As cooler weather arrives, many potential homebuyers stop their search, in the mistaken belief that spring is the best time to look for a house.

Actually, fall is a perfect time to shop for a home. With fewer people in the market, competition for houses drops. Meanwhile, new sellers who took the summer months to ready their homes are entering the market.

Even more encouraging, statistics show that homes purchased in October, November and December are acquired at substantial discounts from those purchased in March, April and May.

Zillow reports that nationwide, 13% of October 2016 listings sold for below list price. In Denver, that number was 9.1%. Furthermore, RealtyTrac notes that October enjoys the highest discounts—an average of 2.6% below list price nationwide. November averages 1.5% below list price; December averages 2.2% below.

By contrast, spring listings sell for an average of $1,500 more than at other times of the year.

Bottom line: Shop now and reap the rewards.

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