Spring and summer are known as the home-buying seasons. The real estate market tends to slow down a bit in winter, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are quite a few perks of buying a house in winter, and some may even consider it the best time to buy a home. Keep reading to find out the biggest perks of buying a house in winter.

1. Less Competition

Not everyone is willing to brave the winter weather to look at houses. 40 percent of home sales occur in May through August, while less than 6 percent happen in January and February. This isn’t great for sellers, but it can be an excellent perk for buyers in winter. Because there are fewer people buying houses in winter, you will have less competition. This means you can be more selective with your purchase, and your offer is more likely to be accepted.

2. Better Deals

Most sellers who list their homes in winter are serious about selling and want to get out. This can give you an advantage as a buyer. Because sellers tend to want to close quickly in winter, they may be more willing to work with you and give you a better deal. When buying a house in winter, pay attention to how long houses have been on the market. Target those that have been listed for a few months, as these sellers will likely be more motivated to accept a lower offer.

3. Winter Assessment

Winter tends to put more stress on a house than other seasons. This means you can assess the property under its worst possible conditions. A house that seems perfect in spring may show issues in winter. You can get an idea of how drafty the windows are, how weak the insulation is, and whether the furnace can keep the house warm. You can also see how the driveway fares in winter conditions and how the home looks with barren trees. Buying a house in winter gives you the chance to be extra critical and have a better understanding of what you’re committing to.

4. Faster Closing

When there are a lot of houses being sold, mortgage brokers can get behind on their work. If you buy a house in the warmer, busier months, you could have to wait longer for your paperwork to be processed. Buying a house in winter can mean a faster closing because your mortgage broker has more time to complete your paperwork and keep things moving. You can also often get inspections and appraisals done in a more timely manner when fewer homes are being sold during winter. 

5. Easier to Hire Movers

While moving on a cold winter day may not be the most fun task, it can be much simpler than moving during the warmer months. In spring and summer, movers are often booked solid and can be difficult to schedule. In winter, however, they tend to have a much more open schedule and may be more willing to work with you. Just make sure you allow flexibility in your moving plans in case winter conditions cause you to need to reschedule.

Are you ready to start the search for a house? The experts at Local Realty Group are here to help you find the home of your dreams! Get in touch today to get started!