The majority of real estate agents will probably tell you that “the spring and summer months” is the best time to sell your house. One of the best examples would be the Marshfield, MA, real estate market, which doubles its sales from winter to summer.
In most cities, home sales tend to be much higher in the summer than in the winter. Some people believe that summer is the best time to buy or sell because of this fact, but the situation is more complicated than that.
You can use the information in this article to assess your circumstance and determine what works best for you. Be sure to remain objective and truly comprehend the costs and benefits of this subject as we discuss all of the pros and cons of buying a house during the winter.
Pros of Buying a Home This Winter
Motivated Sellers
According to the majority of real estate professionals, if the home you’re interested in is listed in the middle of winter, the seller is probably really motivated to sell. When buying a house in the winter, this additional pressure on the seller may facilitate easier negotiations. You have more leverage when the seller does not have multiple offers, thus making the house less expensive in the winter. However, this does not necessarily mean that you can come in and lower the price on everything.
Lesser Competition
Because fewer buyers are looking at homes during the winter, you won’t have to compete as much as you would during the summer. There is significantly less pressure to view a home on the day it goes on the market. With less competition, you might be able to take your time and not be rushed into making an offer right away.
Your Agent has More Time for You
In the winter, when there are fewer buyers, real estate professionals typically experience slower-paced and reduced workloads. Real estate agents are overwhelmed with showing requests from house hunters during the summer months. It can be difficult to receive the best service in the middle of summer if you work with a realtor who is overbooked. Because real estate professionals have a much easier time during the winter, you might get more individual attention and tips in home buying.
You can Easily Find Contractors
Many individuals who purchase older homes intend to remodel. You will need to hire an aggressive contractor if you need to remodel before you move in. Sadly, contractors can be difficult to locate during the summer. If you want to buy a house and remodel it, the winter months will probably make it easier because contractors have less work to do. You might even get a better deal on your remodel.
Cons of Buying a Home This Winter
House Inspections Can be Tricky
The most significant drawback of buying a house in winter is the difficulty in inspecting the exterior. With snow on the roof, it is nearly impossible to determine the roof’s condition.
Because we have significant hail damage from storms, roof repairs are the most common issue that inspectors find. Because inspectors are unable to run and test the outside units in cold weather, it is also impossible to check the air conditioning unit.
See the Things To Check Before Buying a House
Less Options to Choose From
There are half as many homes for sale in the winter as there are in the summer. In the winter, your chances of finding that one-of-a-kind custom home are lower. When the number of available listings doubles in the summer, you have an increased chance of finding that one-of-a-kind property if you have precise and difficult-to-satisfy search criteria.
Moving in the Winter is Difficult
When there is snow or cold, windy weather, it is hard. It is very difficult to have movers bring boxes into and out of your house when it is freezing outside. Beyond that, snow will eventually melt inside the house and get into everything.
Some people wait until spring because moving and dealing with snow are too much trouble, especially in high snow areas.
Difficulty in Evaluating Landscaping
If you are buying a house in January, expect that the entire landscaping is barren for the winter. However, you don’t have worry; all of the beautiful landscaping can come to life.
Sometimes, you will notice that some of the trees are dead. When you are deep into the winter, it is nearly impossible to predict how a home’s landscaping will look in the summer. This is especially true for seaside homes in Marshfield, MA.
Plans on Buying a Home? Get an Expert Advice from your Local Agent
Finding a real estate agent you can trust and feel at ease with is the best piece of advice I can offer to any homebuyer reading this. They will help you sort through all of the particulars of your situation and come up with a strategy, whether that means buying in the winter or just finding a place to rent for the time being.
A good real estate agent will help you look out for your best interests and ensure that you are aware of all your options.