Why Fall Might Be the Smartest Time to Buy a Home in the Pioneer Valley
By Lindsay Barron Labonte, Applied Mortgage
Published in Northampton Living | September 2025
As the kids head back to school and routines return, fall marks more than just a seasonal shift—it could be the perfect time to make your next move in real estate.
Despite what you may hear about high mortgage rates or low inventory, real estate remains one of the most reliable long-term investments, especially here in western Massachusetts. According to the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley, home prices in Hampshire County have risen nearly 8% year over year. That’s steady, healthy growth in a market that continues to show strength.
And while it’s true that rates are higher than the historic lows during 2020–2021, today’s market offers something that was hard to find in recent spring seasons: breathing room.
Some homes are sitting just a bit longer than they were during the peak frenzy, giving buyers more time to plan, make decisions thoughtfully, and even negotiate—a welcome shift.
Still unsure if the numbers make sense for you? Here’s a real story:
We recently met with a local family looking to upsize. Their current home, with a 3% mortgage, felt hard to leave—but they needed more space, especially for a home office. Understandably, they were hesitant to give up such a low rate.
When we did a full mortgage assessment, the full picture came into focus. By using the proceeds from their home sale to pay off other debts, we were able to help them structure a new mortgage that reduced their total monthly household expenses. Their mortgage payment went up—but their overall household budget went down. They got the space they needed and financial peace of mind. They are debt-free other than their mortgage and, after speaking with their financial planner, are putting that extra monthly savings toward a college plan.
This is the power of sitting down with a trusted local team. At Applied Mortgage, we take the time to look at the whole picture—not just the interest rate.
If you've paused your home search, fall might be your moment. With more time to think, plan and negotiate, you can make a move that truly fits your needs.
Let’s connect for a free mortgage assessment—and explore what’s really possible this season
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