5 Reasons Why Buying a Home in the Winter Could be the Best Time for You!

Everyone talks about spring market and purchasing a home in the spring, but buying a home in the winter might be the best time for you! Why not grab your long johns, don your boots, slide into a nice warm coat, and start looking for your dream home in the winter?

Winter is for serious buyers and sellers

Sellers who have their home on the market really want to sell, and buyers who brave the elements really want to buy. No one ever said, “Hey, it’s -10 outside, let’s go look at homes for fun.” The number of homes on the market may be less, but the buyer pool is also smaller. Remember, you only need to find one house you love, and it may be luck when buying a home in the winter!

Less competition for homes

With fewer buyers in the market during the winter months, you have a lower chance of landing in a multiple offer situation. During the busy market in the spring, multiple offers are much more common. Since there are fewer buyers, sellers are having fewer showings. During the slower months, you may be able to offer a lower price, and have your offer accepted. The sellers don’t know when another offer might come in.

See your future home in the most difficult season

In Minnesota we have four seasons, each with their own issues. Winter is by far the hardest season on a home! During a showing, you will most likely know if the home is a good home in the winter or not. Are there issues with the plumbing, such as frozen pipes? Does the furnace work well? Are there cold spots in the home? How about frost or cold drafts coming from windows and doors? Many of these issues would remain hidden until the next winter if you buy in the warmer months.

Less time pressure

During the winter months, most Realtors have more time to spend with clients because the buyer pool is not very big. If a home comes on the market it will be easier for you to schedule a showing. Loan officers are also slower in the winter months. They should have more time to help you get ready to buy a home when you are ready to buy.

Buying in the winter means you can enjoy the rest of the year

After a long winter, who wants to spend their free time looking at homes with a million other buyers? By finding your home, moving, and getting settled during the winter months, you can enjoy your new home when spring arrives!

 

There is no best time of year for all buyers. Every buyer’s situation is different, but think about buying a home in the winter! It might just be the best time of year for you to buy a home here in Minneapolis!

RE/MAX RESULTS