The prime time for home buying and selling are spring and summer months, which means there is more competition with more potential home buyer's looking.  So, if you want to get a better deal on a home, then search for real estate during the slower months from August to January.  With less activity in the real estate market, home sellers are more likely to negotiate a better deal.

Many people also feel that they should look at properties for sale on Saturdays, Sundays, or during evening hours.  That is when most people are not at work, but it is not the best time to do business.  If you want to make an offer on a home during these times, the listing agent can not verify your pre-approval with your lender until normal business hours resume.  If you make an offer on a home during a weekend day, competing offers for that same property may be presented together with your offer on Monday.  Think of home buying as a serious business transaction and take time off work to do some house hunting so that you can submit offers during normal business hours, it can give you a competitive advantage.