The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean home shopping at this busy time has to be. True, fewer homes are on the market around the holidays as sellers take some time off to enjoy the season with their family. And fewer open houses are held during the often freezing, messy weather.
Shopping for a home at this overlooked time of year has a few perks you might not realize, though, according to MSN real estate.
- Sellers who keep their homes on the market at this time are very motivated.
- You have less competition from other buyers than you would in the spring.
- Lenders, agents and others have more time to work with you.
- Interest rates are typically lower than in the spring.
Plus, consider that getting your move over with in the winter means that, come Spring, you can be completely unpacked and ready to enjoy the warm weather on a new patio, taking walks in your new neighborhood, or digging in the flower beds of your new digs.
Realtor.com agrees buying a home in the off-season can bring some real perks. Two of those perks include a potentially faster closing and the ability to take advantage of some tax breaks.
If you put in some planning and effort to buy a home during the winter months, then you can relax and enjoy yourself more than those caught up in the spring and summer house-buying frenzy.
Just because the market has cooled a little along with the weather doesn’t mean there aren’t some great homes available right now. Visit www.PetersenPartners.com to check out the latest listings in your neighborhood.