Zillow reported that home values declined by 0.1% in September, the first monthly decrease since February, though prices are still 2.1% higher than in September of last year. In addition, home values are still on pace to increase 6% this year according to Zillow’s index.

What’s the bottom line? The small price decline in September follows significant increases seen throughout the spring and summer months, including a 1.3% rise in April, May and June and a 0.7% rise in July. Fall usually brings less competition in the housing market because families with school-age children like to be settled ahead of a new school year. This season is typically the softest for home price appreciation.