As the leaves change and the air cools, the real estate market takes on its own shift — and this October, the trends are clear: fall is a sweet spot for both buyers and sellers. With lower mortgage rates, motivated buyers, and stunning seasonal backdrops, this season is full of opportunity.
At Lighthouse Visuals, we’re seeing firsthand how agents are using media and marketing strategy to make the most of the fall market. Here’s what’s happening right now — and how you can make this month your most successful yet.
Fall 2025 Market Snapshot
According to Zillow and Inman:
- Active listings are up 15% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in months.
- Mortgage rates dipped in September, helping extend momentum into fall.
- Homes are spending an average of 26 days on market, showing steady activity despite the seasonal shift.
This mix of more inventory and lower rates means agents have a valuable window to make listings stand out — especially with visually captivating media.
Market Rates and Timing
According to a recent article from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the week of October 12–18, 2025 (and the surrounding weeks) presents a strong window for buyers, thanks to a trifecta of conditions: more listings, lower prices, and reduced competition.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Active listings could be up to 33% higher than at the start of the year.
- Typical listing prices run about 3.4% below seasonal peaks, saving buyers roughly $15,000+ on a median-priced home (~$439,450).
- About 5.5% of listings in this window see price reductions.
- Buyer competition is expected to be 31% lower than peak season levels.
What this means for our partners:
This is a golden opportunity for agents to position listings strategically. When you pair the timing advantage with strong visuals — HDR photos, free drone shots, 3D tours, and more — you maximize marketing impact. Scheduling a shoot now means your listings hit the market just as buyer momentum builds.
Mortgage Rates and Affordability
Borrowing costs remain a key driver of buyer behavior and listing activity — but even with elevated rates, movement continues.
- As of late October 2025, the average monthly payment for a new purchase (20% down) is around $1,812 — down slightly month-over-month by 2.4 percentage points.
- The 30-year fixed rate is expected to hover in the mid-to-high 6% range through the remainder of 2025.
- Forbes estimates the year’s average rate at about 6.8%.
What this means for your listings:
When buyers focus on monthly payments rather than list price, perceived value shifts. Strong visuals — showing lifestyle, space, and comfort — help anchor that story. By pairing professional media with marketing that emphasizes affordability (e.g., showcasing incentives or buydowns), agents can guide the narrative toward “smart value meets smart financing.”
Housing Market Stats and Outlook
Understanding the broader market gives agents confidence and helps shape messaging.
- U.S. home-price growth slowed to around 1.7% annually in July 2025 — one of the weakest increases in a decade.
- Housing supply sits near 4.6 months, still below the balanced 5–6 month range.
- Some Sunbelt metros are seeing price declines, while affordable urban markets continue to gain.
For our agents:
This is a market of moderation, where presentation, speed, and value matter more than ever. In a slower-growth environment, listings with standout visuals and fast turnaround — like our 1-day photo and 2-day video delivery — gain a real edge. With more buyer flexibility emerging, your media should articulate value clearly: think “fall curb appeal,” “spacious backyard,” or “turnkey investment opportunity.”
Media That Moves Listings
Recent reports from HomeJab and Virtuance show:
- 98% of agents now use professional photography for every listing.
- Homes with drone photos or virtual staging sell up to 68% faster.
- Listings with video or 3D tours attract 400% more engagement online.
In other words, quality visuals aren’t just an upgrade — they’re the new standard. Whether it’s drone imagery showing off property lines or a cinematic listing reel that brings a space to life, media makes a measurable difference.
Seasonal Advantage: Capture Fall at Its Peak
October is peak season for photography — golden light, vibrant colors, and cozy curb appeal make listings pop. Now’s the perfect time to schedule HDR photography or virtual dusk edits that highlight the warmth of the season.
If you’re marketing mountain cabins, lake homes, or coastal escapes, fall visuals can tell a story that stands out long after the leaves fade.
Real Estate Marketing Trends to Watch
From HousingWire and Placester’s latest findings:
- Immersive experiences (like 3D virtual tours) are outperforming static listings.
- Social media-ready visuals continue to drive engagement and brand trust.
- Agents leaning into collaborative media partnerships see faster turnaround and higher ROI.
Working with a creative team that understands real estate lets you focus on client relationships while your listings shine online.
Ready to Make the Most of Fall?
This season is all about timing, presentation, and teamwork. Let’s work together to make your next listing stand out with the visuals it deserves.
Book your next shoot with Lighthouse Visuals today — and capture the beauty of October while it lasts.