.

Property Taxes

Property taxes aren’t a fixed expense—they often rise over time as your neighbourhood develops, schools improve, or home values increase. Even if you budget for today’s rates, future reassessments can bump up your bill by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Take some time to research the local tax history. If values are going up, assume taxes will be as well.

Home Maintenance & Repairs

Unlike renting, there’s no landlord to call when something breaks. Homeowners should expect routine upkeep like HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, or painting. There are also less often but still common issues like roof replacement and plumbing issues, which will leave larger dents in your budget.

Furniture & Appliances

Moving into a larger home often means needing more furniture to fill it. Window treatments, rugs, or furnishing extra bedrooms can be shockingly expensive. On top of that, not every home sale includes appliances like refrigerators, washers, or dryers, which means you might be shopping for them as soon as you move in. While many owners feel pressure to run to Ikea to fill every space immediately, take some time to focus on essentials, and fill extra rooms as your budget allows.

Landscaping & Yard Care

A bigger yard or outdoor space is appealing for many buyers, but it comes with ongoing upkeep. Lawn care and snow removal can become recurring expenses, especially in a seasonal climate. Factor in whether you’ll handle yard work yourself or hire professionals. If you choose to DIY, invest in quality equipment up front to prevent future expenses. If you hire professionals, get quotes before service to make sure you understand your recurring costs

Utilities & Operating Costs

It’s easy to underestimate how much more expensive it is to run a larger or older home. Heating, cooling, water, and electricity bills all scale up with square footage. Outdated windows, poor insulation, or older appliances can also make utility costs skyrocket until you make upgrades. Try to get a realistic idea of a home's monthly running costs before purchase.

Owning a home is incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to go in with the right mindset. By planning for these hidden costs, whether it’s setting aside a repair fund, budgeting for higher utility bills, or pacing yourself with furniture purchases, you’ll avoid financial surprises and enjoy your home with confidence.