Best Days to Buy a Home: New Data Shows When Buyers Pay the Lowest Premiums

ATTOM’s yearly analysis highlights the best days of the year for buyers hoping to pay the smallest premium above a home’s market value. The new report shows that November remains the top month for savings, with buyers paying a 7.3% premium, the lowest of any month.

But one specific date stands out above the rest: December 4.

ATTOM reviewed more than 52 million single-family and condo sales over the last 11 years and found that buyers who close on December 4 pay the lowest premium above the automated valuation model (AVM). While buyers still pay slightly above market value, the premium on December 4 averages just 4.8% far below the 14.6% premium on May 27, one of the priciest days of the year to buy.

More Days With Lower Buyer Premiums

Buyers looking for other opportunities to save can find several dates where premiums remain below typical levels. ATTOM reports that the following days also offer lower-than-average markups:

• October 2 – 5.0% premium
• December 24 – 5.1% premium
• January 16 – 5.1% premium
• November 13 – 5.3% premium
• October 9 – 5.5% premium

While none beat December 4, these dates show a clear trend: late fall and early winter often provide the best conditions for buyers.

This pattern makes sense, as fewer people shop for homes late in the year, leaving motivated sellers more open to negotiation.

Best Months to Buy a Home Nationwide

ATTOM’s broader review also ranked the best months for buyers at both the state and national levels. The top months with the smallest premiums above market value include:

1. November – 7.3%
2. October – 7.4%
3. December – 7.6%
4. August – 8.0%
5. September – 8.0%

Summer is known for tight competition and higher prices. But as fall approaches, demand typically falls, allowing buyers to secure slightly better deals.

States With the Biggest Below-Market Discounts

Some states even offer prices below full market value during certain months—a welcome break for buyers dealing with affordability challenges.

According to ATTOM’s findings, the states seeing the largest average discounts are:

• Michigan – December (-3.2%)
• Connecticut – January (-1.2%)
• Hawaii – June (-1.1%)
• Illinois – December (-0.9%)
• Minnesota – December (-0.9%)

These discounts show how local trends vary. For example, colder states such as Michigan and Minnesota see lower activity in December, often encouraging sellers to accept less. Meanwhile, Hawaii sees a small discount in June, likely influenced by seasonal vacation patterns.

What This Means for Buyers in 2026

With affordability still tight, even small savings can make a difference. ATTOM’s report suggests that buyers who have flexibility may benefit from:

• Shopping late in the year
• Targeting slower months like November–January
• Watching for markets where seasonal dips are typical

While prices may not fall dramatically nationwide, timing remains one of the few tools buyers can use to reduce costs. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.