Why NOW Might Be the Perfect Time to Buy a Home



The Savannah real estate market is changing, and for buyers, that’s some pretty exciting news!

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect time to buy a home in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, or the surrounding areas, I have something to tell you.

The market is finally giving buyers a little breathing room, and you might not want to miss it!

For the past several years, buying a home has sometimes felt like competing in an Olympic sport. Multiple offers, bidding wars, homes selling before you could schedule a showing, and buyers having to make some pretty big decisions in a hurry.

Well, things are changing!

We're seeing more homes available, longer listing times, and sellers becoming more realistic about pricing. It's not officially a buyer's market in every neighborhood, but the advantage is certainly shifting in many areas.

And the numbers tell an interesting story.

More Homes, Less Competition, and Better Opportunities

Let's start with Savannah.

According to Realtor.com's October 2026 housing market data:

  • 2,141 homes were listed for sale, an increase of 26.8% compared to October 2025.

  • Median asking prices dropped 4.75% year over year to approximately $399,970.

  • Homes spent a median of 79 days on the market, nearly 30% longer than the previous year.

Think about that for a minute.

There are significantly more homes to choose from, asking prices have softened, and properties are staying on the market longer.

For buyers, that means more opportunities to find a home you love without feeling like you have to make an offer before you've even finished walking through the kitchen!

And it's not just Savannah.

The Savannah Area REALTORS reported that regional housing inventory increased 16.2% in September 2026 compared to the previous September, while days on market increased 27.5%.

Those are some pretty compelling numbers!

Pooler, Richmond Hill, and the Surrounding Areas

One of the things I love about the Greater Savannah area is that every community offers something different. The housing market is no exception.

Pooler, Georgia

Pooler is showing some especially encouraging signs for buyers.

In October 2026, the median asking price was $369,000, down 6.69% from the previous year. Homes were spending a median of 89 days on the market, almost 37% longer than a year earlier.

Realtor.com actually classified Pooler as a buyer's market for October.

That's good news for anyone looking for a home in one of the area's growing communities.

Richmond Hill, Georgia

Richmond Hill continues to attract buyers, and the market here is a little more competitive.

October's median asking price was $464,450, down 2.68% year over year. However, median sold prices increased 8.31%, reminding us that desirable, well-priced homes are still commanding attention.

There are opportunities here, but knowing which homes have room for negotiation is especially important.

Rincon, Guyton, and Effingham County

If you're looking for a little more space or a different pace of life, don't overlook Effingham County.

The market is offering opportunities here as well. September data from Savannah Area REALTORS showed a regional shift toward greater inventory, while October Georgia MLS figures showed active residential listings in Effingham County up 13% year over year within that MLS's coverage.

Whether you're considering new construction or an established neighborhood, it pays to explore your options.

Why Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop Could Backfire

Here's probably the biggest thing I hear from buyers:

"I'm just going to wait until interest rates come down."

I understand. Nobody wants to pay more interest than they have to.

According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18% on November 5, 2026, down from 7.40% in mid-October.

While that's a welcome improvement, rates are still higher than they were a year ago.

But here's the thing about waiting.

What happens if interest rates drop and suddenly everyone who's been sitting on the sidelines decides it's time to buy?

More buyers could mean more competition, fewer opportunities to negotiate, and potentially higher prices.

A lower interest rate doesn't automatically mean you'll get a better deal on a house.

Let's use a simple example.

Imagine finding a home listed for $350,000.

In today's slower market, suppose you're able to negotiate a 3% reduction in the purchase price. That's $10,500 in savings, bringing the price down to $339,500.

Now imagine waiting, and instead of prices continuing to soften, that same $350,000 home increases in price by 4%.

That's an additional $14,000 before you even consider financing.

These are hypothetical examples, not predictions. Prices and mortgage rates could also fall. The point is that waiting comes with uncertainty, just like buying today.

And if rates eventually come down after you purchase, refinancing might become an option, depending on your finances, available rates, and closing costs.

Today's Buyers Have Something Valuable: Negotiating Power!

Here's where things get especially interesting.

In September 2026, Redfin reported that 40.5% of Savannah homes had experienced price reductions.

That doesn't mean every seller is desperate to sell. Far from it.

But it does tell us that some sellers are adjusting their expectations to meet the market.

And that's where a knowledgeable buyer and a good real estate agent can make a difference.

Instead of automatically offering full asking price and hoping for the best, today's buyers may have opportunities to:

  • Negotiate a lower purchase price.

  • Ask sellers to contribute toward closing costs.

  • Request repairs or improvements after inspections.

  • Negotiate a closing date that works better for their schedule.

  • Explore builder incentives on new construction homes.

Of course, every property and seller is different, and concessions aren't guaranteed. But having the opportunity to negotiate is a pretty nice change from the frenzy we've experienced in recent years.

You Don't Have to Time the Market Perfectly to Make a Smart Move

I've been involved in Savannah real estate for years, both helping clients buy and sell homes and investing in properties myself.

And one thing I've learned is that there will always be someone telling you to wait.

Wait for lower rates. Wait for prices to drop. Wait until after the holidays. Wait until spring.

Before you know it, another year has passed.

The truth is, nobody knows exactly where the bottom of the market will be until we're looking at it in the rearview mirror.

A great real estate decision isn't necessarily about buying at the absolute lowest price. It's about finding the right property, negotiating smart terms, and purchasing something that works for your lifestyle and your budget.

If you're financially ready, have stable income, and plan to stay in your home long enough to make the costs of buying worthwhile, this market deserves a serious look.

My Advice? Don't Sit on the Sidelines Without Looking!

I'm not suggesting that everyone should rush out and buy a house tomorrow.

Buying a home is a big decision, and it should always make financial sense.

But I am suggesting that if you've been thinking about buying, you owe it to yourself to see what's available right now.

Savannah and the surrounding communities are offering buyers more choices and negotiating opportunities than we've seen in quite some time.

And while nobody can promise where prices or mortgage rates will go next, we do know what the market is offering today.

Sometimes the best opportunities show up when everyone else is waiting.

So, maybe it's time to stop waiting for the perfect market and start looking for your perfect home!

Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking for a little more room, downsizing, or searching for your next investment property, I'd love to help you explore what's out there.

Let's grab a coffee, talk about what you're looking for, and see what kind of opportunities we can find.

You might be surprised at what's possible!

Travis Sawyer

SAV Real Estate | Savannah, Georgia

www.savrealestate.com

Helping buyers and sellers make smart real estate moves in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, and the surrounding Lowcountry communities.

Market Data Sources

Market statistics represent the indicated reporting periods and sources. Listing prices, sold prices, and market coverage vary by provider. Individual properties and neighborhoods may perform differently.