4 Reasons Why You Should Home Shop in the Winter
The spring and summer months are typically the busiest for home purchases. And for good reason: warm weather makes open houses, home inspections, and moving more appealing.
But what about in the winter? While it is true that things slow down during the winter, that is not necessarily a bad thing. If you are looking to buy a home, the season benefits you in particular! You could even say that winter is the best time to look for your next home. Let’s explore some of the significant benefits you may find if you choose to go house hunting in winter.
Less Competition, Less Frenzy
Less competition is favorable to both home sellers and home buyers. When there are fewer buyers to compete with, you are less likely to enter a bidding war and more likely to have your offer accepted.
More people stay inside when it's cold as well, and tend to go house hunting during the summer months. In return, you'll have an advantage and will beat out the competition if there is any.
Bidding Wars are Less Likely
Would you like to possibly save some money? During the winter, there are fewer buyers, so bidding wars are unlikely, and you can negotiate a better price.
Take your time, as the lack of competition, combined with the seller's eagerness to close, gives you the edge. They may even be willing to waive some of the contingencies in order to get you into the house or agree to your move-in date, even if it means leaving earlier than expected.
The House is Put to the Test
You probably imagine yourself pulling up to a home when it has a lush, green lawn and blooming shrubs. House hunting in the winter is a different story because you can see past the initial curb appeal that would normally have you starry-eyed.
When you are inside the home, you can witness if the windows are old and drafty and if there is poor insulation. If you have snow in your area, you can also note if there is any leaking in the ceiling. Home shopping in the winter allows you to view homes on their worst days, instead of their best, and benefits you greatly so you can know what you’re possibly getting into!
Faster Closing Times
If you do not experience inclement weather and heavy snow in the winter, (which could delay inspections and surveys), all the parties involved in the home-buying process are less busy than they would be during other seasons, from the real estate agent to the lender to the appraiser.
When you consider how many steps are involved in purchasing a home, this is fantastic news.
The Best Season is Off-Season
If you're on the fence about purchasing during the winter, consider the benefits we covered. There are also a number of factors to consider when selling your home during the winter months.
Finding a trustworthy and reliable Realtor can point you in the right direction when it comes to determining the best time to buy. It's also worth noting that buying during the winter season can mean a variety of things depending on where you live. You should not, however, be swayed by myths about the real estate "off-season." Let's talk about your needs today, we can't wait to help you find the perfect home!
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
So many of us have done it. You are browsing through homes for sale online and one catches your eye. You fall in love instantly and immediately begin to envision yourself there. That’s it, this house must be yours!
You arrive to view the home, only to find there are homes around you that look like they’re running a junkyard, the road isn’t as calm and tucked away as you’d like it to be, and there is a lot of through traffic that makes you uncomfortable, especially having little children.
With all of that being said, if you're thinking about buying a home, keep in mind that you're also investing in the neighborhood. You’ll never love your house and want to stay if you don’t also love your neighborhood.
That’s why we’re going to share tips and tricks on how to scope out and be your own detective when it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood for you!
Drive Around & Do Your Homework
One of the most effective ways to get a feel for what a neighborhood is really like is to go drive or walk around it at different times of the day. Take mental notes on what you see while scoping out the area!
Interaction With Neighbors
When walking or driving through a potential neighborhood, it’s important to be aware of any people that approach you and make eye contact with you, which could be a sign of a friendly community. Tools like Realtor.com also showcase which communities have good schools, and more data that reflect a great community and surrounding area.
Observing Surrounding Area
Check for any abandoned buildings or vacant lots, which could be used in the future for commercial development and could definitely impact the feeling in the neighborhood and impact the value of the surrounding properties. Look at the average property taxes for that specific area over a span of several years, and note any fluctuation. You could also dive deeper by contacting local resources like a city hall or Chamber of Commerce to find out about any future plans for the area such as building more homes (if a new development) that may change the feeling of the neighborhood, increase traffic, and in return, increase taxes.
Observe the conditions of the houses, yards, and streets. Look for any signs of vandalism or other deterrents like bars on windows. Especially if you have children, do your research on crime statistics in your neighborhood, whether it’s online (which can be limited,) or by calling the local police department. Lastly, don’t forget to observe traffic speeds too, and the noise level and traffic flow of the street.
Can it Meet Your Family’s Needs?
When searching for the perfect neighborhood, it is also vital to consider your needs and your family’s. Only you know your and your family’s needs, and you must keep in mind what makes a neighborhood special to you, and what makes it a place you would want to grow and rest in! Questions you could ask yourself are:
- Are you in pretty close proximity to grocery stores, shops, or restaurants?
- Is the commute time to your place of work reasonable? (Distance and time both matter! Try doing a test run and seeing how long it would take you at peak times.)
- Are there any nearby parks or activities for yourself and your children? (Bike paths, hiking trails, playgrounds, state of national parks.)
- If using a school, is it a reasonable distance from the home?
- Are there many trees for shade and coziness, or sidewalks for easy strolls and bike rides?
- Is it an older neighborhood with variety and character, or a newer development with a lot more homes and less space and privacy between houses?
Let’s Get Searching!
Our realtors with 316 Realty Group are focused on our client's needs and understand the concern about finding the perfect neighborhood that fits your family. With local insight and knowledge of the area, we are here for you to guide you through the process of searching and finding a home and neighborhood that checks off all of your boxes. Reach out to us today and let’s begin the search together!