Real estate is a hefty investment that requires sufficient thought and preparation. The sheer value of the investment necessitates that the buyer takes their time to understand the market before moving ahead with a decision. This is why a vast majority of buyers choose to go house-hopping on sunny afternoons and spring evenings.
The comfortable weather allows sellers to keep their yards green and polished. The lawns are skillfully manicured with blooms adding appeal to the property. The spring and summer months exude joy that is enough to entice a potential buyer into sealing the deal.
But then, the question here is about the buyer.
Why don’t we see more closings in the winter? Is winter not an excellent time to purchase a new home?
The answer is simple: winter is the ideal time to invest in a property but the benefits of winter purchase are camouflaged so smartly that the naïve buyer is left confused!
Let’s take a look at the reasons why people are unmotivated about buying a home in the winter.
The false alarms that resist winter sales
The most apparent reason that restricts people from buying a house in December is the cold itself. The chilling winds and ice blocking the roads does not paint a pretty picture for those who go through with the process of seeing potential houses. Summer rains add a romantic touch to the homes, whereas winter rain could leave the individual doubtful about purchasing a new house in such trying times.
Another inconvenience is the yard. One cannot appreciate the yard in the winter due to the lack of lustre. Home maintenance in winter is generally a little challenging. It requires you to be on your toes with the necessary tools and then the multiple holidays in the season are another cost. They make it challenging for the buyer to get the deal closed on a date of choice.
Why buying a house in winter is the best idea
Buying a house in winter may seem like a challenge, but it is a lot more uncomplicated and straightforward in reality. The fact that not many people are interested in buying a new house during the season is reason enough to take the plunge!
Confused? Let us explain.
Low competition, lower prices
When you purchase a new home on chilly days, you go against conventional wisdom. The lack of buyers in the particular season helps the seller maintain a pragmatic approach towards pricing the property. The mere lack of contenders can lend you a hand in leveraging the costs of buying and moving. You can potentially buy your dream home at incredible prices because of the season itself!
From an economic perspective, when supply exceeds demand, the prices are naturally lowered. Houses are priced pragmatically with lower expectations from the sellers. This way, the buyer stays in control of the negotiations, and the seller might concede to an all-cash offer quicker!
If you are worried about how to plan your move in winter, then check here! You will find all that you need to know.
Seller motivation results in quicker closings.
Another reason why winter is an ideal time to purchase a house is the motivation of the seller. Sellers move out in the winter due to a need. They strive to get anything for their home even if the market trends don’t favour the sale per se. A realtor can quickly negotiate in the buyer’s favour and mitigate to close the deal along with house appliances that are hard to move for both parties.
This results in quicker closing times. If the seller is motivated by their circumstances, then they are more likely to move out quicker. In case you are looking for a house to move into immediately, then the winter is the time to get things packed and moved.
Smaller selections allow agents to be attentive to you.
If you are an indecisive buyer, then the smaller selection of homes in winter will keep you on track. Buying a house in winter will reduce your anxiety and allow you to define your parameters efficiently. You can stay ahead of your wish list and cut down the unnecessary features hence remaining focused on the things that truly matter.
When there are fewer houses to choose from, then your realtor can be more attentive to you. Purchasing a residential property off-season will allow your realtor to land an unexpected commission, which means you can get lucky with an estate agent bending over backwards to accommodate your demands before another competitor comes up to see your dream home.
Better staging of the home that keeps you hooked
Since winter is the holiday season, sellers are more likely to stage the house as immaculately as they possibly can. The Christmas season sets a cosy theme. From the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the home to the wreaths lining up the doorway. You get to experience a vision for the future you would like to build in the new home.
Also, if you buy a home in winter, you will experience how it will withstand the cold. Many buyers regret buying a home in the summers because as soon as the temperature drops, the troubles with heating and vents start popping up.
But if you cut the chase earlier, then you can enjoy a warm honeymoon stage with your home without running into any technical glitches.
The movers are more flexible, too.
An underrated benefit of buying a home in the winter is the flexibility of the movers. Since the schedule is clear for most moving agencies, they can spend more time and effort in packing and setting your homes instead of rushing through both stages. This can save you the costs of damages. And if you are lucky enough, you might even get a winter discount from your moving agency. That is a win-win!
Final Thoughts
Buying a house in December is indeed a smart choice. Despite the few challenges the move can evoke, when you look at the bigger picture, it is evident that an off-season investment can benefit you in more ways than one.
