House in snowIf you are in the market for a new home and think that winter is not the best time to look, you may want to change your perspective.  While the cold winter months come with a set of challenges, this time of the year also has its advantages. 

It may seem logical to wait until the spring market since that is the time that most sellers choose to list their homes.  However, embarking on your home search in the winter can actually save you money. 

One of the reasons to choose this time of the year for a home search is that there is less competition out there.  So many people are sitting around and waiting for the warmer months and this puts them out of the house hunting arena right now.  The scarcity of buyers can put you at a distinct advantage. 

Also, consider the seller who is putting his home on the market during the cold and messy weather.  He is serious about selling and is willing to put up with some major inconveniences, i.e, people coming through the house tracking in mud and having to keep the walkway meticulously shoveled.  An owner who cannot wait until spring is, more than likely, going to be motivated. 

While warm weather creates the perfect time for a seller, winter can be a great time for a first-time buyer (or any buyer) to pick up a bargain.  Perhaps the seller has had a job transfer and their timeline is critical. This will put you in much better position during negotiations. 

Viewing a home during the winter also gives you the advantage of seeing exactly how good the insulation is.  Drafts may be an indication that some windows need to be replaced.  Extreme ice damming can be an indication of poor roofing ventilation or other structural problems.  

Getting ready to embark on your winter home hunting journey?  Keep in mind, there are a few ground rules: 

  • Be extra considerate about scheduling viewings. Take a drive by first to make sure that you really want to see the home.
  • Take off your shoes on entering, particularly if there is mud or wet snow outside. 
  • Do not be afraid to put in your reasonably low offer.  There is a good chance that seller will be willing to work with you.

  

"Buying a Home During the Winter Months - It Could be a Good Deal!"

This post was written by 

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required 

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7 Comments on Buying a Home During the Winter Months - It Could be a Good Deal!

FEB
06
2011
124,609 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The serious buyers that are buying during the Winter are getting some really good deals. Great post.
7:35pm • #1

Virginia is a little odd.  The best months to sell are March and September and the best months to buy are November and July.

 

I wrote about this in my wordpress blog.
7:37pm • #2
400,470 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Lisa:

I always advise people to go out home shopping during the winter months.  Some even listen to me.

Ed:

Well - that is odd.

 
7:39pm • #3
FEB
07
2011
1,518,715 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This one is a message that Northern Virginia Sellers have been hearing from me for a long time. 

FEATURED IN THE GROUP:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.
10:21am • #4
1,063,514 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Claudette, good post!  We usually do pretty good during the Winter months, the only down side here is that it is hard to check the sprinkling systems without causing a lot of problems.  I know that you can drain it, but it seems like something always freezes, causing problems later.
1:38pm • #5
164,293 Points Called Shot Master

Claudette, Great post. I am so glead I do not live where all that snow is. The same things apply here just not quite as much.
10:14pm • #6
FEB
22
2011
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Timely and on point Claudette.  Well stated reasons that we should be passing along to both buyers and sellers.  But some folks just can't abide the mess, or the thought that buyers might see the home without the gardens in bloom.  I suppose if the "need" to sell is less compelling then that is certainly OK.  But those sellers who do list in winter are most definately sending a message they are serious and buyers should pay attention.
8:04am • #7


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