Real estate activity tends to slow down during the Fall season, you'll see some price reductions and a small dip in buyer activity. So, this is could be the perfect time to find your new home!

If you are planning to buy this fall, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. First and foremost: Hire a Real Estate Professional that you trust

Working with an agent from the start will provide you with someone that is working in your best interest. They know your wants, they know your needs and their goal is help you get through the most important financial decision that you will ever make smoothly and in a way that brings YOU the most satisfaction.

2. Make a list of the essentials

Make a list of the things that you are looking for in a house. Divide the list into "Qualities that I MUST have" and "Qualities that I would LIKE to have". If you need to have 3 bedrooms, put that in the "MUST have" column, if you would like to have a dishwasher, put that in the "LIKE to have" column. Having a list such as this could ensure you find exactly what you are looking for.

3. Get Pre-Approved

By having your loan pre-approved, you know exactly how much home you can afford. This will save you a ton of time and money by not running around looking at houses that you can't afford. In addition, getting a pre approval lets the seller know that you are a serious buyer.

4. Check out the neighborhood, not just the house

Although the house that you are looking at may be great, it may also be in the backyard of an airport. Don't just make one drive by in the neighborhood. Drive by morning, noon and night. Drive by on the weekends. Take your regular commute to work and see what the drive is like. Make sure the neighborhood is right for you.

Buying a home in the fall is really no different than buying a home in the spring, except that the prices could be reduced. Oh..and the leaves are pretty to look at.