Everyone knows that the spring and summer months are the most popular time for buying and selling real estate. We know things like moving and a home not covered in snow are easier when the weather is nice. But there are some great reasons why house-hunting in the winter months is just as handy as in the spring/summer. 

Less Buyers = Less Competition | With more people looking for a new home in the warmer months, that gives you the advantage of being less likely to be in competing offers. This is true for sellers as well, with less inventory there is less competition.

Supply Exceeds Demand | When there are fewer buyers than there are houses to sell, this can lead to houses being priced lower than they are in the spring and summer. 

More Motivated Buyers and Sellers | Usually people don’t purposefully choose winter to find a home, but the timing is right for them too. Whether it’s a career change or some other sort of circumstance, buyers and sellers are going to be more serious for a purchase. Which means sellers may take a lower offer, or buyers might offer closer to the asking price. People who are coming to see your home are most likely not “just looking”.

Test a home’s winter fitness | When you’re viewing a prospective home during the winter you really can see how it will hold-up during cold weather. This is a buyer’s time to see if there are any really cold rooms, check for drafts, the HVAC system, and check out the lighting.

Be Top Priority | It’s easier during the winter months to hire a contractor to finish off that last bit of flooring, get a home inspection done almost immediately or connect with other real estate agents. In fact, most agents have fewer clients and therefore more time to dedicate to you. You may even find banks and other lenders more accessible and quicker at providing assistance. In some cases, you see lower costs on services such as movers – because you are willing to move during the winter.

Take advantage of the winter selling season. Any season is a good season to sell or buy if you’re ready to sell or buy a home. Talk to one of our agents here at Gateway Realty if you’re ready, snow or no snow.