For many people, summer is the time to hit pause, sit back, relax, take some extra time with family, and spend a few days with the kids while they are on school holidays. And while it sounds like a great thing to do, it isn’t the best plan for people looking to sell their home: in July and August, home sales slow down dramatically, coming off a busy spring, and now highly sought-after houses sit on the market, because would-be owners are on vacation.

But what is bad news for sellers is great news for buyers. If you are thinking about buying a home, August is the time to do it.