10 best days of the year for home buying

Mortgage lenders and consumers alike can take advantage of this slower period — a time when the biggest discounts over average home prices occur, based on sales data of single-family homes and condos from 2013 to 2017.

"People closing on a home purchase Dec. 26 were submitting offers around Thanksgiving and starting their home search around Halloween — likely not a common path to home purchase for most buyers and exactly why it's the best time to buy," Daren Blomquist, senior vice president with Attom Data Solutions, said in a press release.

Consumers can save an average of upwards to 1.3% or $2,500 off the sales price by striking at the right time. With affordability still an issue, savvy homebuyers will find and use whatever advantages they can. However, as the inventory finally shows signs of life for the first time in a decade, the coming months could have an unseasonable bump in home buying.

"Buyers and investors willing to start their home search right about when stores are setting up Christmas decorations will face less competition and likely be dealing with more motivated sellers, giving them the upper hand in price negotiations," Blomquist said.

Especially with mortgage rates expected to keep rising next year, buyers could be making a push this holiday season before the forecast Fed hikes hit.

Home for sale Christmas
Home For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of Beautiful New House in the Snow.

Dec. 26

Average discount below estimated market value: -1.3%
Average savings: $2,500
Median sales price: $185,500
candles in window
The Symbols of Hanukkah - nine-branched mehorah Hanukiah , sufganiyot and chocolate coins in the window

Dec. 7

Average discount below estimated market value: -1.0%
Average savings: $2,000
Median sales price: $203,000
House-Home-real estate

Dec. 4

Average discount below estimated market value: -1.0%
Average savings: $1,823
Median sales price: $190,000
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Dec. 29

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.7%
Average savings: $1,320
Median sales price: $200,338
winter house snow
Daylight fades over a snow-covered suburban home

Dec. 21

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.6%
Average savings: $1,223
Median sales price: $201,777
For sale
Home For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of New House - Right Facing.

Dec. 1

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.5%
Average savings: $1,000
Median sales price: $200,000
october house
Fall is here with lots of colorful leaves & pumpkins at the homestead

Oct. 12

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.5%
Average savings: $1,000
Median sales price: $205,000
Existing home sales
An "Open House" sign is displayed as potential home buyers arrive at a property for sale in Columbus, Ohio, U.S., on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The National Association of Realtors is scheduled to release existing homes sales figures on December 20. Photographer: Ty Wright/Bloomberg

Nov. 9

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.3%
Average savings: $666
Median sales price: $205,335
Home for sale
House for sale

Feb. 9

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.3%
Average savings: $500
Median sales price: $174,500
winter house
beautiful old style house in winter

Dec. 8

Average discount below estimated market value: -0.1%
Average savings: $149
Median sales price: $202,996
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