4 Reasons to Buy a Home in the Winter
Chances are, you’ve heard that the best time to buy (and sell) is during the spring and summer months. It’s true that many people, especially those with school-aged children, opt to make a move while school is out to avoid uprooting the kids in the middle of the academic year. However, for those without kids, families buying in the same school district or those that need to make the move sooner rather than later, it may be worth considering a home purchase during the cooler months.
While true that the home search process may not seem as appealing when the temps are frigid, there are some distinct advantages of buying in the winter. Below, we’ll highlight 4 good reasons to purchase a home in the “off-season.”
There May Be Less Competition
As we mentioned above, spring and summer are the most common seasons for home buying and selling activities. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that buying a house during other times of year has its advantages. With fewer buyers competing for the same home, you may be able to avoid a bidding war, which can lead to more money in your pocket at closing. If you have the flexibility to wait until the ‘off-season’ to buy a home, you have the potential to save thousands of dollars.
It is worth noting that 2020 has been an above average year for the real estate market, with interest rates at all-time lows and homes sitting on the market for a mere three weeks before going under contract, according to the National Association of Realtors. With that said, there’s certainly the potential of finding a bit more competition than usual this winter!
A Real Estate Agent Puts More Focus on You
Every real estate agent wants to be there for their clients’ needs, but when they’re juggling so many transactions, it can be hard for them to give you their full attention. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll appreciate an agent who can answer every call, text, or email at the drop of a hat! Of course, every agent wants to provide that level of service, but in the busy season, it can be hard to balance it all.
You’ll Find Motivated Sellers
Since the cooler months tend to be slower in the real estate world, people who do list their home for sale during this time are often much more motivated to sell, for reasons such as starting a new job or making a military move. These sellers of course want to sell their home for its worth, but may be more willing to make requested repairs or move out more quickly. You will likely find you have a higher negotiating power when buying a home in the off-season.
Closing Could Happen More Quickly
With fewer people buying houses in the winter, it makes sense that the mortgage process may move along at a faster pace. If your lender has fewer mortgage applications to process due to the time of year, there’s a potential to trim days from the timeline, meaning you may be able to move into your new home earlier than if you purchased in the busy season.
Despite the chilly weather, starting your home search in the winter can be very rewarding. Bundle up and begin the hunt for your new home now so you can beat the crowds and find the perfect home for your lifestyle!
At C&F Mortgage, we’re focused on you, from the beginning of your home search all the way through closing and beyond. Get in touch with one of our local industry experts today to learn more about the mortgage process and how to get started on the journey to your new home.