Sure, the peak housing season is in the summer and spring months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a home in the fall or winter! In fact, it’s actually beneficial to go house hunting in the colder seasons. That’s because many homebuyers don’t become active until peak season, so there won’t be much competition and you’ll be able to avoid bidding wars. You can also take advantage of certain tax benefits when you buy a home in the fall.

That being said, here’s how to buy a home this season:

Explore Your Options

Like other marketplaces, the housing market requires you to shop around instead of making impulsive decisions. And while the fall season can be slow for the housing market, there will still be an array of options to choose from. So, try looking online at all the available homes, and more importantly, consult a buyer’s agent who can help you find a home with the features you need and want!

Do Your Homework

One reason fall and winter aren’t popular for homebuying is that no one likes walking around in the cold weather to look at houses. However, if you do decide to buy a home in winter, you need to do your due diligence on the house and neighborhood before closing the deal. So, research the neighborhood’s school districts, local amenities, recreational opportunities, commute times, and crime rate – among other things.

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate

You can use the slower season as leverage with your offer. Since no seller wants to keep their house on the market for too long, they’ll be eager to close the deal as fast as possible. And since there likely isn’t much buyer competition in the fall and winter, you’ll have more negotiating power. Also, have a conversation with your agent about the best way to negotiate a deal – they’ll offer insights into the current home prices and how much to bid so that the seller will be compelled to accept your offer.

Buy a Home Now!

Fall and winter may not be the peak real estate seasons, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding a new home – just keep the above-mentioned tips in mind. For more information about how to buy a home, be sure to call us today!