Back to School, Back to Buying: Why Fall is the Smartest Time for Vets to Buy

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, most homebuyers hit pause—thinking the best time to buy has passed. But for veterans? Fall is prime time.

With your VA loan benefit in hand and the market shifting in your favor, fall presents one of the smartest windows to buy real estate in 2023.

Here’s why veterans should seriously consider making their move as the leaves start to change:

1. Less Competition = More Negotiating Power

By fall, the summer surge of buyers has thinned out. That means:

• Fewer bidding wars

• Sellers more willing to negotiate

• VA loan offers more likely to get accepted

Veteran Tip: Don’t be shy—ask for closing cost assistance, seller-paid repairs, or even rate buydowns.

2. Inventory Lingers, Prices Drop

Homes that didn’t sell in the summer are still sitting—and motivated sellers don’t want to carry a vacant home into winter. That’s your opportunity to buy below list price, especially if you’re flexible on move-in dates.

3. VA Loan Advantages Shine in the Off-Season

In hot markets, VA buyers sometimes get unfairly passed over. But in fall, sellers are more open to strong VA loan offers, especially when guided by agents and lenders who know how to present them correctly.

And remember:

• $0 down payment

• No mortgage insurance

• Lower-than-average interest rates
  That’s buying power others wish they had.

4. Time to Move Before the Holidays

Closing in the fall means you can still move in and settle down before the holidays—a huge benefit if you have kids, pets, or deployment timelines. Plus, you’ll be building equity instead of paying rent while decorating your new space.

5. Lock in Before Rates Climb Again

Mortgage rates have been up and down all year—but economic uncertainty could push them higher before the year ends. Locking in a VA loan rate now could save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Bottom Line:
Don’t let the “back to school” season distract you from a golden opportunity. Fall offers veterans less competition, more negotiating room, and better deals—all while leveraging one of the most powerful home loan benefits in the country.