Is October a Good Month to Buy or Sell in Minnesota? Here’s What the Market Says

October in Minnesota is one of those in-between months — the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the first frost is just around the corner. But when it comes to real estate, this time of year can actually offer unique advantages for both buyers and sellers.

A few weeks ago we walked you through an Early Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners. Now that things are cooling faster, it's time to shift gears and look at market timing: Is October a smart month to make your move? Let’s dive in — and take a look at what the Twin Cities data tells us in 2025.

🍂 For Sellers: Less Competition, More Visibility

By October, many homeowners who planned to sell in the summer have already listed or closed. That means the homes still on the market tend to have less direct competition, giving yours more chance to stand out.

Also, buyers who are still looking now are often more serious — motivated to close before winter sets in.

Tip: As you stage or show your home, lean into cozy autumn cues (warm lighting, fall accent décor) so buyers can imagine settling in before the snow flies.

🏠 For Buyers: Motivation, Negotiation, and Timing

For buyers, October can offer distinct advantages:

• Motivated sellers: Some homes leftover from summer listings may come with more willingness to negotiate.

• Easier scheduling: Inspectors, appraisers, and movers often have more availability now than during peak spring/summer.

• Calmer pace: You may avoid bidding wars or multiple-offer situations.

It doesn’t mean incentives are guaranteed, but the conditions are more favorable for buyers who are well-prepared.

📊 Twin Cities Market Snapshot (2025)

Here’s how the local market is shaping up this fall in the Twin Cities metro area:

Metric	Current Trend / Value	Why It Matters
Median Sales Price	~$395,000 (up ~2.6 % YoY) (Faststats)	Prices remain resilient even as activity slows.
Days on Market	~ 44 days, up ~7.3 % (Faststats)	A modest increase, signaling properties may take slightly longer to sell.
Inventory / Months’ Supply	Growing supply relative to summer, but still moderate (Faststats)	More options for buyers — though it’s not yet an oversupplied market.
Sales Activity	Home sales have seen a modest uptick, especially as mortgage rates dipped recently (Axios)	Buyers are responding to more favorable borrowing conditions.

These signals tell us that while the market is cooling, it hasn't cooled out. Homes priced right and in good condition are still selling. And in fact, lenders and buyer activity have responded positively to a slight dip in mortgage rates. (Axios)

🔍 Bottom Line

October isn’t always heralded as a “prime” real estate month — but in 2025, it’s shaping up to be a strategic window. Sellers can benefit from fewer competing homes, and buyers may find motivated sellers and smoother transactions.

If you’re thinking of listing or hunting for your next home here in the Twin Cities, now is still a strong time to act — before the horizon turns fully winter white. Contact our team today and let's talk strategies!

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