The warm and sunny weather compounded with the end of a school year tends to make summer the busiest season for potential home buyers – but don’t discount buying a home in the winter. Buying a home at the start of the new year can have major advantages.
Less Buyer Competition
While fewer homes hit the sales market in the winter season, the competition for those homes is significantly less than in the summer. There are a few reasons for this. Many families don’t want to uproot their children from their schools mid-year. People also tend to stay inside more and don’t want the hassle of moving during the coldest months of the year.
This can work to a buyer’s advantage as it means less possibility of a bidding war. With fewer home buyers, sellers may also be more inclined to take a lower offer in order to finalize the sale of a home.
Better Prices
Oftentimes, sellers who list their homes during the winter months rather than during the busier summer season are very motivated to sell. Whether the listing is due to a job change or financial reasons, this can work to the buyer’s advantage as the seller may be more flexible on the price because of the smaller buyer market.
Similarly, if a home that was on the market during the summer or fall months still hasn’t sold by the time winter rolls around, it’s very likely the sellers will be highly motivated to sell and drop the price.
Realistic Conditions
Winter weather elements can be especially harsh on homes. This can work to a buyer’s advantage, however, as it allows them to put a potential home through its paces and see how it handles cold and wet winter weather conditions.
Drafty windows and doors will give themselves away during winter months, whereas during the spring and summer, this will be less apparent. If, during a January home visit, the potential home is warm, toasty, and dry, then you can bet it will stay cool during the hot summer months as well.
Faster Closing Times
With fewer transactions taking place during the winter months, mortgage companies have lighter workloads. This means that you’re getting packed up, and moved into your new home that much faster. A quicker closing time will make moving less stressful, particularly if you have children who are in school.
Crosswinds Homes at a Glance
If you’re looking to move into a new home this winter, then consider Crosswinds. It was thoughtfully designed to offer homeowners all the benefits of a master-planned community, such as extensive amenities, a convenient location in the Texas Hill Country, and a range of home designs, sizes, and price points.
All of the homes within Crosswinds were constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. If you’re looking to kick off 2025 with a new home, reach out to us today.