4 Compelling Reasons to Buy a Home in Winter
Courtney Heyward
Originally from Greensboro, Courtney is a North Carolina native and has been in Raleigh since 2005...
Originally from Greensboro, Courtney is a North Carolina native and has been in Raleigh since 2005...
It’s no secret that real estate transactions heat up when the weather is warm. Spring and summer months are typically the busiest months in real estate - it’s more pleasurable to be touring homes when it’s NOT freezing and, sellers can make their yards and the exterior of their homes enticing with greenery and blooming flowers.
But as a homebuyer, there are some serious advantages to buying in the winter months. So, grab a hat and gloves, soak up some knowledge, and learn how the overall process can be easier and faster for you.
If you’re considering buying a home, here are 4 compelling reasons to do so in the winter:
1. Limited buyer competition.
This is the #1 reason. Since the market is not as flooded with homebuyers, you’re going to find that there is far less competition in the winter. Since demand is historically lower this time of year, you won’t feel the pressure to make as quick of a decision as during busier months. Take a little extra time to be more calculated!
2. Sellers are extremely motivated.
If someone is selling their home during the winter, it may be out of necessity like a job relocation. And if a home has been sitting on the market for a number of months and just hasn’t sold, then you likely have more bargaining power. The longer the home sits on the market, the more negotiating power you could have.
3. Less likely to have competing offers.
It’s simple economics. Demand is lower which gives you the upper hand when it comes time to negotiate a deal. Again, sellers tend to be more motivated this time of year so if the offer is reasonable, it’s more likely to be accepted with less haggling. You can find yourself saving some big bucks if you time it right!
4. Everyone is less busy.
With Spring and Summer months typically being busier, you have more leeway this time of year with scheduling inspections, estimates, closings, and repair-work. With more vendors having more availability, you won’t have to fight for attention to get the ball rolling in the winter.
Now that you have 4 compelling reasons, grab that hat and gloves and go house hunting!